At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational functions like finance, HR, and IT at a vibrant secondary school.
- Company: Join Longhill High School, a proud community-focused school in Brighton & Hove.
- Benefits: Enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and local authority benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' outcomes while working in a beautiful coastal city.
- Qualifications: Must have a qualification in School Business Management and experience in operational management.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a skilled operational manager looking to make a genuine impact? This is an incredibly exciting time to join Longhill High School. As a vibrant, inclusive 11–16 secondary school situated in the beautiful coastal city of Brighton & Hove, we are deeply proud of our community school ethos.
We are seeking an exceptional School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you will lead our operational business functions—including finance, human resources, premises, catering, IT and our fantastic on‑site Longhill Sports Centre. If you are highly organised, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to support our mission of delivering excellent outcomes for every student, we want to hear from you.
Why Choose Longhill High School? (Our Perks)
- State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities: Full, discounted access to the facilities at the Longhill Sports Centre.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to comprehensive staff wellbeing packages, occupational health services, and a dedicated, supportive team environment.
- Professional Growth: Excellent continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities tailored to senior support staff.
- Local Authority Benefits: Access to the highly secure Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and wide‑ranging Brighton & Hove City Council staff discounts (including travel, lifestyle, and retail perks).
- Unbeatable Location: Work in a brilliant coastal city school, nestled right on the edge of the scenic South Downs, with excellent transport links.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a proactive, practical leader who holds a qualification in School Business Management (at least CSBM/Level 4 or equivalent) and possesses solid experience in financial tracking and operational management. You must have superb interpersonal skills, a calm and measured approach under pressure, and the ability to confidently manage our brilliant administration, catering, premises, IT and sports centre teams.
Key Recruitment Dates
- Application Deadline: Friday 24th July 2026 at 9:00am
- Shortlisting Notification: Successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 2:00pm on Friday 24th July 2026.
- Interview Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026
If you would like to discuss the role or arrange a visit to the school, please contact the Headteacher’s PA at personnel@longhill.org.uk.
Please return your application by email to personnel@longhill.org.uk or by post for the attention of the Headteacher’s PA, Longhill High School, Falmer Road, Rottingdean, Brighton BN2 7FR.
Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check. Longhill High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must complete our standard application form in order to be considered. CVs are not accepted in the interests of safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Longhill High School.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Longhill High School.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Longhill High School.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Longhill High School. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Longhill High School
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Longhill High School, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Longhill High School, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Longhill High School could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Longhill High School as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
