At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, HR management, and premises strategy in a primary school.
- Company: A well-led primary school in Lewisham focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Comprehensive induction, supportive leadership team, and opportunity for impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and make a difference in the education sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management or senior finance roles required.
- Other info: Position starts January 2026 with a thorough handover process.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Are you an experienced and strategic School Business Manager who can deliver operational excellence across finance, HR and premises? A well-led primary school in Lewisham is recruiting a School Business Manager to join its senior leadership team from January 2026. The School Business Manager will be accountable for budgeting, financial control, payroll oversight, contract management and premises strategy. This role will involve preparing management information for governors, managing audits, leading risk and compliance activity and working with the headteacher to align resources with school priorities. Induction and a comprehensive handover will be provided before January 2026, with the School Business Manager expected to be in post from January 2026.
Role responsibilities:
- Oversee budget-setting, monthly monitoring and produce management accounts to support decision-making.
- Ensure payroll, pensions and HR records are accurate and efficiently managed.
- Manage procurement and contractor relationships, overseeing value-for-money and contract compliance.
- Lead premises planning, health & safety compliance and statutory checks to keep the Lewisham site safe and operational.
- Provide regular financial reporting and advice to governors and senior leaders, supporting strategic resource allocation across Lewisham.
Person specification:
- Substantial experience in school business management or a senior operational finance role with clear evidence of financial control.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills; confident with accounting packages and financial reporting.
- Practical knowledge of premises management, H&S compliance and contract oversight in a Lewisham context.
- Effective communicator and leader able to work with governors, staff and external partners; available to commence January 2026 after pre-start handover.
To be considered for this position, please forward a CV as soon as possible.
School Business Manager - Lewisham in London employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager - Lewisham in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know the ins and outs of school management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific achievements in budgeting, HR, or compliance that demonstrate your ability to deliver operational excellence. Numbers speak volumes!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager - Lewisham in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the School Business Manager role. Highlight your financial control, HR management, and premises oversight experience to show us youβre the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Donβt forget to mention your strategic approach to school business management!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed budgets or improved compliance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donβt miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on budgeting, financial control, and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed finances in previous roles.
β¨Understand the School's Needs
Research the school in Lewisham and understand its priorities. Familiarise yourself with their current challenges and how your skills can help address them. This will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll be working with governors and staff who may not have a finance background.
β¨Showcase Leadership Skills
As part of the senior leadership team, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in areas like compliance, procurement, or health and safety management.