At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budget preparation, oversee payroll, and manage procurement in a primary school.
- Company: A well-established primary school in Southwark focused on effective resource deployment.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape financial strategy and operational efficiency in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the school's success and support teachers in their mission.
- Qualifications: Experience in school finance or operational leadership with strong budgeting skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive senior leadership team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-established primary school in Southwark is looking to appoint an experienced School Business Manager to join the senior leadership team from January 2026. The successful School Business Manager will take responsibility for budget-setting and monitoring, payroll and pensions oversight, procurement and premises management. This role will be central to ensuring the school’s resources are deployed effectively so teachers can focus on teaching.
- Lead annual budget preparation, forecasting and monthly management accounts.
- Oversee payroll, pensions administration and staff-record systems.
- Manage procurement, supplier contracts and contract tendering to secure value for money.
- Ensure premises, health & safety and compliance requirements are met and documented.
- Produce clear management information for governors and advise senior leaders on financial strategy.
Person specification:
- Proven experience in school finance or similar operational leadership, with demonstrable impact as a School Business Manager.
- Strong budgeting, forecasting and management-accounting skills and confident use of finance systems.
- Experience of payroll and pensions processes, contracts management and premises oversight.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, comfortable working with governors and external providers.
- Able to start in January 2026, to be based in Southwark, and to attend handover and planning sessions before January 2026.
This is a strategic opportunity in Southwark with scope to shape long-term financial planning and operational efficiency from January 2026. To be considered for this position, please forward a CV as soon as possible.
School Business Manager | Southwark in London employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager | Southwark in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know about school operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in finance and operations. Tailor your answers to highlight your impact in previous roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that School Business Manager role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager | Southwark in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand what we’re all about at StudySmarter. Familiarise yourself with our values and mission so you can align your application with what we stand for.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience relevant to the School Business Manager role. Focus on your budgeting, procurement, and management skills, and don’t forget to mention any previous work in educational settings!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed finances or operations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed finances in previous roles and any specific examples of how you improved financial efficiency.
✨Understand the School's Needs
Research the school and its current challenges. Familiarise yourself with their financial situation, procurement processes, and any recent changes in leadership. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to work closely with governors and external providers, so highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges a School Business Manager might face, such as budget cuts or compliance issues, and prepare your strategies for addressing these situations.