At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, manage HR, and oversee operational systems in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Community primary school in Wandsworth focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and develop leadership skills.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a school while enhancing your management expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in school finance and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join us in January 2026 for an exciting leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A community primary school in Wandsworth is seeking a reliable and experienced School Business Manager to start in January 2026. The School Business Manager will take ownership of financial planning, reporting, audit preparation and operational management, ensuring the school remains financially secure and compliant. This post provides real responsibility and the chance for the School Business Manager to shape operational systems in a busy Wandsworth setting.
- Key duties will include leading budget-setting, overseeing payroll and pensions, managing supplier contracts, coordinating premises maintenance and ensuring health & safety compliance.
- The School Business Manager will produce accurate management information to support SLT decision-making, lead on cost-control initiatives and line-manage finance and administrative colleagues.
- Induction and handover activity will take place prior to January 2026 so the School Business Manager is prepared for immediate impact.
Responsibilities:
- Produce and maintain budgets, report monthly on performance and advise leaders on financial strategy.
- Oversee payroll processes, pensions administration and HR-related record-keeping.
- Manage premises, contracts and supplier relationships, coordinating maintenance and capital projects.
- Prepare for audits, manage risk registers and ensure statutory compliance.
- Lead and develop office staff to maintain high standards of service delivery.
Person specification:
- Experienced in school finance, ideally with prior School Business Manager responsibilities.
- Strong understanding of financial systems, procurement and premises management.
- Confident communicator with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and governors.
- Practical problem-solver with sound organisational skills and experience of line-management.
- Able to start January 2026 and to work in Wandsworth.
This is an excellent School Business Manager opportunity in Wandsworth for an organised operations lead who wants to make a measurable difference to a school’s financial and operational performance from January 2026. To be considered for this School Business Manager position, please forward a CV as soon as possible.
School Business Manager | Wandsworth 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 | Wandsworth in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in school management. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its community. Understand their values and challenges, so you can tailor your responses to show how you can make a real impact as a School Business Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in finance, HR, and operational management can benefit the school. Keep it concise and focus on how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager | Wandsworth in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Clear CV: Make sure your CV is straightforward and highlights your experience in school finance and operational management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of School Business Manager, so tailor it to showcase relevant achievements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our community primary school in Wandsworth. Share your passion for education and how you can contribute to our financial and operational success.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, be specific about your responsibilities and achievements. We love numbers, so if you’ve led budget-setting or managed supplier contracts, include those details to show us your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as a School Business Manager starting January 2026.
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 financial knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Be prepared to explain your approach to financial planning and how it can benefit the school.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading teams and managing staff. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved operational efficiency. Be ready to share specific instances that highlight your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Understand the School Environment
Familiarise yourself with the community primary school setting. Research the specific challenges schools face in Wandsworth, such as funding issues or compliance requirements. Showing that you understand the unique environment will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's financial strategies, operational challenges, and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.