At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead non-teaching operations and ensure financial health of a vibrant secondary school.
- Company: Dynamic secondary school in Reading with a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on innovation and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student outcomes through strategic operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management and relevant finance qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £48,000 – £58,000 per annum (Depending on experience)
Role Overview
We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated School Business Manager (SBM) to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at a vibrant and successful secondary school in Reading. As the School Business Manager, you will be the strategic lead for all non-teaching operations. You will hold ultimate accountability for the school’s financial health, human resources, health and safety compliance, estate management, and administrative functions. This is a pivotal role requiring a commercial mindset, strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead a diverse team of support staff in a fast-paced educational environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Strategy
- Act as the principal financial advisor to the Headteacher and Governing Body, preparing regular monitoring reports, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Manage the school’s multi-million-pound budget, ensuring maximum value for money, robust internal controls, and full compliance with financial regulations.
- Oversee procurement, contract renewals, and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimize school spending.
- Identify and drive income-generation opportunities, including community lettings, bids, and grant applications.
- Operations & Estate Management
- Line-manage the Site Manager / Facilities team to ensure the school premises are safe, secure, well-maintained, and prepared for daily teaching.
- Oversee the strategic delivery of major capital building projects, maintenance programs, and IT infrastructure upgrades.
- Ensure absolute statutory compliance across all aspects of Health & Safety, risk management, and fire safety.
- Human Resources & Staff Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and develop the school's support staff teams, including administration, finance, facilities, and catering.
- Oversee the operational HR function, including recruitment processes, contract administration, performance management, and payroll verification.
- Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) to ensure flawless safeguarding compliance.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure the school meets all legal and statutory obligations set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities.
- Attend and present at full Governing Body and sub-committee meetings, providing transparent operational and financial analysis.
Required Criteria
- Experience: Proven experience working as a School Business Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Finance Lead (experience within a secondary school setting is highly desirable).
- Qualifications: A professional qualification in finance/accounting (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, CIPFA, CIMA, or ACCA) or a relevant degree in business administration.
- Skills: Strong leadership capability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with school management information systems (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom) and financial software.
- Attributes: A strategic thinker who is resilient under pressure, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting student outcomes through operational excellence.
What the School Offers
- A supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).
- Generous local government pension scheme and staff wellbeing initiatives.
To Apply
If you are a visionary operational leader ready to make a significant impact on our school community, please submit your updated CV today.
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