School Business Manager
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £48,000 – £58,000 per annum (Depending on experience)
Setting: Secondary School
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
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Act as the principal financial advisor to the Headteacher and Governing Body, preparing regular monitoring reports, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
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Manage the school’s multi-million-pound budget, ensuring maximum value for money, robust internal controls, and full compliance with financial regulations.
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Oversee procurement, contract renewals, and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimize school spending.
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Identify and drive income-generation opportunities, including community lettings, bids, and grant applications.
Operations & Estate Management
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Line-manage the Site Manager / Facilities team to ensure the school premises are safe, secure, well-maintained, and prepared for daily teaching.
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Oversee the strategic delivery of major capital building projects, maintenance programs, and IT infrastructure upgrades.
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Ensure absolute statutory compliance across all aspects of Health & Safety, risk management, and fire safety.
Human Resources & Staff Leadership
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Lead, motivate, and develop the school's support staff teams, including administration, finance, facilities, and catering.
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Oversee the operational HR function, including recruitment processes, contract administration, performance management, and payroll verification.
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Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) to ensure flawless safeguarding compliance.
Compliance & Governance
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Ensure the school meets all legal and statutory obligations set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities.
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Attend and present at full Governing Body and sub-committee meetings, providing transparent operational and financial analysis.
Required Criteria
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Experience: Proven experience working as a School Business Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Finance Lead (experience within a secondary school setting is highly desirable).
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Qualifications: A professional qualification in finance/accounting (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, CIPFA, CIMA, or ACCA) or a relevant degree in business administration.
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Skills: Strong leadership capability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with school management information systems (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom) and financial software.
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Attributes: A strategic thinker who is resilient under pressure, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting student outcomes through operational excellence.
What the School Offers
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A supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.
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Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).
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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.
Business Manager - Secondary School in Reading employer: Marchant Recruitment
This welcoming Primary School in the London Borough of Sutton is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where staff are supported by strong leadership and collaborative relationships. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on creating a positive atmosphere for both employees and students, this role as Office Manager provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
