School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading
School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading

School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading

Reading Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning and operational strategy in a dynamic academy environment.
  • Company: A forward-thinking academy with a strong operational culture in Reading.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and a supportive team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures in a well-resourced and inclusive setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in school operations or finance, with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Join a popular academy with excellent transport links and career growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Do you want to work in a forward-thinking academy with a strong operational culture?

Key Details

  • Full time Permanent
  • January 2026

A dynamic and well-resourced Operations department at a popular and oversubscribed academy in Reading is seeking a School Business Manager to begin in January 2026. The academy welcomes applications from experienced SBMs as well as Finance/HR/Operations leaders seeking progression into a whole-school strategic role.

School Information

This mixed 11-18 academy graded Outstanding educates around 1300 pupils and enjoys an excellent reputation for nurturing ambition, promoting inclusivity and securing consistently high academic results. Located close to Reading town centre, the school benefits from strong rail, bus and motorway links providing convenient access for staff across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.

The Operations function is central to the school's success. The department includes teams for HR, Finance, Data, IT, Premises and Administration. The SBM will work closely with the Principal and Trust Central Team to lead financial planning, estates development, compliance and operational strategy.

The school boasts modern teaching blocks, upgraded IT infrastructure, specialist STEM facilities and excellent outdoor spaces. The academy continues to expand its post-16 provision and the SBM will play a key role in capacity planning, timetabling, support and resource allocation.

Extracurricular involvement ranges from STEM competitions and Duke of Edinburgh to sports partnerships and community volunteering. Staff development is prioritised with extensive CPD opportunities and collaborative trust-wide training.

Experience and Qualifications

  • Prior experience in school operations, finance, HR or business management
  • Recognised qualification in Business Management, Finance, HR or equivalent desirable
  • Strong financial acumen, budgeting and reporting skills
  • Experience leading teams across HR, premises, IT or administration
  • Knowledge of school compliance, safeguarding and statutory requirements
  • Ability to work strategically with SLT and Trust leadership

Salary

Salary for this School Business Manager position will be paid to scale according to experience.

Application

Please submit your application for this School Business Manager role at your earliest opportunity.

School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading employer: Marchant Recruitment

Join a forward-thinking academy in Reading that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. With a strong focus on nurturing ambition and inclusivity, this Outstanding-rated school offers extensive CPD opportunities and a collaborative work culture, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to grow in their careers. The modern facilities and strategic role of the School Business Manager ensure that you will play a vital part in shaping the future of education while enjoying convenient access to transport links across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
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Contact Detail:

Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the academy and ask about their experiences. This can give us insider info on what they value in a School Business Manager.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's recent achievements and challenges. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their ongoing success.

Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions related to finance, HR, and operations. We should be ready to demonstrate our expertise and how it aligns with the academy's goals.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!

We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading

Financial Acumen
Budgeting Skills
Reporting Skills
Team Leadership
HR Management
Operations Management
Compliance Knowledge
Safeguarding Awareness
Strategic Planning
IT Infrastructure Management
Capacity Planning
Timetabling
Resource Allocation
Business Management Qualification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the School Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in finance, HR, or operations, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in a forward-thinking academy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved budgets or led successful projects, make sure to include those details!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment

Know Your Academy

Before the interview, take some time to research the academy's values, mission, and recent achievements. Understanding their operational culture and strategic goals will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous roles in school operations, finance, or HR. Prepare specific examples that highlight your financial acumen, budgeting skills, and experience leading teams. This will show that you have the practical knowledge needed for the School Business Manager position.

Prepare for Strategic Questions

Expect questions about how you would approach financial planning, compliance, and operational strategy. Think about your past experiences and how they can apply to the challenges the academy faces. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team.

Engage with Extracurricular Initiatives

The academy values extracurricular involvement, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to initiatives like STEM competitions or community volunteering. Showing enthusiasm for these activities can set you apart and align you with the academy's commitment to nurturing ambition and inclusivity.

School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading
Marchant Recruitment
Location: Reading
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  • School Business Manager – High-Achieving Academy – January 2026 – Reading

    Reading
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
  • M

    Marchant Recruitment

    50-100
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