At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, operations, and HR to ensure smooth school management.
- Company: Join the supportive Merrow Schools Federation team in Guildford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33165 - 36808 £ per year.
Are you a strategic thinker with a sharp eye for finance and a passion for education? We are seeking an exceptional School Business Manager to join our federated team. This is a unique opportunity to take a lead role in Finances, Premise Management, Administration as well as Human Resource areas. You will work directly with the Executive Headteacher and Leadership Team to manage budgets and procurement strategies as well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the school’s business functions.
The Role: As a key member of the team, you will lead on:
- Finance: Oversight of two budgets, long-term financial planning, and maximizing income.
- Operations & Premises: Ensuring our sites are safe, compliant, and inspiring places to learn.
- HR & Governance: Leading our administrative teams and ensuring recruitment and safeguarding (SCR) are compliant.
- Innovation: Streamlining processes across both schools to achieve best value and operational excellence.
The Candidate:
- Proven success as a School Business Manager or similar, with related qualification (e.g DBSM, CSBM, ADSBM), proven track record in financial management, ideally within education.
- Experience of working in a financial administrative field.
- Forward-thinking, resilient and able to work within a team for the benefit of the schools’ vision.
- Ability to work towards deadlines and towards targets set by the school’s leadership.
- Strong communicative skills with an attention to detail.
Why Join Us?
- A supportive, collaborative working environment across two friendly school sites.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Opportunities to advance your Professional Development and skillset.
Salary: Surrey Pay SP9 (£42,957-£46,624 FTE / pro-rata approx £33,165-£36,808 for 30hx42wks)
Contract: Fixed term to December 2027 (with potential to extend)
Work Pattern: 30 hours per week (negotiable) / 42 weeks per year (TT+3)
Closing Date: Friday 5th June 9am
Interview Date: Thursday 11th June
We would be happy to welcome you on a tour of our schools or answer any informal enquiries - please contact the Junior School Office to arrange this. The school reserves the right to interview before the closing date should a suitable candidate/s apply.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts at Merrow Schools Federation are subject to pre-employment checks and an Enhanced DBS disclosure. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or religious belief, sex or sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability or age, and maternity, marital or civil partner status. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of the interview process.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
School Business Manager in Guildford employer: Merrowfederation
At Merrow Schools Federation, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment across our two welcoming school sites in Guildford. As a School Business Manager, you will benefit from access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and have ample opportunities for professional development, all while playing a vital role in shaping the educational experience of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Merrow Schools Federation and understand their values and goals. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or attend local education events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to finance, HR, and operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of School Business Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in finance, operations, and HR can benefit our schools. Share specific examples of your past successes to make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and ensure your passion for education shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merrowfederation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling budgets and financial planning. Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've maximised income or managed budgets in the past. This will show your strategic thinking and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be working closely with the Executive Headteacher and the Leadership Team. Prepare to share experiences where you've led teams or projects, particularly in HR and governance. Highlight your ability to ensure compliance and streamline processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Research Merrow Schools Federation and understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their vision for education. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's operations, challenges they face, or their approach to innovation. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
