At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support the school’s mission for vulnerable young people.
- Company: Oak Haven School, a nurturing environment for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a supportive staff team.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Oak Haven School is a vibrant and nurturing specialist setting for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, spanning Key Stages 2 to 4. We are seeking a highly skilled, motivated and compassionate School Business Manager to join our dedicated leadership team.
Grade: 7
Contract: Full-time - 37 hours, permanent (term time plus two weeks/all year - open to negotiation for the right candidate)
Location: Oak Haven School, Heywood.
About the Role
The School Business Manager will play a key strategic role in the smooth and effective running of the school. Working closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders, you will lead on financial management, HR processes, site operations, health and safety, and administrative services to ensure the school can continue delivering exceptional support for our pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the school’s financial operations, including budgeting, reporting and long-term financial planning
- Oversee HR administration, payroll liaison and staff onboarding processes
- Manage site maintenance, contracts, procurement and compliance
- Ensure the school meets all required health & safety and safeguarding standards
- Supervise administrative and support staff
- Contribute strategically to school improvement planning and effective resource management
What We’re Looking For
- A proactive, organised and solution-focused individual
- Experience in school business management or a similar financial/administrative leadership role
- Strong understanding of budget management, HR processes and operational compliance
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across a multidisciplinary team
- A commitment to supporting the ethos of a specialist SEMH school and improving outcomes for vulnerable young people
What We Offer
- A supportive and passionate staff team
- A positive, child-centred environment
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEMH needs
We warmly welcome visits to the school. To arrange a visit please contact: 01706 804178 or office@oakhaven.rochdale.sch.uk
To apply for this position please download the application form and supporting documentation and send completed applications to Nsestanovic@oakhaven.Rochdale.sch.uk by 11:59pm on Friday 19th June 2026.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring and background check.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and service users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is an essential requirement of this post.
Applicants are advised that by applying for this position they are declaring that they are not subject to any immigration controls or restrictions that prohibit them undertaking work in the UK, and that they are able to provide proof of their Right to Work in the UK if they are invited to attend an interview.
The school will carry out an online search as part of their due-diligence for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
Please complete the application form and return to the headteacher at: Nsestanovic@oakhaven.Rochdale.sch.uk
Deadline for applications Friday 19th June.
School Business Manager employer: Oak Haven School
Oak Haven School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and passionate environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow and contribute to the school's mission of delivering outstanding support for vulnerable young people. Located in Heywood, the school provides a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on improving educational outcomes in a nurturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at schools like Oak Haven. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support pupils with SEMH needs. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your financial management and HR expertise clearly, as these are key areas for the School Business Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Oak Haven School. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so highlight those connections in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to reflect our values and the specific role. Use examples from your experience that demonstrate your fit for the School Business Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to submit before the deadline!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak Haven School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling finances, so brush up on your budgeting and financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management and how you've successfully navigated budgets in the past.
✨Show Your People Skills
Communication is key in this role, especially when working with a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others, managed HR processes, or supported staff onboarding to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Understand the SEMH Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. Be prepared to discuss how your approach aligns with the ethos of a specialist SEMH school and how you can contribute to improving outcomes for these young people.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Health and safety and operational compliance are crucial in this role. Think about your previous experiences managing site operations and ensuring compliance with regulations. Have specific examples ready to showcase your attention to detail and proactive approach.
