At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, HR processes, and site management in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Oak Haven School, a nurturing specialist setting for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression in a child-centred environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management and strong communication skills required.
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.
Senior School Business Manager — Finance, HR & Operations employer: Oak Haven School
Oak Haven School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and passionate staff team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Located in Heywood, the school fosters a positive, child-centred environment with ample opportunities for professional development and progression, ensuring that employees can grow alongside their commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior School Business Manager — Finance, HR & Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Understand their approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and fit for the role during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed finances or HR processes in previous roles. Real-life stories can make a big impact and show that you’re the right fit for the School Business Manager position.
✨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 our team at Oak Haven School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior School Business Manager — Finance, HR & Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in a candidate and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match their needs.
Show Your Passion for SEMH:Let your enthusiasm for working in a specialist SEMH setting shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people and improving their outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for the hiring team to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
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 without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary forms and guidance there to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak Haven School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior School Business Manager, you'll be handling finances, so brush up on your budgeting and financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets in the past and any strategies you've implemented for long-term financial planning.
✨Showcase Your HR Savvy
Since HR processes are a key part of the role, prepare to talk about your experience with payroll, staff onboarding, and compliance. Think of a time when you improved an HR process or resolved a staffing issue, and be ready to share that story.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The school is looking for a proactive and solution-focused individual. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in operations or compliance, and explain how you tackled them effectively.
✨Align with the School's Ethos
Understanding the ethos of a specialist SEMH school is crucial. Research Oak Haven School and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. Share your passion for supporting vulnerable young people and how you can contribute to their improvement.
