At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, operations, and administration in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Phoenix School, an award-winning institution for young people with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a vibrant setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong business acumen and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56436 - 64939 € per year.
As a senior leadership role, some flexibility in working hours is expected to meet the needs of the school. Annual leave taken during school holidays.
Phoenix School is seeking to appoint a highly skilled, motivated and forward-thinking School Business Manager (SBM) to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a key strategic role responsible for leading finance, operations, administration, ICT strategy, HR systems oversight, GDPR compliance, and facilities management across our multi-site provision. We are looking for an individual who is professional, proactive, solution-focused and committed to our pupils, community and values. The SBM must demonstrate strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence and support senior decision-making.
Phoenix is an Outstanding (Ofsted Nov 2024) special school for young people aged 3-19 with complex communication needs, including autism. We are NAS-accredited, award-winning, and recognised for our innovative and creative practice. We operate across several sites including satellite classes with excellent facilities, specialist staff and a strong commitment to professional development.
Responsibilities- Lead strategic financial planning, budget setting and financial monitoring to ensure long term sustainability.
- Provide high-quality financial guidance to the Executive Headteacher, Governors and SLT.
- Oversee the school's administration systems.
- Lead on ICT strategy, MIS development and digital transformation.
- Have strategic oversight of the school's GDPR compliance.
- Support HR systems and ensure compliance with statutory/regulatory requirements.
- Lead on facilities and estates management, including PFI transition.
- Ensure value-for-money procurement and efficient operational practices.
- Contribute to whole-school leadership as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
How to apply: The application form can be found on the school website and Dfe. Please return completed application form to: - CVs not accepted
Closing date: 9am, 2nd March 2026
Shortlisting: 3rd & 4th March 2026
Interviews & Assessments: 13th March 2026
It will not be possible to re-arrange these dates. If you are intending to apply, please ensure you are available to attend for an interview. If you would like to discuss the post or visit, please contact Stacey Marsh Executive Headteacher’s PA:
Safeguarding and equality
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and staff. The successful candidate will require an enhanced DBS clearance. We welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, religion or age.
Community | Respect | Engagement | Aspiration | Trust | Equality
School Business Manager in London employer: Phoenix Primary and Secondary School
Phoenix School is an outstanding employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a School Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our multi-site provision, with access to excellent facilities and resources. Our commitment to innovation and community engagement ensures that you will find meaningful and rewarding opportunities to grow within a dynamic leadership team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our pupils.
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Primary and Secondary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Phoenix School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely aligns with our mission and can contribute to our outstanding reputation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around finance and operations management. We want to see your business acumen shine through, so be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Phoenix School.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what the School Business Manager role entails. Highlight the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, be sure to provide specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your financial acumen, leadership skills, and ability to manage operations effectively. We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs!
Be Professional Yet Personal:While it's important to maintain a professional tone, don’t shy away from letting your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also a good fit for our school culture. Share your passion for education and community!
Submit Through Our Website:Make sure to complete your application using the form on our school website. Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so stick to the application form to ensure your submission is considered. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Primary and Secondary School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare examples of how your financial planning has led to long-term sustainability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Think of specific instances where you've influenced decision-making or led a team through a challenging project. Be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic oversight and how you foster collaboration.
✨Understand GDPR and Compliance
GDPR compliance is a key responsibility for this position. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've implemented systems to protect data and maintain privacy.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for questions like how you would handle a budget shortfall or manage facilities during a crisis. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
