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- Tasks: Lead finance, operations, and administration in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Phoenix School, an Outstanding special school with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Strong business acumen and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
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: recruitment@phoenix.towerhamlets.sch.uk - 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: Stacey.Marsh@phoenix.towerhamlets.sch.uk
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 employer: Phoenix Primary and Secondary School
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Primary and Secondary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Phoenix School and its values. Understanding their mission and culture will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can provide insider info about the school and might even give you tips on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led financial planning or managed operations in previous roles.
✨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 Phoenix School.
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 you fully understand what we're looking for in a School Business Manager. Highlight key responsibilities and skills that resonate with your experience to show us you're the right fit.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your unique skills and experiences align with our needs. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your business acumen and leadership abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website as instructed. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check your details before hitting send!
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 your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Think about specific examples where your financial planning led to successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare to share instances where you've influenced decision-making or led a team through a challenging project. Be confident in discussing your approach to strategic oversight.
✨Understand GDPR and Compliance
GDPR compliance is a big deal in this role. Familiarise yourself with the regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. Bring examples of how you’ve implemented systems to protect data and maintain privacy.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Phoenix School values community, respect, and engagement. Research these values and think about how they resonate with your own professional philosophy. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to fostering these values within the school environment.
