At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances, HR, and operations for two primary schools in a supportive community.
- Company: Join a respected Catholic federation dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £50,000-£60,000 and a permanent contract.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced professionals seeking impactful leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong finance experience and knowledge of school operations required.
A two-school Catholic primary federation in Harlesden, Brent is seeking a School Business Manager to join from September 2026 or sooner. This permanent role will support an infant and nursery school alongside a neighbouring junior school, serving around 438 pupils across two close-knit sites.
Permanent contract with a salary of £50,000-£60,000, depending on experience.
Opportunity to join a respected Catholic federation supporting children from Nursery through to Year 6.
Work across two nearby schools with a shared ethos built around faith, care, ambition and strong community values.
The School Business Manager will oversee:
- Finance
- HR
- Premises
- Compliance
- Procurement
- Administration
- Wider operational systems
The School Business Manager will oversee financial planning, budget monitoring, reserves reporting and value-for-money decisions across both schools, supporting governors with clear, accurate financial information.
You will lead business support staff, contractors and service providers, ensuring both sites run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
School Business Manager applicants should have strong school finance experience and confidence using school financial systems. You must understand HR processes, safer recruitment, payroll liaison, health and safety, GDPR, premises compliance and statutory returns. Experience in a maintained school, voluntary aided school, Catholic setting or primary federation would be highly advantageous.
The successful School Business Manager will be organised, commercially aware, calm under pressure and able to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational delivery. This role would suit an experienced School Finance Manager, senior school operations professional or current business leader ready for wider federation responsibility.
School Business Manager employer: Ribbons and Reeves Limited
Joining our Catholic primary federation in Harlesden means becoming part of a nurturing community dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young minds. We offer a supportive work culture that values faith, care, and ambition, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development. As a School Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational success of our schools while enjoying the unique advantage of working across two close-knit sites, ensuring a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils.
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 work in finance or operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools you're applying to. Understand their ethos and values, especially since this role is within a Catholic federation. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in financial planning and HR processes during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets or improved operational efficiency in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you nail that application and land the job. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the School Business Manager role. Highlight your finance experience, HR knowledge, and any relevant school settings you've worked in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with the school's ethos. Be sure to mention your experience in managing finances and operations.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or saved costs in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons and Reeves Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling finances, so brush up on your financial planning and budget monitoring skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets in the past and how you can bring value-for-money decisions to the schools.
✨Understand the Ethos
This role is within a Catholic federation, so it's crucial to understand their values and ethos. Familiarise yourself with the school's mission and be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the community.
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Since you'll be overseeing HR processes, make sure you can talk confidently about safer recruitment practices, payroll liaison, and compliance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated HR challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of situations where you've had to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational delivery, and be ready to share how you handled them effectively.
