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 roles in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your leadership skills.
- 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
Join a respected Catholic primary federation in Harlesden, Brent, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for 438 pupils across two schools. As a School Business Manager, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values faith, community, and ambition, while enjoying competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional growth within a close-knit environment dedicated to excellence in education.
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 have experience in school finance or operations. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools you're applying to. Understand their ethos, values, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around finance and HR processes. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
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 your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role of School Business Manager entails and how your experience aligns with it.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send out a generic CV! We love seeing applications that are tailored specifically for the School Business Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, HR, and operations, and show us how you can contribute to our schools.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to emphasise your skills in financial planning, compliance, and team leadership. We’re looking for someone who can manage both strategic and operational tasks, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS AND REEVES
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be dealing with finances daily. Brush up on your financial planning and budget monitoring skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and how you can bring that expertise 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 how it aligns with your own beliefs. During the interview, share how you can contribute to fostering a strong community spirit and support the schools' objectives.
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Since you'll be overseeing HR processes, make sure you can confidently discuss safer recruitment practices, payroll liaison, and compliance. Prepare examples of how you've handled HR challenges in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage staff effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of specific situations where you've had to balance strategic planning with operational delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
