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- Tasks: Lead the operational success of a special needs school with strategic oversight and hands-on management.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Emphott LLP, dedicated to exceptional education.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive community in a beautiful setting with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping a nurturing educational environment for students.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management or similar roles, with strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Flexible, dynamic role in a values-driven team focused on student outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional School Business Manager to join our high-achieving, independent special needs school at an exciting stage of growth and development. This role will suit a dynamic and experienced business professional with a kind heart, strong integrity, and a genuine passion for shaping the relational culture of a specialist educational environment. Our school combines high expectations with warmth, compassion and strong professional standards — and we are looking for someone who shares these values.
The Role
As School Business Manager, you will play a central and strategic role in ensuring that the school, including newly developing sites, remains organised, flourishing and procedurally safe. You will work closely with the Governance Team, Headteacher and senior leadership team, supporting both daily operations and long-term growth. This is a pivotal position responsible for overseeing finance, compliance, HR processes, estates management, health and safety, and operational systems. You will ensure that robust procedures are in place, consistently followed, and aligned with independent school standards and regulatory requirements.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a School Business Manager or in a comparable senior operational/financial role within education
- A strong understanding of compliance, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory frameworks relevant to UK independent schools
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to bring clarity and structure to a developing, multi-site environment
- Flexibility and resilience, with a professional, solution-focused approach to new and evolving systems
- The ability to support and guide staff to ensure procedural safety and systems compliance
- A relational leadership style, balancing accountability with empathy and kindness
- An Undergraduate Law or Business Management Degree would be desirable
This role requires someone who can combine strategic oversight with hands-on operational excellence. As we continue to grow, flexibility and adaptability will be essential, alongside a calm, highly organised and professional attitude to establishing and embedding new systems.
Why Join Us?
You will be joining a dedicated and values-driven staff team committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils with special educational needs. This is an opportunity to help shape the operational foundation of a school that is ambitious, relational, and flourishing — ensuring that strong systems support exceptional education. Emphott LLP is based within the Rotherfield Park Estate. It is a truly beautiful site with a really passionate and friendly team, centrally and within the school. We are looking for someone kind, organised and someone we know will belong in our wide and project connected community. If you are an experienced business professional who believes that strong organisation and compassionate leadership go hand in hand, we would love to hear from you.
School Business Manager employer: Rotherfield
Contact Detail:
Rotherfield Recruiting Team
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 connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a School Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and culture. Since this role is all about shaping a relational environment, be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've implemented systems or processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to bring clarity and structure to their developing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and special needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about shaping a positive culture in our school.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a School Business Manager or in a similar role. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've managed finance, compliance, and operations in an educational setting.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Emphott LLP.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rotherfield
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values of the school. Emphasise how your own values align with their focus on compassion, integrity, and high expectations. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school's culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in finance, compliance, and HR processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a School Business Manager, organisation is key. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed multiple projects or sites in the past. Bring along any relevant documentation or systems you've implemented that demonstrate your ability to bring clarity and structure to complex environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the school's growth and development. Inquire about their plans for new sites or how they envision the role evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
