At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance and operations to create a purposeful learning environment for students.
- Company: Seven Fields Primary School, part of the supportive River Learning Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and access to professional networks.
- Other info: Join a community-focused school with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring a calm and well-resourced school.
- Qualifications: Experience in budget planning, team leadership, and operational management.
The predicted salary is between 38221 - 40778 £ per year.
Location: Seven Fields Primary School, Swindon, SN2 5DE
Contract Type: Permanent
Grade: Grade 10 (£38,221.00 - £40,778.00 pro rata)
R&R payment available for an exceptional candidate
28 hours per week over 4 days with the possibility of flexibility in hours/days
Closing: Thursday 4th June 2026
Interview: To be confirmed
Start: 1st September 2026
At Seven Fields, we believe that academic success is built on absolute foundations. We are looking for a strategic School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and ensure our school remains a calm, well‑resourced space where children can focus on their learning.
Why this role matters: You will be the strategic lead for our school's infrastructure. By finding creative solutions to manage a challenging budget and ensuring our site is safe and well‑managed, you create the quiet, purposeful environment that our students need to succeed.
What you'll bring:
- Strategic Finance: Proven experience in budget planning and the ability to identify efficiencies without compromising educational quality.
- Team Leadership: Experience in managing office and site staff, fostering a collaborative and professional culture.
- Operational Precision: Strong knowledge of HR processes, Health & Safety compliance, and premises management.
- Professional Agency: The confidence to operate as an expert in your field and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
The Seven Fields Difference:
- A Focused Environment: We pride ourselves on a calm, quiet atmosphere where both staff and students can do their best work.
- Evidence‑Informed Practice: We value professional agency and use data and evidence to drive our school improvements.
- Swindon Community: We are a school rooted in our local community, committed to providing the best possible start for our children.
The River Learning Trust (RLT) Connection: Seven Fields Primary School is part of the River Learning Trust. Our schools benefit from a shared commitment to 'Relational Trust' and 'Aligned Autonomy.' This means you have the professional agency to lead in our specific context, backed by the security and high‑quality CPLD of a successful Multi‑Academy Trust.
RLT Benefits include:
- Commitment to workload‑sensitive policies.
- Access to Trust‑wide professional networks and specialist support.
- Recognised continuous service and LGPS pension scheme.
River Learning Trust and Seven Fields Primary School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We are an exempt employer under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. We actively value the 'different contributions' you can make.
Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager in Swindon employer: Seven Fields Primary School
At Seven Fields Primary School, we are dedicated to fostering a purposeful learning environment where both staff and students thrive. As part of the River Learning Trust, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to community engagement. Join us in shaping the future of education while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere and access to extensive resources for your growth.
Contact Details:
Seven Fields Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Seven Fields or within the River Learning Trust. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the culture at Seven Fields. Tailor our responses to reflect their commitment to a calm and purposeful learning environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on strategic finance and operational precision. This will help us articulate our experience confidently and clearly during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows we’re genuinely interested in the role and the school.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or led teams in the past. We want to see the impact you've made in previous roles!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of warmth and authenticity can make your application stand out in a sea of formal documents.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seven Fields Primary School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on budget planning and be ready to discuss how you've identified efficiencies in previous roles without compromising quality. Bring specific examples to the table!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong team leadership skills. Think about your management style and how you foster collaboration among staff. Prepare to share anecdotes that highlight your ability to create a professional culture and lead a team effectively.
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with Seven Fields Primary School's ethos and the importance of a calm learning environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain operational precision while ensuring health and safety compliance. Show them you understand their unique context!
✨Emphasise Professional Agency
You’ll be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, so it's crucial to convey your confidence as an expert in your field. Prepare to discuss how you’ve used data and evidence to drive improvements in past roles, showcasing your commitment to evidence-informed practice.
