At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial, administrative, and HR functions in a dynamic SEN college environment.
- Company: Join a supportive SEN college dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with passionate educators and leaders.
- Qualifications: Strong finance and personnel management experience, ideally in an educational setting.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and highly organised Business Manager looking for an exciting leadership opportunity within education? Create Education are working with an excellent SEN College who are seeking a proactive and dedicated College Business Manager to lead and develop the college’s financial, administrative, HR, compliance, and premises functions. This is a pivotal role working closely with the Principal and Board to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the college. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional with strong financial and operational experience who is passionate about supporting education and making a meaningful impact within a collaborative college environment.
The Role
As College Business Manager, you will oversee the college’s administrative and financial systems, manage support staff, coordinate HR and compliance processes, and ensure the college site and facilities are maintained to a high standard. You will play a key role in strategic planning, governance, safeguarding, operational efficiency, and supporting the wider leadership team.
Responsibilities Include
- Managing the college accounting function and financial procedures
- Preparing annual budgets, financial reports, and management accounts
- Monitoring expenditure and ensuring financial compliance
- Liaising with auditors, the DfE, and external agencies
- Managing payroll, pensions, invoices, contracts, and procurement
- Supporting income generation and contract management
- Managing recruitment, onboarding, DBS checks, and contracts
- Maintaining the Single Central Record and confidential staff records
- Supporting staff development, appraisal, and training
- Managing administrative and premises staff
- Overseeing maintenance, health & safety, fire safety, and site security
- Managing building projects, contractors, and premises development
- Coordinating lettings and community use of college facilities
- Managing all college administrative functions and MIS systems
- Acting as Data Protection Officer (DPO)
- Coordinating statutory returns, ILR submissions, and exams administration
- Supporting governance through board meeting administration and reporting
What We’re Looking For
- Strong finance and personnel management experience
- Experience within a school, college, or public sector environment
- Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills
- Knowledge of budgeting, payroll, HR procedures, and compliance
- Confidence managing databases, MIS systems, and administrative networks
- Ability to build positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and external agencies
- Aware of DfE funding and education sector procedures
- Relevant finance, accounting, HR, or School Business Management qualification desirable
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, confidentiality, and excellent customer care
Safeguarding
Create Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment procedures.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Temp to perm. Start: June or September. Work Location: In person. We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN College- Business Manager employer: Smile Education
Create Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the College Business Manager role. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative culture, employees are encouraged to grow and make a meaningful impact in the education sector. Located within a vibrant community, the college provides unique opportunities for engagement and partnership, ensuring that staff can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN College- Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at SEN colleges. A friendly chat can often lead to insider info that you won’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's values and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for education and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN College- Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the College Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in finance, HR, and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can make a meaningful impact in our college environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to highlight any relevant experience in managing budgets, payroll, or HR processes. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how your background fits the bill.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Manager, you'll be handling finances, so brush up on your budgeting and financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and any specific financial challenges you've overcome.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Prepare to share how you motivate staff and manage conflicts, as well as your approach to fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the education sector, especially regarding SEN. Being able to discuss how these factors impact financial and operational decisions will show your commitment and insight into the role.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance is a key part of the job, be ready to talk about your experience with HR procedures, safeguarding, and data protection. Have specific examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
