School Operations & Finance Leader (Special Education)

We are looking to recruit a Business Manager who has a passion for being part of a school team who support students with SEMH and ASC needs and can support the day-to-day management of operations within the school. Chilton Bridge is an independent special school for pupils aged 6 – 19, set in a beautiful location in Chilton Cantelo, near Yeovil.

At Chilton Bridge School we adopt a creative, individualised approach for students who have barriers to learning associated with social, emotional, mental health and ASC needs. Our curriculum approach, Enterprise Learning, allows our students to rebuild confidence in their abilities, feel safe and supported, and gain skills and knowledge that will allow them to thrive in the modern world.

About the role

The Business Manager will form part of the Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for managing the strategy and operation of the business functions of our school, including financial management, health and safety, human resources, compliance and administration. They will advise on and implement the day-to-day support that enables the school to operate effectively and efficiently, and that allows other members of the leadership team to focus on teaching and learning.

Applicants must have excellent administration and organisational skills, be proactive and solution focused. As part of the senior leadership team they must be excellent communicators with a strong sense of professionalism and the ability to build effective relationships with all stakeholders. Ensuring that we offer a warm and inclusive environment for all is important to us; our Business Managers play a critical role in this, so candidates must enjoy working with all stakeholders to nurture this environment and support at all times.

This is a broad and interesting role; ideally applicants will have experience of at least one of the areas of responsibility that are held by the Business Manager (health & safety, human resources, finance, compliance). Experience of working within a school environment or similar would be an advantage. Support and training will be given to successful applicants.

Why join Spaghetti Bridge?

We are a forward-thinking group of independent special schools united by a shared belief: education should be relational, creative, and bold enough to change lives. You’ll be supported with a comprehensive induction programme. As part of a growing network, you’ll have access to exceptional professional development and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded leaders shaping the future of specialist education.

We encourage early applications and may appoint prior to the closing date. Please note that early application is encouraged as we may opt to appoint prior to the advert closing date.

Spaghetti Bridge Ltd are committed to Safeguarding; therefore, all employees must have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding checks appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service and employment references. We will request references from where you have worked with either children or adults at risk. Please be aware that references will be requested prior to interview for roles within our schools and that online searches will be completed on all shortlisted candidates in line with the provisions of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

This post involves working with children and young people considered to be at risk and therefore is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spaghetti Bridge undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. As an equal opportunities employer, Spaghetti Bridge is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We are a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.