Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and admin functions to ensure smooth Virtual School operations.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, committed to diversity and community strength.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong financial admin experience, leadership skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 36363 £ per year.
Directorate: Children and Family Services
Section: Virtual School
Location: Civic Centre
Grade: Level 8
Salary: £33,699 - £36,363 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
This advert is open to both Internal and External applicants.
The Role: We are seeking a skilled and motivated manager to lead our finance and administrative functions, ensuring the Virtual School operates smoothly, efficiently and in line with all statutory and financial requirements. You will play a pivotal role in enabling our practitioners to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people.
Proposed interview date: 26th/27th May 2026.
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Nicola Bromley-Smith.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all financial processes, including budget monitoring, spending controls and commissioning activity
- Lead, manage and develop the administrative team to deliver an excellent, responsive service
- Ensure effective systems, procedures and data management are in place and regularly reviewed
- Support reporting, audits and performance monitoring through high quality information and analysis
- Maintain strong working relationships across the council, with schools and partner agencies
- Drive continuous improvement, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency
About You:
- Have strong financial administration and budget management experience
- Proven leadership and time management skills
- Excellent organisational abilities and attention to details
- Confidence using data and digital systems to support service delivery
- A positive, solution focused approach with a commitment to children's outcomes
What we offer:
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here.
Pre-Employment Checks:
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Right to Work in the UK
- Proof of address
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health Clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.
Virtual School Service Support Manager in Sandford employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual School Service Support Manager in Sandford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Virtual School. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the team and the community we serve.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for children's outcomes show!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to what we’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual School Service Support Manager in Sandford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Virtual School Service Support Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering the best outcomes for children and young people.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading an administrative team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved processes in previous roles. We love a good success story!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this position, especially when it comes to financial processes and data management. Make sure your application is free from typos and clearly structured. We appreciate clarity and precision!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details 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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Since the role involves overseeing financial processes, brush up on your budget management skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and any tools or systems you used.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience. Think of a time when you led a team through a challenge. Highlight your approach to developing team members and ensuring they deliver excellent service.
✨Master the Data Game
This position requires confidence in using data and digital systems. Familiarise yourself with relevant software and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Strong working relationships are key in this role. Think of examples where you've collaborated with different stakeholders, such as schools or partner agencies, and how those relationships contributed to successful outcomes.