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- Tasks: Lead financial and operational strategies across multiple schools to enhance educational outcomes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust in Buckinghamshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in school operations and strong financial management skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 49000 £ per year.
An established Multi Academy Trust in Buckinghamshire is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to provide strategic financial and operational leadership across three primary settings. Reporting to the Headteacher, with professional links to central Finance and Operations teams, this is a key leadership role ensuring business functions operate efficiently, compliantly and in direct support of educational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Management
- Prepare and monitor balanced budgets with Headteacher and Governors
- Produce financial reports and forecasts
- Monitor income/expenditure and address variances
- Oversee invoicing, payment runs, reconciliations and payroll checks
- Identify funding opportunities and ensure best value through procurement
- HR & Compliance
- Lead safer recruitment processes including DBS and reference checks
- Maintain the Single Central Record
- Support contract, absence and payroll liaison processes
- Ensure statutory compliance and policy adherence
- Operations & Administration
- Oversee financial and administrative systems
- Lead GDPR compliance, SARs and FOIs
- Coordinate ICT provision and maintain asset registers
- Support attendance monitoring and business continuity planning
- Premises & Health & Safety
- Oversee site compliance, risk assessments and statutory checks
- Manage contractors, tenders and service agreements
- Support capital projects and maintenance programmes
- Lead H&S audits, fire procedures and compliance monitoring
- Oversee lettings and community use of facilities
Working Pattern
Typically structured as: 2 days at School A (Finance, Ops & HR), 2 days at School B (Ops & HR, including Trust-based budget support), 1 day at School C (Finance & selected operational oversight). Primarily school-based, with occasional Trust office or limited remote working where appropriate.
You will be supported by central Finance, HR and Operations teams, with some transactional functions managed centrally to enable focus on strategic priorities.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experienced SBM or senior school operations professional
- Strong budget management and financial reporting skills
- Sound understanding of safeguarding, compliance and statutory duties
- Confident advising senior leaders and Governors
- Highly organised, professional and solution-focused
Why Join This Role?
This opportunity offers more than a traditional SBM position — it provides the chance to operate at a strategic level across multiple schools within a supportive and forward-thinking Trust structure.
- A competitive salary (£37,000–£49,000) aligned with experience and level of responsibility.
- The opportunity to develop multi-site leadership experience within a growing Trust environment.
- Exposure to strategic finance, operations and governance at Trust level.
- Access to high-quality CPD and professional development pathways.
- Strong support from central Finance, HR and Operations teams.
- A collaborative leadership culture with clear lines of accountability and support.
- Pension scheme and additional benefits promoting staff wellbeing and work–life balance.
How to Apply
Call us for more information or apply directly by submitting your CV.
Supply Desk works in close partnership with several local authorities across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, offering a wide range of rewarding teaching opportunities.
Safeguarding Commitment: Supply Desk is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and adhere to Safer Recruitment standards.
School Business Manager employer: Supply Desk
Contact Detail:
Supply Desk 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, especially those who work in multi-academy trusts. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific schools you'll be managing. Understand their unique challenges and how your skills can help them thrive. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your financial management skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with budgets and financial reporting. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the School Business Manager role. Highlight your financial management and operational leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this multi-site role. Be sure to mention your understanding of compliance and safeguarding, as these are crucial for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and lead teams effectively. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Supply Desk
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully prepared and monitored budgets in the past. Bring examples of how you've addressed variances and identified funding opportunities.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
This role requires a solid understanding of safeguarding and compliance. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and statutory duties. Be prepared to share your experience with safer recruitment processes and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be advising senior leaders and governors, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Think of specific instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in a school setting. Highlight your solution-focused approach and how you've supported operational efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for questions about managing contractors, overseeing health and safety audits, or coordinating ICT provision. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.