At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence across two specialist schools supporting children with Autism and complex needs.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming young lives in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent position and commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact and influence strategic leadership in education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in business management, strong financial expertise, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 55000 € per year.
Locations: Bucknall & Wilmslow
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £52,000 – £55,000 per annum
About the Schools
We are working with two brilliant specialist schools dedicated to supporting children and young people with Autism and complex needs. One site, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, supports up to 90 students aged 6–19 with a strong focus on innovative education and care. The second, a newly established school, already has an exceptional reputation, supporting students aged 5–19 and achieving Outstanding ratings in Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development in its latest inspection. Both schools are passionate about creating nurturing, supportive environments where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
The Role
This is a senior leadership opportunity across two thriving specialist settings. As School Business Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational excellence and ensuring both schools run smoothly and efficiently.
You will oversee and lead all support services, including:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Facilities & Estates
- ICT
- Health & Safety
- Catering & Housekeeping
Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, your responsibilities will include:
- Leading strategic and operational planning
- Managing budgets with full accountability and driving performance
- Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, regulatory, and H&S standards
- Overseeing financial reporting and resource allocation
- Leading and inspiring multi-disciplinary teams across both sites
- Driving continuous improvement and operational excellence
This is a varied and impactful role where you’ll contribute directly to the success of both schools.
About You
We’re looking for a confident, experienced leader with a strong background in business management - ideally within education or another regulated environment.
You will bring:
- Proven leadership across multiple operational functions
- Strong financial expertise (budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, EBITDA)
- Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety legislation
- Understanding of education funding and regulatory frameworks
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work autonomously and solve complex problems
Desirable:
- Professional qualification (e.g. Management Diploma or Finance qualification)
- Experience leading HR processes and procedures
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Make a genuine impact across two specialist education settings
- Work with passionate teams dedicated to transforming young lives
- Take on a strategic leadership role with real influence
Important Information
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, applicants will be required to disclose all relevant convictions and cautions in line with safeguarding requirements. The organisation is committed to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion and promotes the welfare of children and young people at all times. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
School Business Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Teaching Personnel
Join our dedicated team as a School Business Manager across two outstanding specialist schools in Bucknall and Wilmslow, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with Autism and complex needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, offering excellent professional development opportunities and a chance to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a nurturing environment. With competitive salary packages and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion, this role is perfect for those looking to drive operational excellence while contributing to transformative educational experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with specialist schools. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching both schools thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact in their environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles. Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your success in managing budgets and leading teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role as a School Business Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the School Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in business management, especially within education or regulated environments, to show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your proven leadership abilities! Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed operational functions effectively. This will help us understand your approach to driving performance and operational excellence.
Demonstrate Financial Expertise:Since financial management is key for this role, be sure to detail your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. We’re looking for someone who can handle finances with confidence, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us smoothly, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Schools Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research both schools thoroughly. Understand their missions, values, and any recent achievements or challenges they’ve faced. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a School Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, or improved operational processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding and compliance in this role, brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance across both sites and share any previous experiences where you’ve navigated complex regulatory environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the schools' future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success in operational excellence. This shows that you’re thinking strategically and are genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
