School Business Manager Job Vacancy in Blackburn

Location: Blackburn

Contract Type: Full-Time | Temporary

Start Date: September 2026 (initially until October half-term 2026)

Potential Opportunity to become permanent for the right candidate

Handover: Ideally one day per week until July 2026, or several days during August 2026

Salary: Negotiable

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and proactive School Business Manager to lead and manage the school’s financial, administrative, and operational functions. The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic leadership across business, finance, premises, health and safety, and support services. This is a key leadership role requiring strong organisational, financial, and people management skills to ensure the efficient running of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team and support strategic decision‑making. Lead the planning, development, and monitoring of business support services. Support the implementation and management of organisational change and improvement initiatives. Provide professional advice and guidance to the Headteacher and Governing Body.
• Financial Management: Lead the school’s financial management and administration processes. Prepare and monitor annual and medium‑term budgets. Ensure financial procedures are compliant, effective, and provide value for money. Manage contracts, licences, insurance, and procurement processes.
• Administration & Operations: Lead and oversee the school’s administrative function. Ensure effective systems, procedures, and quality assurance measures are in place. Coordinate and manage statutory returns and reporting requirements. Oversee pupil examinations administration and staff cover arrangements. Promote and market the school to parents, pupils, and the wider community.
• Premises, Health & Safety: Oversee the management of buildings, facilities, and site operations. Lead health and safety management across the school. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, and other relevant legislation.
• Staff Management: Manage and support administrative and operational staff, including site, catering, cleaning, welfare, and technical teams. Lead recruitment, induction, performance management, training, coaching, and development activities. Ensure effective deployment of support staff across the school.
• Partnership Working: Develop positive working relationships with external agencies, professionals, and stakeholders. Support collaborative working to improve outcomes and operational effectiveness.

Person Specification

• Essential: Diploma for School Business Managers (CSBM) or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above.
• Significant experience in financial and administrative management.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. For this role you need to be a UK resident and eligible to work in the UK.