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- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic business functions across three school sites.
- Company: Fox Wood School, a special school dedicated to holistic education for students with complex needs.
- Benefits: Full-time, permanent role with term-time only options and potential for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while shaping the future of our new College.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, HR, and operational management is essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive leadership team committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Fox Wood School, Holes Lane, Woolston, Warrington, WA1 4LS. From Autumn 2026 onwards, the role will be mainly based at our new College but will require travelling to and from three sites – our main school, our College on Peace Drive (WA5 1HQ), and our Early Years Satellite site at Sandy Lane (WA2 9HY).
REPORTS TO: Headteacher and Governors
CONTRACT: Full-Time, Permanent (Term Time Only + 10 days may be considered; please state your preference in your application)
START DATE: As soon as possible.
About the School: Fox Wood is a special school and college for pupils aged 4–19 with a wide range of complex needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). Across our three sites, we aim to provide the best possible holistic education, total communication support, and meaningful learning opportunities in an engaging, safe, and caring environment.
This is a pivotal leadership role within our school and college, forming a key part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The School Business Manager (SBM) will lead and manage the strategic and operational business functions of the school across all three sites. This includes responsibility for:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Premises and Facilities
- Health & Safety
- Administration and ICT Systems
- Strategic Operations and Compliance
The post holder will play a central role in supporting the development of our new College provision, including staffing structures, systems, and operational processes. The role will require the ability to travel between sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Act as a strategic partner to the Headteacher, Governors and SLT, contributing to whole school development, improvement planning, and business continuity.
- Financial Management: Lead budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, procurement, and value for money initiatives in line with LA and DfE requirements.
- Human Resources: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, wellbeing, and compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding protocols.
- Premises & Facilities: Manage the maintenance, security, and development of all three sites, including capital projects and accessibility improvements.
- Health & Safety: Act as the school’s Health & Safety Officer, ensuring robust policies, risk assessments, statutory training, and emergency planning.
- Administration & ICT: Line manage administrative teams and oversee MIS, GDPR compliance, data protection, and digital transformation planning.
Recruitment and Compliance: Warrington Borough Council and Fox Wood School are committed to safeguarding; an Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this post.
Key dates:
- Closing date: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 9am
- Shortlisting date: Monday 2nd February 2026
- Interview date: Thursday 12th February 2026
How to Apply: For an application pack and further details, please visit our website.
School Business Manager - Fox Wood School in Warrington employer: Warrington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Warrington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager - Fox Wood School in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Fox Wood School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a School Business Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's mission and values. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the ethos of Fox Wood. Tailor our answers to reflect how we can contribute to their holistic education approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We need to be confident in discussing our experience in finance, HR, and compliance, as these are key areas for the SBM role. The more we rehearse, the more natural it will feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or additional roles that might pop up while we’re at it.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager - Fox Wood School in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with special needs education shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Fox Wood School.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in finance, HR, and operational management. We’re looking for someone who can lead across multiple sites, so be specific about how your past roles have prepared you for this challenge.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warrington Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a School Business Manager inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like financial management, HR, and health & safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role is pivotal within the Senior Leadership Team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, especially in an educational setting or similar environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as budget cuts or staffing issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the school's vision, challenges, or future plans. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
