Strategic School Business Manager in Rochdale

Working Pattern: 37 hours per week | Term Time Only plus 3 weeks

About Us

The Watergrove Trust is a highly successful Multi Academy Trust situated in the West Pennine area, where community and faith schools work in partnership to serve our diverse local area. The schools share the same drive and determination to promote the best possible academic standards, whilst developing children of unique character, preparing them well for their lives ahead.

Following our expansion in February 2025, the Trust now proudly comprises nine member schools:

• Secondary: Wardle Academy, Matthew Moss High School, and Falinge Park High School.
• Primary: Kentmere Academy, St. James’ CE Primary School, St. Andrew’s CE Primary School, Moorhouse Academy, St Mary’s CE Primary School, and Sandbrook Community Primary School.

At Sandbrook Community Primary School, we are a learning community that cares deeply for all our children and their families. We constantly strive to be the best learners and best educators we can be, learning to live healthily and happily in a fun, caring environment.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated School Business Manager to play a key strategic role within our school. The successful candidate will lead the business functions of the Academy, providing essential support to the Headteacher to ensure the school makes the best possible use of its available resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Member of SLT – Contribute strategically to whole-school leadership, supporting operational planning, school improvement priorities and organisational development.
• Financial planning, budget monitoring and forecasting – Support the school in achieving financial sustainability through financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting, identification of efficiencies and funding opportunities.
• Leadership and performance management – Lead, line manage and develop support teams, including appraisal, wellbeing support, training and professional development.
• Safeguarding and operational safety – Contribute proactively to safeguarding culture and operational systems across the school, including contractor and visitor management, site procedures and compliance processes.
• Behaviour and student-facing support – Support wider pastoral and behaviour systems where appropriate, working collaboratively with staff, pupils and families to maintain a positive and safe school environment.
• Strategic reporting and governance – Analyse and present operational and financial information to senior leaders and governors to support strategic decision-making and school improvement.
• Estates and compliance leadership – Lead operational compliance across estates, health and safety and risk management, supporting the school in maintaining compliance and operational readiness for external inspection, audit and statutory requirements.
• Sustainability Data protection, compliance and governance – Lead operational compliance relating to GDPR, data protection and information governance, including responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and maintaining confidentiality and secure data practices.
• Staff absence management – Monitor and manage staff attendance. Completing RTW and HRA for staff to line manage.

About You

We are looking for a professional who:

• Can provide high-level strategic business support to the Headteacher and lead all Academy business functions.
• Is experienced in managing the day-to-day running of school finances with precision and transparency.
• Has high expectations of themselves and their team, ensuring an efficient, regular service.
• Is proactive in ensuring the school site and estate are managed to the highest standards.
• Is patient, professional, positive, and able to build relationships built on trust and respect with all stakeholders.
• Is flexible, adaptable, and possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills.
• Prioritises safeguarding and can seamlessly support the work of the Safeguarding Team.
• Is fully committed to Equality and Diversity in every aspect of their professional conduct.

What We Can Offer You

• Friendly, motivated, and caring children who genuinely enjoy learning and are keen to succeed.
• An enthusiastic, committed, and welcoming school staff and community.
• A leadership team deeply committed to continuous school improvement.
• Fantastic CPD and professional learning opportunities available within both the school and the wider Trust network.

“At Watergrove Trust we believe that every child has great potential and we want to work together, as a team, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfil that potential. If you share this belief, we want to hear from you.”

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete our online application form.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 03 June 2026 at 23:59pm

Interview date: Thursday 11 June 2026

Thank you in advance for your application. Please note we will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you haven’t heard from us by the interview date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Safeguarding & Equality

Watergrove Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to pre-employment clearances including an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and a Childcare Disqualification Check.

The Watergrove Trust values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender (including those with non-binary identities), religion or belief, or pregnancy and maternity.