At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch administrative support to the Headmaster and manage a variety of tasks.
- Company: Join a dynamic and ambitious school community at Strathallan.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with occasional weekend cover; great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of school life, making a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive attitude; educational experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking to fill the position of PA to the Headmaster and CEO. We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and forward-thinking PA to join Strathallan in the pivotal role of PA to the Headmaster & CEO. This is a varied and rewarding position at the heart of a busy and ambitious school community, offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and contribute meaningfully to the smooth running of the School.
The successful candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, providing a warm, professional and efficient service to parents, visitors and colleagues alike. Acting as a key point of contact, the post-holder will manage a wide range of administrative and organisational responsibilities with discretion, accuracy and a strong sense of initiative. No two days will be the same; the role requires someone who is adaptable, calm under pressure and able to respond positively to the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of school life. The ability to anticipate needs, prioritise effectively and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality is essential, alongside a willingness to take ownership of tasks and see them through to completion.
While experience within an educational setting would be advantageous, it is by no means essential. We welcome applications from individuals with strong administrative and organisational experience from a range of professional backgrounds, who are keen to bring their skills into a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.
The role is expected to include, but is not limited to, the below key responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive, proactive and highly confidential administrative support to the Headmaster.
- Manage the Headmaster's diary, appointments and correspondence, ensuring effective prioritisation and forward planning.
- Act as the first point of contact for the Headmaster, responding to routine enquiries and directing more complex matters appropriately.
- Draft, prepare and manage correspondence, reports, presentations and documentation on behalf of the Headmaster.
- Ensure the Headmaster is fully prepared for all meetings, with relevant papers, briefings and notes provided in advance.
- Arrange and coordinate travel, accommodation and itineraries, including visa requirements where necessary.
- Organise meetings and events, including preparing agendas, taking accurate minutes, and overseeing hospitality arrangements.
- Support the delivery of key school events involving the Headmaster, including Speech Day and formal entertainments.
- Liaise effectively with parents, Governors, senior leaders and external stakeholders on behalf of the Headmaster.
- Maintain and develop efficient administrative systems, ensuring compliance with data protection requirements.
- Manage pupil records and produce relevant reports and distribution lists in collaboration with Admissions.
- Coordinate the Headmaster's expenses, budgets, and associated administrative processes.
- Support project work and undertake research as directed by the Headmaster.
- Manage and prioritise the Headmaster's workload within the context of a busy, seven-day boarding environment.
- Oversee Reception operations, ensuring appropriate cover and a high standard of front-of-house service.
Hours of work: The normal working hours are 08.45 – 17:00 (Monday—Friday) with a break for lunch. There may be an occasional requirement for flexibility in working hours to support the needs of the school. The postholder will be required to work up to six Saturdays per year (8.30am to 12.30pm) to provide weekend reception cover as part of the wider Administration team.
Ideally this role would commence on or around the 15th of June, however a later start date can be discussed. If you would like to apply, please submit your application online by 17th May 2026. The interviews will be arranged shortly after (on or around the 21st or 22nd of May).
For any queries regarding the role or the application process, or to arrange an initial conversation, please contact us at: hr@strathallan.co.uk.
12 The Point, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QU
Business Manager in Market Harborough employer: Windlesham House School
Contact Detail:
Windlesham House School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager in Market Harborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or even those who know someone at Strathallan. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can contribute to their mission, so think about how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring a portfolio of your past work or examples of how you've managed complex tasks. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the varied responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager in Market Harborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, showing us why you're the perfect fit for Strathallan.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of interaction with various stakeholders, emphasise your exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can provide a warm and professional service!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Demonstrate your organisational skills by providing examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. We love candidates who can juggle responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and discretion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Windlesham House School
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the PA to the Headmaster & CEO. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing diaries and correspondence. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires exceptional communication skills, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively interacted with various stakeholders in previous positions. Think about times when you’ve had to manage difficult conversations or provide excellent service under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The school environment can be unpredictable, so highlight your ability to adapt to changing situations. Share specific instances where you successfully managed multiple priorities or adjusted your approach to meet unexpected challenges. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced setting.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the school’s culture and goals. For example, you could ask about how the PA role contributes to the overall success of the school or what challenges the Headmaster currently faces.