At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school’s finance, HR, and administration to ensure effective resource use.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community focused on student success and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in school management and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our vision is centred on three fundamental goals: Aspirations, Expectations, No Excuses – VINCAM – ‘Together we Conquer’. We are looking for someone who will share our school values and vision and will help to ensure that pupils continue to make good progress.
Experience
- Leadership in a public/private sector setting
- Experience of driving through organisational change
- Experience of developing effective administrative systems and procedures
- Experience of project management
- Experience of producing a variety of financial reports, including detailed management accounts
Preferred Experience
- 3 years’ experience in the school business manager role
- Experience of leading the review and implementation of a management information system
- Experience of completing applications to secure funding
Knowledge and Qualifications Preferred:
- Membership of National Association of School Business Management or equivalent
- Evidence of further professional development
- Middle or Senior Management qualification
Personal attributes
- Ability to work flexibly, prioritise conflicting demands and thrive under pressure
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters
- Ability to draw upon inter‑personal skills to build effective business partnerships, communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and represent the school externally
- Ability to analyse a diverse range of information in order to make strategic decisions
- Commitment to developing leadership capability in self and colleagues
- Commitment to continuous improvement through honest self‑evaluation and educational development
- A strong commitment to accountability and transparency and the highest level of integrity and probity
- Energy, vigour, perseverance and resilience
- Ability to negotiate, solve problems, manage conflicts in an open and even‑handed manner
- A good awareness of the wider educational and social issues and trends
Key Leadership Role
To function as a key member of the School Leadership Team (SLT), providing strategic leadership and management in the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Premises & Health and Safety, and General Administration. The School Business Manager ensures the school makes the most effective use of its resources in compliance with Local Authority financial regulations and statutory education legislation.
Cultural competence
- Ability to recognise own biases, ideas, and stereotypes of cultures that are different from own
- Ability to admit/acknowledge that there are differences in the treatment of people based on their appearance
- Commitment to being a part of the change that is needed to see that people are treated fairly
- Ability to educate oneself and others on cultural differences to gain more understanding
Leadership
- Ability to articulate the vision, values and ethos of the school to stakeholders and external agencies
- Ability to develop strategic plans that support the purpose, values and vision of the school
- A good understanding of the principles underpinning effective performance management
- A good understanding of compliance with regard to legal, ethical and regulatory requirements
- Ability to coach/mentor others and establish clear boundaries and facilitate a culture of accountability for colleagues
- Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to initiate, plan, facilitate and manage change effectively
- A clear understanding of HR and change processes, systems and structures needed to ensure a high quality professional environment for learning and managing poor performance
Finance
- Good knowledge of financial standards, and financial procedures and regulations in schools
- Good knowledge of financial accountability frameworks, processes and procurement
- Ability to take a problem‑solving approach to tasks and develop well‑thought‑through, valid and financially sound solutions
- Good knowledge of what constitutes ‘best value’ and the ability to translate this into all aspects of the attached job description
- Effective use of resources
- Good knowledge of procuring and managing effective IT administration systems to raise attainment by supporting effective teaching and learning
- Ability to apply understanding and knowledge of procurement and contract management processes to obtain Best Value from suppliers
- Ability to use computer systems, including word processing skills to produce tables, spreadsheets and statistical returns
- Ability to use management information systems and be able to transfer the experience of using one system to another similar system if needed
- Makes professional managerial and organisational decisions based on informed judgements
Facilities management
- Ability to objectively assess and manage risk in relation to the safe school environment
- Good knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework in relation to the safe working environment
- Upkeep of buildings, grounds and services
School Business Manager employer: Winterbourne Junior Girls' School
As a School Business Manager, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering an environment where aspirations are met and expectations are exceeded. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with a supportive work culture that values integrity and accountability, ensures that you will thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact on the educational journey of our pupils. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique opportunities for collaboration and growth, empowering you to lead strategic initiatives that enhance our school's operational effectiveness.
Contact Details:
Winterbourne Junior Girls' School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a School Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and vision. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around leadership and financial management. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job postings and resources tailored for aspiring School Business Managers. We’ve got your back with tips and tools to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! We want to see how your values align with our vision of 'Aspirations, Expectations, No Excuses'. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive learning environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in leadership and project management. We’re looking for someone who can drive organisational change, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in previous roles. Use bullet points for clarity!
Be Specific About Your Skills:We love a good list! Clearly outline your skills related to finance, HR, and compliance. Mention any systems you’ve implemented or improved, and how they benefited your previous organisations. This helps us see the impact you could have here at our school.
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 you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winterbourne Junior Girls' School
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, make sure you understand the school's vision and values, especially the VINCAM principles. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills, project management experience, and ability to drive organisational change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Brush up on your knowledge of financial standards and procedures in schools. Be prepared to discuss how you've produced financial reports and managed budgets in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the School Business Manager position.
✨Cultural Competence Matters
Be ready to talk about your understanding of cultural differences and how you've navigated them in a professional setting. Highlight any experiences where you've promoted fairness and inclusivity, as this aligns with the school's commitment to accountability and transparency.
