School Business Manager

The Governors of Stanley School are looking to appoint a highly motivated School Business Manager with strong organisational skills and strategic vision to lead our school admin team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the relevant experience in managing finance, project management, and developing people to take on this important role. As a leading professional in the school and a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will be instrumental in developing and supporting the strategic management of the school and providing vision, leadership and direction.

This is a varied role with a broad range of responsibilities including:

• Leadership & Strategy - Serve on the Senior Leadership Team, negotiate and influence strategic decision-making, lead and manage all administration staff, and drive change with stakeholder-focused pragmatic service solutions.
• Financial Management - Prepare and monitor budgets including specialist SEN funding streams and high needs allocations, manage contracts and tenders ensuring best value, oversee all financial transactions and reporting, and ensure compliance with the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
• Administration Management - Lead the whole school administration function, design and maintain effective administrative systems, and oversee pupil records and statutory returns.
• HR Management - Advise on HR policy, manage recruitment processes, maintain the Single Central Record, oversee payroll, and provide strategic direction on staffing needs.
• Facilities & Property Management - Work with the Caretaker to manage site maintenance, monitor contractual obligations, and implement risk management strategies to ensure our environment is safe and accessible for all pupils with special educational needs.
• Income Generation - Maximise income through lettings, fundraising, and grant applications specific to SEN provision to secure funds for school projects and resources.
• Management Information Systems & ICT - Oversee technology strategy, ensure GDPR compliance, and maintain accurate data systems.

We are looking for someone who is naturally positive, committed to our vision and passionate to support the future growth of our school. You will have:

• A very positive 'can do' approach to all aspects of work.
• Outstanding communication skills both in person and in all aspects of telephone, written and electronic communication.
• Strong organisational skills with relevant experience and passion for financial management, project management, grant applications and marketing.
• A genuine interest in all aspects of human resource management to support the efficiency of our staff teams.
• The ability to actively promote our school through effective use of all available communication tools.
• A proactive approach in all areas of school business to enable our Senior Leadership Team to concentrate their time on teaching and learning.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• GCSE education to include good passes in English language and maths (or equivalent).
• Management and leadership of staff with a thorough understanding of staffing issues.
• Experience of business and financial management including budget and financial planning, ideally within a SEN or specialist school setting.
• Excellent IT skills and ability to implement effective systems.
• An awareness and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Desirable:

• National College of School Leadership Business Certificate or diploma, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of school MIS systems (e.g., Compass, SIMS) and FMS.
• Understanding of SEN funding mechanisms and EHCP processes.

What We Can Offer:

• Supportive, hard-working and dedicated staff where people are valued and well-being is important.
• An active governing body.
• A commitment to your professional development.
• A successful, happy and forward-thinking shared school community.

If you think you have what it takes to join our friendly and professional team, we would love to hear from you. For further details or to arrange a visit to school, please contact the school office, or visit our website: www.stanleyschool.co.uk.

Closing date: 13th May 2026
Interview date: 2nd June 2026

The school is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of our children and expects the same level of commitment from all staff. This post is subject to an Enhanced Level CRB check. All applicants will be considered on the basis of suitability for the post regardless of sex, race or disability.