School Business Manager in York

Permanent, full time position (Part-Time Considered) working all year round - Monday to Friday with additional hours on occasions to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Salary: £45,000.00 per annum

Closing Date for this vacancy: Midnight, Sunday, 15th June 2025

Interview Dates: Week commencing, 16th June 2025

Start Date: 1st July 2025, or earlier if possible, to ensure transition with the outgoing Finance Manager.

About York Steiner School: York Steiner School is an independent, non-selective school providing Steiner Waldorf education to children aged 3 to 16. Rooted in Waldorf philosophy, we offer a holistic and creative learning environment that nurtures the whole child — head, heart, and hands. We are part of a network of successful UK and Irish Waldorf schools and enjoy strong community ties in the city of York. We are entering an exciting phase of development, including a rebranding and a new website, and are seeking a dynamic and capable School Business Manager to lead our non-teaching functions and support long-term sustainability.

Role Purpose: The School Business Manager is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic and operational management of the school’s finance, HR, operations, marketing, and compliance functions. Working closely with the Headteacher (who leads teaching and learning), the Business Manager enables the school to meet its strategic aims and delivers effective services to support high-quality education. This is a high-trust leadership position that reports directly to the Board of Trustees and manages the administrative and operational staff team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic and Financial Leadership: Lead and manage the school’s budget and financial strategy in collaboration with the Trustees. Produce monthly and termly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial reports. Ensure value for money and sound financial planning across all departments. Oversee payroll, pensions, tax compliance, invoicing, and debt recovery. Liaise with auditors and accountants to ensure regulatory compliance and statutory reporting. Manage fee structures, including bursary assessments, invoicing, and debt collection. Maintain the school’s accounting systems and financial records to professional standards.
• Operational and Compliance Management: Lead the school’s operational functions, including premises, health and safety, and IT systems. Line-manage and support HR, admin and operations staff, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability. Ensure legal compliance with all relevant statutory and independent school obligations (DfE, Companies House, Charity Commission, GDPR, KCSiE, etc.). Maintain key statutory records including the Single Central Register and insurance documentation.
• Human Resources: Oversee HR administration, ensuring robust recruitment, induction, performance management and payroll processes. Support policy development and implementation relating to staff wellbeing, training, contracts and disciplinary matters.
• Marketing and External Relations: Develop and lead a marketing strategy to support pupil recruitment and retention. Manage the school’s brand and communications, including website, social media, and promotional materials. Build positive relationships with parents, prospective families, local businesses and the wider community, including coordinating the alumni network. Support and attend key school events, such as fairs, open days and seasonal festivals.
• Governance and Strategic Planning: Support the Trustees with strategic planning, risk management and financial oversight. Prepare and present reports at trustee and subcommittee meetings as required. Actively participate in meetings with Waldorf UK and other partner organisations.

Annual Leave: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays) in the first year, 31 days in the second year before rising to 33 days after 3 years. There will be a 6 month probationary period.

Person Specification

• Essential Qualifications and Experience: Business and/or financial qualification (AAT Level 3 or equivalent). Significant experience in financial management, including budget planning and forecasting. Experience of leading operational services in a school or similar organisation. Experience of managing people and building effective teams. Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, DEXT), MS Office, Google Workspace.
• Desirable Qualifications: Experience working in an independent or Steiner/Waldorf school. Knowledge of charity accounting and regulations. Experience in marketing and communications.
• Skills and Competencies: Excellent organisational and time management skills. Strong analytical and financial reporting skills. Strategic thinker with ability to lead and influence. Highly effective communicator with a collaborative leadership style. Discreet, trustworthy and committed to professional standards.
• Personal Attributes: Supportive of Waldorf educational values. Calm, flexible, and solutions-focused. Committed to equity, inclusion and community engagement. Professional, positive and resilient.