School Business Manager

We are very pleased to be working alongside a highly thought of school as they seek to recruit a School Business Manager on a full time and permanent basis. Start date January 2027 or sooner if available

Haywards Heath - outskirts with plenty of parking available for all staff on site. Due to rural workplace location it is essential to be a driver and have your own transport

Full time permanent role - Monday - Friday, 37 hours per week

£60000-£65000 plus good all round benefits - including, 25 days annual holiday, free lunches and use of an on site gym. Role is subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded, operationally focused leader to oversee the financial, administrative, IT and estates functions of a thriving independent school. Working closely with the Principal, Trustees and senior leaders, you will help ensure the school continues to provide outstanding educational and therapeutic support to children and young people.

If you are an accomplished business leader with strong financial acumen, excellent people management skills and a passion for making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

The role - School Business Manager

As School Business Manager, you will have strategic and operational responsibility for the school's business functions, ensuring the effective delivery of financial management, compliance, estates, facilities and support services.

You will work as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the school's long-term vision while ensuring robust financial control, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Financial Management

Lead the school's budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
Monitor financial performance and provide strategic financial advice
Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and governance requirements
Support effective resource allocation and value-for-money initiatives

Estates & Operations

Oversee the management and development of the school's grounds, buildings and facilities
Ensure health and safety compliance across the estate
Manage contractors, maintenance programmes and operational projects
Drive continuous improvement across school operations

Leadership & People Management

Lead and develop support teams across finance, facilities, administration and IT
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence
Support workforce planning and operational effectiveness

IT & Digital Strategy

Provide leadership and oversight of IT services and infrastructure
Support the development of technology solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery
Ensure systems remain secure, effective and fit for purpose

Governance & Compliance

Support the Principal, Trustees and Governors in meeting statutory obligations
Ensure compliance with education, financial, charity and regulatory requirements
Develop and maintain policies, procedures and risk management processes

Experience, skills and competencies required:

My client is looking for an experienced leader who can combine strategic vision with a practical and hands-on approach.

You will ideally have:

Significant experience in business, financial or operational leadership
Strong financial management and budgetary control expertise
Experience leading multidisciplinary support teams
Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills
Strong ICT skills and confidence using management information systems
Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities
The ability to influence, collaborate and lead at senior level
A proactive and innovative approach to operational improvement

Desirable - not essential.

Experience within education, special education, charity or not-for-profit sectors
Knowledge of charity accounting, governance and regulatory compliance
Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within education settings

For more information regarding this new and exciting School Business Manager opportunity, please apply now! Short-listing will take place soon - don't miss out!

Berry Recruitment Services Ltd T/A First Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job

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School Business Manager

Job Details