School Business Manager
| Posting date: | 01 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £260.0 to £350.0 per day |
| Additional salary information: | £260-£350 a day dependent on experience |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 October 2025 |
| Location: | Tower Hamlets, London, E3 3QW |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 4720222_1756743887 |
Summary
School Business ManagerFull-Time (35 hours/week) | temporary
Location: Tower Hamlets, London
Salary:£260-£350 per day dependent on experienceProposed start date: October
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a key strategic role, responsible for leading all non-teaching support functions to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the school.Key Details
- Working Pattern: Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Contract: Temporary
- Flexibility: Required to work flexibly, including during school holidays and occasional evenings for meetings or events
- Reports to: Headteacher
- Line Management: Responsible for all support staff (excluding SEND and teaching departments), including:
- Operations Manager
- HR Manager
Purpose of the Role
- Provide strategic leadership of the school's business functions to support student development
- Advise the Headteacher and Governors on financial planning and business operations
- Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and deliver high-quality support services
- Act as a full member of the Senior Leadership Team
Leadership Responsibilities
- Contribute to the strategic direction and development of the school
- Collaborate with partner schools and external organisations
- Lead and manage business functions including finance, HR, premises, ICT, data, and administration
- Develop and implement effective systems and procedures to ensure service continuity and efficiency
- Promote a strong customer service ethos across all support teams
Finance Management
- Lead the preparation and monitoring of annual and long-term budgets
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best value procurement
- Provide financial reports and business cases to SLT and Governors
- Oversee payroll, pensions, and year-end accounts
- Liaise with auditors and manage internal audit processes
Human Resources
- Work with the HR Manager to ensure effective HR operations
- Provide advice on HR matters to staff and governors
- Oversee recruitment, induction, and staff development
- Manage casework including attendance, capability, and disciplinary issues
Governance Support
- Ensure effective clerking and administrative support for the Governing Body and its committees
Facilities & Operations
- Oversee the Operations Manager and ensure effective estate management
- Maintain and develop the school site to meet operational and safety standards
- Manage contracts for catering, cleaning, grounds maintenance, and other services
- Lead on energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
- Ensure the school remains operational during adverse weather
Health & Safety
- Act as the Fire Safety Lead and oversee the Health & Safety Policy
- Provide training and guidance to staff on H&S responsibilities
- Implement internal audits and accident reporting procedures
- Ensure compliance across all extended services
Risk Management
- Develop and maintain systems to identify, assess, and mitigate risks
- Secure external advice where necessary to support compliance and best practice
Essential Attributes
- Proven experience in school business leadership or a similar role
- Strong financial acumen and understanding of education funding
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and strategically within a senior team
If you are a proactive, strategic thinker with a passion for education and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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