School Business Manager

Job Description

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School Business Manager

Salary: £45,000 per annumContract: Permanent, Full-TimeStart Date: September 2026Location: Specialist School Setting

About the School

This new specialist school, opening in late 2026, will provide a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious environment for children and young people aged 5–19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

With a planned capacity of 72 pupils, the school’s vision is to create a safe, enriching and aspirational setting where every learner can thrive. Strong governance, high standards and a child-centred approach are central to the school’s ethos.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the planning, creation, opening and ongoing operation of a brand-new provision.

The Role

The School Business Manager is a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic leadership and management of all support services within the school.

You will ensure the school runs efficiently and sustainably, providing a safe, well-resourced environment that supports excellent outcomes for pupils. The role offers a high degree of autonomy, including responsibility for delegated budgets, resources and operational decision-making.

As the school is in its development phase, you will be instrumental in establishing systems and processes, recruiting and developing a strong support team, and supporting the successful opening and long-term sustainability of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all support services, including finance, premises, HR and administration
• Manage budgets, financial systems and resource allocation
• Contribute to strategic planning and whole-school development plans
• Implement and evaluate plans for continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory and safeguarding requirements
• Support senior leaders with operational decision-making and risk management
• Recruit, lead and develop a high-performing support team

Skills & Qualifications

• A relevant management or professional qualification (e.g. management or finance – desirable)
• Strong knowledge of education regulations, standards and inspection frameworks
• Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation
• Experience managing EBITDA, financial systems, budgeting and financial processes
• Strong leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Ready to Apply?

If you are an enthusiastic and driven School Business Manager looking to make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you. Please apply to begin your journey in shaping a new specialist provision.

SafeguardingThe employing organisation and Reed Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. xwzovoh An enhanced DBS check will be required in line with safer recruitment procedures.