Business Manager

Global CTS Recruitment; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced School Office / Business Manager to oversee the operations of a special school in Henley-on-Thames. This maternity cover position offers a competitive hourly rate and requires strong leadership, HR, and financial management skills. The role involves strategic planning, human resources management, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal for someone looking to make a significant impact in a supportive educational environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in school business management or comparable administrative leadership role.
• Demonstrates strong financial, HR, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with health & safety and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the administrative and operational functions of the school.
• Oversee HR processes including recruitment and compliance.
• Manage school site, buildings, and facilities for safety and maintenance.

Skills

Strong leadership and staff management skills

Knowledge of HR processes

Financial management skills

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Job description

School Office / Business Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 to 14 Months)

Start Date: November 2025

Location: South Oxfordshire - Henley - must drive

Salary: £21.65 - £25.54 per hour (dependent on experience)

Hours: 37 hours per week (Mon to Thurs: 8am to 4pm, Fri: 8am to 3.30pm)

Please note, due to the nature of this role, a DBS check will be required.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated School Office / Business Manager to lead and manage the administrative and operational functions of a busy and vibrant special school. The School Business Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership in all non-teaching aspects of school life, ensuring the effective management of finance, human resources, administration, ICT, health & safety, procurement and compliance. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the School Business Manager plays a key role in supporting the Headteacher in delivering the school's vision, aims and continuous improvement.

This is a maternity cover position for approximately 12‑14 months, offering the chance to play a vital part in a supportive team that values professionalism, initiative and a positive approach to problem‑solving.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team to contribute to school improvement planning and decision‑making

Human Resources

• Manage the school's HR system and ensure that all records are up‑to‑date
• Manage recruitment, induction, probation, support staff appraisal, and professional development processes
• Manage the staff absence process including return to work meetings and absence review meetings
• Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements, and safer recruitment practices
• Administer school‑level payroll processes including administration of new starters, leavers, changes in hours, annual and other types of leave, overtime, expenses, etc.

Administration

• Manage and develop the school's administrative functions
• Responsibility for the efficient and effective running of the school office, including line management of administrative staff
• Ensure systems and processes support effective communication and data management

Premises & Facilities Management

• Manage the school site, buildings, and facilities to ensure they are safe, secure and well maintained
• Lead on health & safety compliance, risk assessments and external inspections
• Oversee school‑level contracts, procurement and service level agreements
• Management of school cleaning contract
• Management of school catering

Financial Management

• Support the Finance Business Partner in the preparation of the annual budget and three‑year financial plan and regular budget monitoring including expenditure and income variations against budget
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, financial procedures, and audit requirements
• Ensure accurate payroll by managing the payroll checking process
• Management and reconciliation of school credit card(s) and reconciliation of payments from parents/carers e.g. dinner money, school trips

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure school policies are compliant with legislation and regulatory requirements
• Prepare reports and data for Ofsted, Local Authority, DfE, and other stakeholders

About You

• Has proven experience in school business management or a comparable administrative leadership role
• Demonstrates strong financial, HR and organisational skills
• Can lead with integrity, efficiency and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Communicates confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
• Thrives in a collaborative, dynamic environment

To be considered for this role, the ideal candidate will have the following:

• Strong leadership and staff management skills/ experience
• Knowledge of HR processes, employment law and staff development
• Experience in facilities, health & safety and risk management
• Knowledge and understanding of financial processes e.g. order processing, approvals, budget setting, payroll processes
• Knowledge of safer recruitment processes and safeguarding requirements desirable

Global CTS Limited

No terminology used in this job description is intended to discriminate against a person's age, race, religion, gender, marital status, colour, disability or sexual orientation. Each candidate is only assessed on their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job described above.

In submitting your CV to Global CTS Ltd via email, social media, our website (general submission or vacancy application) or to a Global CTS vacancy via a jobs board you imply consent for Global CTS to process your personal data for the purposes of considering your suitability for vacancies and provision of work‑finding services. We will never pass on your CV/details without receiving prior permission from yourself.