Business Manager - Large School In Reading

Marchant Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension scheme

Staff wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment seeks an exceptional School Business Manager for a vibrant secondary school in Reading. You will lead non-teaching operations, shape financial strategy, HR, and facilities while reporting to the SLT and governing body.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a proven track record in school operations and financial management within a secondary setting. A competitive package and local pension benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven SBM/Operations lead experience, preferably in a secondary school setting.
• Qualification in finance/accounting (CSBM/DSBM/CIPFA/CIMA/ACCA) or relevant business degree.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to manage diverse teams.
• Experience with school MIS and financial software is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead non-teaching operations and maintain financial health of the school.
• Oversee budgeting, procurement, SLAs, income generation and internal controls.
• Line-manage Site Manager/Facilities team and oversee HR, payroll, and safeguarding processes.
• Ensure health, safety, compliance with DfE and local authorities; report to SLT and governing body.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Resilience under pressure

Education

Finance/accounting qualification or business degree

Tools

SIMS

Arbor

Bromcom

Financial software

Job description

Salary: £48,000 – £58,000 per annum (Depending on experience)

Setting: Secondary School

Role Overview

We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated School Business Manager (SBM) to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at a vibrant and successful secondary school in Reading.

As the School Business Manager, you will be the strategic lead for all non-teaching operations. You will hold ultimate accountability for the school’s financial health, human resources, health and safety compliance, estate management, and administrative functions. This is a pivotal role requiring a commercial mindset, strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead a diverse team of support staff in a fast‑paced educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Strategy

Act as the principal financial advisor to the Headteacher and Governing Body, preparing regular monitoring reports, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

Manage the school’s multi-million-pound budget, ensuring maximum value for money, robust internal controls, and full compliance with financial regulations.

Oversee procurement, contract renewals, and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimize school spending.

Identify and drive income‑generation opportunities, including community lettings, bids, and grant applications.

Line‑manage the Site Manager / Facilities team to ensure the school premises are safe, secure, well‑maintained, and prepared for daily teaching.

Oversee the strategic delivery of major capital building projects, maintenance programs, and IT infrastructure upgrades.

Ensure absolute statutory compliance across all aspects of Health & Safety, risk management, and fire safety.

Lead, motivate, and develop the school's support staff teams, including administration, finance, facilities, and catering.

Oversee the operational HR function, including recruitment processes, contract administration, performance management, and payroll verification.

Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) to ensure flawless safeguarding compliance.

Compliance & Governance

Ensure the school meets all legal and statutory obligations set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities.

Attend and present at full Governing Body and sub‑committee meetings, providing transparent operational and financial analysis.

Required Criteria

Experience: Proven experience working as a School Business Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Finance Lead (experience within a secondary school setting is highly desirable).

Qualifications: A professional qualification in finance/accounting (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, CIPFA, CIMA, or ACCA) or a relevant degree in business administration.

Skills: Strong leadership capability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with school management information systems (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom) and financial software.

Attributes: A strategic thinker who is resilient under pressure, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting student outcomes through operational excellence.

What the School Offers

A supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking Senior Leadership Team.

Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).

Generous local government pension scheme and staff wellbeing initiatives.