Interim School Operations & Finance Lead

Clear Education; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Education is assisting a High School in Manchester to recruit an interim School Business Manager capable of hitting the ground running. You will oversee day-to-day non-teaching functions, drive financial controls and compliance, and work with the Headteacher and trust colleagues to provide stability during a period of change.

The role suits an experienced SBM or senior school administrator who can assess systems quickly, set priorities, and operate autonomously with limited induction.

Qualifications

• Substantial school business management or senior school operations experience.
• Experience with academy/MAT structures, school finance, HR, estates and procurement.
• Knowledge of MIS/finance systems such as SIMS, Bromcom or Arbor.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day business and operational functions.
• Support Headteacher and SLT with planning and problem solving.
• Review processes to identify operational or compliance risks.
• Monitor finances, budgets, procurement and value for money.
• Coordinate with central finance and HR teams on procedures.
• Oversee HR administration, staff records and recruitment.
• Ensure health, safety, GDPR and information management compliance.
• Support estates, site management, contracts and supplier oversight.
• Provide reports and management information to leadership.

Skills

School business management

Operations management

Staff management

Procurement

Compliance

Tools

SIMS

Bromcom

Arbor

Job description

Clear Education is assisting a High School in Manchester to recruit an interim School Business Manager capable of hitting the ground running. You will oversee day-to-day non-teaching functions, drive financial controls and compliance, and work with the Headteacher and trust colleagues to provide stability during a period of change.

The role suits an experienced SBM or senior school administrator who can assess systems quickly, set priorities, and operate autonomously with limited induction.