Regional Primary Business Manager

Tkat (the Kemnal Academies Trust); Foots Cray; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional development

Career Pathways

24/7 Confidential Counselling

Family-Friendly Policies

Supportive Environment

Blue Light Card Access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous Pension

Job summary

Kemnal Academies Trust is seeking a Regional Primary Business Manager to act as the strategic engine room between central trust strategy and local school execution across five Weald and City primary academies.

You will stabilise day-to-day operations, mentor front-office teams, oversee HR, payroll, compliance, finance, and facilities, and lead on safeguarding and governance. A driving licence and willingness to travel between academies are essential.

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification such as School Business Management (e.g., DSBM, Level 5 Diploma or equivalent) is essential.
• Experience in complex operational and financial management and budget preparation.
• Previous experience within a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is highly desirable, though commercial or charity sector leaders with strong transferable compliance skills are welcome.
• Advanced IT/MIS literacy is key.
• Mobility: A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as regular travel between our 5 regional academies is required.

Responsibilities

• HR, Recruitment & Payroll Support: support safer recruitment, local onboarding/offboarding, and SCR maintenance; oversee absence monitoring and audit employee lifecycle data; assist with payroll queries in coordination with central teams; manage staffing needs with Headteachers and Finance Business Partner.
• Compliance & Statutory Governance: conduct safeguarding and SCR audits; support LA and DfE statutory returns; manage secure record archiving; uphold GDPR standards.
• Local Financial Operations: assist budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, procurement below tender thresholds; oversee SLAs and supplier contracts; explore income or grant opportunities; ensure financial reporting with Finance Business Partner.
• Estates, Facilities & Health & Safety: coordinate site works, health & safety checks, risk assessments, fire drills; lead facilities strategy; manage ancillary services and business continuity planning.
• Training & General Administration: oversee staff training allocations, audit processes, and PDRs; maintain emergency plans.
• Safeguarding: promote safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.
• Operational Leadership: manage regional teams, delegate, and ensure high-quality service across academies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder communication

Contractor negotiation

IT/MIS literacy

Education

School Business Management qualification (DSBM / Level 5 Diploma or equivalent)

Tools

MIS/HR systems

Job description

Serving as a crucial bridge between the central trust team and individual academy offices, you will stabilise day-to-day operations, lead key business projects, mentor front-office teams, and ensure robust compliance across all academies within our shared-service model. You will act as an ambassador for our schools and the Trust, embodying our core values, vision, and ethos in every interaction. As part of a shared-service model supporting a number of academies, you will be a key point of contact for schools and stakeholders, embodying the Trust's values, vision, and ethos. By ensuring our schools run smoothly, sustainably, and efficiently, you allow our educators to focus on what they do best: teaching. Your key areas of focus will include:

• HR, Recruitment & Payroll Support: Support safer recruitment, local onboarding/offboarding, and Single Central Record (SCR) maintenance. Oversee absence monitoring, mentor front-office admin teams, audit employee lifecycle data in MIS/HR systems, and assist with payroll queries in coordination with central teams. Partner with Headteachers and the Finance Business Partner to manage staffing needs and recruitment. Oversee employee lifecycle data, ensure payroll accuracy, and lead organisational change and restructuring processes.
• Compliance & Statutory Governance: Conduct termly safeguarding and SCR audits alongside Headteachers and Directors. Support local authority (LA) and DfE statutory returns, manage secure record archiving, and uphold strict data protection (GDPR) standards
• Local Financial Operations: Assist academy leaders and central finance with budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and procurement below tender thresholds. Oversee local Service Level Agreements (SLAs), supplier/service contracts (e.g., catering, cleaning), and explore income generation or grant opportunities. Oversee academies' financial functions, including budget planning, monitoring, and financial reporting with the Finance Business Partner. Ensure compliance with financial regulations, manage audits, and ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Estates, Facilities & Health & Safety: Collaborate with the Regional Premises Manager and central estates team to ensure school buildings and grounds are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. Coordinate logistics and contractors for site works, and oversee routine health & safety checks, risk assessments, and fire drills. Lead the strategic development of facilities and estates. Manage ancillary services (catering, cleaning), ensure compliance, and oversee business continuity planning and energy conservation initiatives.
• Training & General Administration: Oversee staff training allocations, manage external audit inspection processes/action plans, maintain emergency and business continuity plans, and conduct staff performance reviews (PDRs).
• Safeguarding: Actively promote and ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils in line with statutory guidance
• Operational Leadership: Manage and support the regional teams. Foster high standards, delegate effectively, and ensure high-quality service across academies.
  Are you passionate about creating a supportive, thriving environment where children and people can succeed? At Kemnal, we know that excellent schools don't just happen. Brilliant operational minds behind the scenes power them. Joining the Kemnal Academies Trust (Kemnal) family, you will take on the vital role of Regional Primary Business Manager, acting as the strategic engine room and vital bridge between central trust strategy and local school execution across our five Weald and City primary academies.
• Qualifications: A relevant professional qualification such as School Business Management (e.g., DSBM, Level 5 Diploma or equivalent) is essential.
• Experience: Proven experience in complex operational and financial management and budget preparation. Previous experience within a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is highly desirable, though commercial or charity sector leaders with strong transferable compliance skills are welcome.
• Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills; you can discuss compliance and operational figures with key stakeholders, negotiate with a contractor, and support a Headteacher in the same morning. Advanced IT/MIS literacy is key.
• Mobility: A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as regular travel between our 5 regional academies is required.
• Commitment: A deep commitment to safe recruitment practices and safeguarding children's welfare.
  Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits. A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward. Flexible Working - Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Your Benefits - We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it's our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

• Exceptional development: Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role.
• Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills, with clear routes toward EYFS leadership, senior leadership, and wider trust roles, and support for further qualifications and professional development if desired.
• 24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.
• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK's premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.