School Business Manager

Lever Edge Primary Academy; Bolton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent primary education institution in Bolton, England, is looking for an exceptional School Business Manager. This crucial role involves financial leadership, strategic management, and overseeing key operational teams. The ideal candidate is solution-focused, highly proficient in IT, and experienced in strategic financial management. Previous school experience is advantageous but not essential. The school emphasizes safeguarding and welcomes applications from under-represented groups. Closing date for applications is January 9, 2026.

Qualifications

• Motivated individual with a positive and proactive mindset.
• Experience in leadership responsibilities in financial management is ideal.
• Previous school experience is an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s financial management, including budgeting and reporting.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and Trustees for strategic planning.
• Line-manage the admin, premises, catering, and school meals teams.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding expectations.

Skills

Solution-focused

Innovative and flexible

Proficient in IT

Experience in strategic financial management

Job description

Due to the retirement of our long-standing postholder, Lever Edge Primary Academy is seeking an exceptional School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and play a pivotal role in the continued success of our school.

About the Academy

Lever Edge Primary Academy is a large two form entry Primary School, with two Nurseries, a large Sports Hall and an established Forest School provision. In November 2025 we opened a 16 place SEND unit, further strengthening our commitment to inclusive education.

We pride ourselves on our culture of continuous improvement, our strong community ethos, and our determination to provide a high-quality education for every child.

The role : What you will lead

As an integral member of the SLT, you will help shape the strategic direction of the school while ensuring our support services run with excellence and efficiency. You will provide leadership and oversight across the administrative, premises, catering, and school meals supervisory teams, fostering a culture of professionalism and high standards.

Key responsibilities include :

Financial Leadership

• Lead the school’s financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, reporting, and income generation
• Oversee all aspects of the school’s accounting systems and financial controls

Strategic Management

• Work closely with the Headteacher and Trustees to deliver the School Development Plan
• Contribute to long-term planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making

Team Leadership

• Line-manage the admin, premises, catering and school meals supervisory teams
• Promote effective communication, professional development and high performance

Operations & Compliance

• Lead on HR processes, payroll coordination, and staff compliance
• Oversee Health & Safety, Premises and Facilities Management
• Ensure systems and procedures meet statutory requirements and best practice

Safeguarding

• Manage and maintain the Single Central Record
• Ensure full compliance across all support services in line with safeguarding expectations

We are looking for a motivated individual who is :

• Solution-focused, innovative and flexible, with a positive and proactive mindset
• Experienced in strategic financial management, ideally with leadership responsibilities
• Highly proficient in IT, with experience of financial and information management systems
• Committed to our ethos of continuous improvement and raising standards for all
• (Previous school experience is an advantage but not essential for the right candidate)

If you wish to have an informal conversation about the role or visit the school, please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive and impactful leadership role, we encourage you to apply now.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Employment is conditional on confirmation of the rights to work in the UK – either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

An application form for the post can be obtained from the school website, or from the school office.

Closing date : 9.00 a.m. on Friday 9th January 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Lever Edge Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.