School Business Manager

Parklands High School; Chorley; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Term-time plus considered

Leadership role in academy

Job summary

Parklands High School is seeking a School Business Manager to lead financial, HR and facilities operations within the trust.

The role offers a Grade 8 salary (£37,563–£42,123) with a full-time permanent appointment, with potential for term-time-plus for the right candidate. Start date as soon as possible; closing date 30/10/2026.

You will work with executive leadership and central teams to ensure efficient budgeting, procurement, payroll and safety across the academy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex financial budgets, operational workflows, and administrative teams.
• Ability to maintain composure and prioritise workload under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to continuous operational improvement in education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budget management, financial reporting, payroll administration, and procurement processes.
• Direct day-to-day administrative operations, health and safety compliance, and site facility management.
• Lead HR administrative functions, supporting staff recruitment, onboarding, and payroll oversight.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and trust teams for long-term planning and sustainability.

Skills

Operational expertise

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Commitment to excellence

Job description

School Business Manager

Salary : Grade 8 Scp 25-30 . FTE £37,563-£42,123

Contract type and term: full time, permanent ( subject to an initial probationary period) Possibility of Termtime Plus may be considered for the right candidate.

Expected Start date: as soon as possible

Closing Date:30/10/2026

Proposed Interview Date:w/c 02/11/2026

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial & Commercial Management: Oversee budget management, financial reporting, payroll administration, and procurement processes. Manage supplier contracts to ensure cost-efficiency and compliance.
2. Operational & Facilities Leadership: Direct day-to-day administrative operations, health and safety compliance, and site facility management to maintain a secure and functional learning environment.
3. Human Resources Administration: Lead HR administrative functions, supporting staff recruitment, onboarding, contractual processes, and payroll oversight in alignment with trust policies.
4. Strategic Collaboration: Work alongside executive leadership and central multi-academy trust teams to support long-term strategic planning and operational sustainability.

Person Specification

1. Operational Expertise: Proven experience managing complex financial budgets, operational workflows, and administrative teams, ideally within an educational or public sector environment.
2. Crisis Management & Resilience: Ability to maintain professional composure, prioritize workload under pressure, and apply sound judgment when addressing unexpected operational challenges.
3. Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with site staff, teaching personnel, executive leadership, and external suppliers.
4. Commitment to Excellence: Strong commitment to continuous operational improvement and supporting the wider educational community in Chorley.

Key Benefits & Package

1. Competitive Salary: Grade 8 (£37,563 – £42,123)
2. Flexible Working Options: Standard full-time contract, with flexibility for term-time-plus working arrangements considered for the right candidate.
3. Purpose-Driven Role: A key leadership support role directly contributing to the educational environment and outcomes for students across the academy.