School Business Manager

JDS Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

JDS Recruitment is seeking a proactive School Business Manager for a primary school in Hackney. You will lead financial planning, budgeting, HR administration and facilities management to support teaching and pupil outcomes.

The role requires strategic leadership with the Headteacher and governors, strong financial discipline, and excellent people skills. A commitment to safeguarding and school compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial, operational or business management, ideally in a school or educational setting.
• Strong financial management, budgeting and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support administrative and operational teams.
• Good understanding of HR, health and safety, safeguarding and school compliance requirements.
• Proficient with financial management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Can work independently, demonstrate initiative and manage competing priorities.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Financial management: Lead budgeting, reporting, and controls for the school.
• Strategic Leadership: Support Headteacher and governors for development and sustainability.
• HR: Oversee HR administration, recruitment, payroll liaison, absence management and wellbeing.
• Premises/Facilities: Manage site, health and safety, security, maintenance and compliance.
• Procurement: Oversee purchasing, supplier relationships, contracts and tenders.
• Administration/Operations: Ensure efficient admin systems for smooth running.
• Governance/Compliance: Support policies, audits, risk management and compliance.
• Health and Safety: Promote a safe environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

HR knowledge

Health and safety

Safeguarding

Microsoft Office

Finance systems

Education

Business management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial management systems

Job description

SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER

Primary School in Hackney, East London

An exciting opportunity to make a difference in our school community!

Are you an organised, proactive and experienced professional with excellent leadership, financial and operational management skills? Are you passionate about supporting children's education and helping a school community thrive?

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed and highly motivated School Business Manager to join our friendly and dedicated primary school in Hackney.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who can provide strategic and operational leadership across the school's business functions, ensuring that resources, systems and services effectively support high-quality teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Lead the school's financial planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and financial controls, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money.
• Strategic Leadership: Work alongside the Headteacher and governors to support the strategic development and long-term sustainability of the school.
• Human Resources: Oversee HR administration, recruitment processes, staff contracts, payroll liaison, absence management and staff wellbeing procedures.
• Premises and Facilities: Manage the school site, maintenance, health and safety, security, cleaning and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Procurement and Contracts: Oversee purchasing, supplier relationships, service contracts and tendering processes.
• Administration and Operations: Ensure effective administrative systems and procedures are in place to support the smooth running of the school.
• Governance and Compliance: Support governors with financial reporting, policies, audits, risk management and statutory compliance.
• Health and Safety: Promote a safe and secure environment for pupils, staff, parents and visitors.

About You

• Has experience in financial, operational or business management, ideally within a school or educational setting.
• Has strong financial management, budgeting and analytical skills.
• Has excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can lead, motivate and support administrative and operational teams.
• Has a good understanding of HR, health and safety, safeguarding and school compliance requirements.
• Is confident using financial management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Can work independently, demonstrate initiative and manage competing priorities.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

A relevant business management, finance or school business management qualification would be desirable.

What We Offer

• A welcoming, inclusive and supportive school community.
• A committed and dedicated leadership team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to children's education and school improvement.
• A varied and rewarding leadership role where your skills and expertise will make a real difference.

Job Details

• Position: School Business Manager
• Location: Hackney, East London
• Working Pattern: Full time
• Hours: 8am - 4pm OR 8.30am - 4.30pm
• Start Date: ASAP Start