School Business Manager

Venn Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school in central London is seeking a School Business Manager to support the Headteacher with efficient administration and operational management of the school. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial and HR expertise, alongside excellent skills in compliance and communication. This full-time position requires a degree and offers a salary of £57,000 with a 3-month contract. Early applications are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial and operational management within an educational or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, HR processes, payroll, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection legislation.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school.
• Oversee financial management, including annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment and payroll.

Skills

Financial management

HR processes

Compliance

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

MS Office

Finance systems

MIS

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a School Business Manager to join a well-established independent school in London. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Headteacher in the overall administration and operational management of the school. The postholder will lead on finance, HR, compliance, health & safety, and governance, ensuring the school runs efficiently and meets statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school and provide business and administrative support.
• Oversee financial management, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to senior leadership and governors.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment, payroll, and staff records in line with safeguarding and safer recruitment standards.
• Maintain the Single Central Register and ensure compliance with safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, data protection, and regulatory requirements for independent schools.
• Act as Clerk to the Governors, preparing agendas, papers, and minutes for meetings.
• Liaise with internal teams and external contractors to maintain facilities and deliver operational services.
• Monitor and manage contracts, including catering and maintenance agreements.
• Provide strategic advice to the Headteacher and governors on risk management and operational improvements.
• Lead on inspections and ensure policies are up to date and compliant.
• Line manage support staff and foster a collaborative working environment.

Ideal candidate profile

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Proven experience in financial and operational management within an educational or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, HR processes, payroll, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills.
• High level of IT literacy (MS Office, finance systems, MIS).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection legislation.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Flexible approach with willingness to work additional hours when required.

Location:Central London

Salary:£57,000

Contract:3 month FTC

Working hours:Full-time, 40 hours per week

Working pattern:On-site

This vacancy is being actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.