School Business Manager

Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group; Earl Shilton; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority in the UK is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to lead financial policies and support pupils with special educational needs. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience and a School Business Manager Qualification. This role offers a diverse work environment and the opportunity to make a difference in the education of young people aged 5-16. The position is permanent and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Unique Learning Environment

Professional Development

Supportive Team

Flexible Working Options

Qualifications

• Several years of leadership experience in a school setting.
• Experience of working with pupils with special educational needs in a secondary school.
• Ability to provide strategic direction on finances within a specialist setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the implementation of financial policies.
• Collaborate with agencies on financial and operational systems.
• Prepare and monitor the annual school budget.
• Promote inclusion for all pupils and staff.

Skills

Leadership experience

Experience with special educational needs

Strategic financial direction

Administration leadership

Knowledge of SEN legislation

Education

School Business Manager Qualification

Job description

Description

Organisation : Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Oakfield Secondary Provision (travel may be necessary between sites)

Worker Category: Field Based Worker

Salary: 43860 - 47829 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Working Hours: 37 hours per week pro-rata 42 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 17 September 2025

Interview Date(s): 26 September 2025

Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire's provision for school‑aged children who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from school. We have expanded the age range of Oakfield School and, as a result, we are recruiting staff. Our Secondary Inclusion Partnership staff who helped put provisions in place for secondary‑aged children and young people who have been excluded from school or are at risk of this have recently joined the team. Therefore you will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development working with us to meet the needs of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16 who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps.

About the Role

This role is to lead the development and implementation of the schools financial and service support policies, systems and procedures; ensuring that they adhere to agreed policies, relevant legislation, financial regulations and standing orders; and to develop new systems as required to create a provision that delivers an effective service. The role would suit an experienced and qualified School Business Manager with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can inspire others. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy and the ability to intrinsically connect with pupils with complex SEMH needs and lead staff in delivering a service that enables them to overcome barriers to education and re‑engage in their education community with their peers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire: develop and implement the schools financial and service support policies, systems and procedures
• Collaborate with agencies: work closely with LA finance colleagues, school leaders and other external agencies to the financial and operational systems
• Accountability: prepare and monitor in consultation with the Executive Headteacher the annual school budget, prepare analyses as required and present financial statements and reports
• Promote inclusion: demonstrate a commitment to inclusion ensuring all pupils and staff members feel valued and supported

What We Offer

• Unique Learning Environment: Experience a diverse and dynamic workplace where every day is different
• Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and bespoke training
• Supportive Team: Join a highly skilled and supportive team of practitioners
• Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people
• Flexibility: Options for part‑time or full‑time work to suit your lifestyle

About You

• Several years of leadership experience in a school setting. A School Business Manager Qualification is essential for this post
• Experience of working with pupils with special educational needs in a secondary school, secondary pupil referral unit or special school
• Experience of leading Administration and school finance teams
• Experience of working with challenging pupils
• Experience of educational settings development and planning
• Ability to provide strategic direction and development on finances within a specialist setting
• Knowledge of SEN legislation and county SEN policy and procedures

You must also have an understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

In addition we expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the interview process

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability

Interested in Flexible Working

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore wherever possible we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role please contact the person named below. This may include requests for term‑time working, part‑time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, home/remote working, etc.

Contact

Vicky Edwards
Executive Head Teacher

Telephone: –
Email: –

How to Apply

Leicestershire County Council is an inclusive organisation which is on a journey to embed and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion at every level and warmly welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Having a diverse workforce with different perspectives and ideas is fundamental to our values and enriches the services we offer. Applicants from ethnically diverse and LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed to create a balanced workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria listed in the About You section above will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.

To apply for this job please click on the apply button. You will need to upload a supporting statement as part of your application which explains how you meet the criteria listed in the About You section. For more information see the How to Apply section on our career site.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, so please submit your application as early as possible.

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