School Business Manager

Brighton & Hove City Council; England; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking School Business Manager to join their team at a bilingual primary school. This integral role involves managing budgeting, procurement, and compliance, along with supervising office staff and driving fundraising efforts. Candidates with strong leadership skills, financial acumen, and experience in school administration are encouraged to apply. The position offers a competitive salary and a chance to make a significant impact in a pioneering educational environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working in school administration, finance, and/or business.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Can-do attitude with strategic vision.

Responsibilities

• Manage budgeting, procurement, and payroll.
• Support Headteacher with planning and resource allocation.
• Lead on business side of projects and supervise office team.
• Drive fundraising and community partnerships.

Skills

Financial acumen

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Experience with school systems

Tools

SIMS

Office 365

Google Suite

Job description

Job introduction

Due to the retirement of our long-standing School Business Manager, we are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our senior leadership team. This is an integral role in enabling our vision as a unique, inclusive bilingual school. You will have a full transition and handover period to ensure a smooth start.

Paid weeks per year: 47.57 (inclusive of holiday entitlement)

Start date: April 2026

About the role

As School Business Manager, you will:

• Manage budgeting, procurement, payroll, and ensure compliance with DfE and trust requirements.
• Support the Headteacher with long-term planning, resource allocation, and school improvement.
• Lead on the business side of projects, including site development and income generation.
• Supervise the office team, ensuring adherence to policies, safeguarding, GDPR, and health & safety.
• Influence senior leadership decisions as a member of SLT and motivate staff.
• Liaise with governors, parents, staff, and external agencies.
• Oversee premises management, recruitment, contracts, and staff welfare.
• Drive fundraising, lettings, and community partnerships.

What We're Looking For

A committed professional with a can-do attitude and:

• Financial acumen,
• Leadership skills, and strategic vision,
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions under pressure,
• Experience with school systems such as (SIMS), Office 365/Google Suite, and finance software (training provided if needed),
• Experience of working in school administration, finance and / or business.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a pioneering school and play a key role in delivering our mission. You'll be part of a supportive team committed to excellence and innovation.

About Us

The Bilingual Primary School offers the opportunity to work in a successful, innovative school at the leading edge of bilingual education in the UK. The successful candidate will have the advantage of working as part of a friendly, motivated team during an exciting phase of the school's development.

We are a unique school with an inclusive vision to provide quality bilingual education for all children. We welcome visitors, providers and consultants from the UK and overseas ensuring the best opportunities for pupils and staff. Please look at our website for a flavour of who we are: https://www.bilingualprimaryschool.org.uk/

We welcome visits to the school from interested candidates. Please contact the school to make an appointment.

Apply now to be part of our journey.

For more details and an application pack, please visit www.bilingualprimaryschool.org.uk

Closing date

9am on Friday 23rd January 2026

Interview date

Tuesday 30th January 2026

How to apply

Completed application forms accepted by email/post direct to the school office:

Telephone: [phone]

Website: https://www.bilingualprimaryschool.org.uk/

Additional information

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check. The successful applicant will need to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS.

Company information

Brighton & Hove Schools - Taking Action for Equality

The governors of our school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Brighton & Hove Schools do not accept CV or resume.

Salary range

• £41,250 - £45,083 per year