School Business Manager

Powell Corderoy Primary School; England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Powell Corderoy Primary School in Surrey is seeking a proactive School Business Manager to lead finances, HR, and governance. You will oversee H&S via line management of the caretaker and manage the school admin in partnership with our experienced office team, within a TAMAT-supported framework.

This pivotal role requires strategic budgeting, safeguarding commitment and discreet handling of information, with SLT and governors.

Qualifications

• Ideally has proven SBM experience, preferably with CSBM or DBSM qualification.
• Proven financial acumen and operational leadership in education or public sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and interpersonal skills to inspire staff, governors, and community.
• Attention to detail and initiative to address areas needing attention.
• Flexibility to work within a single school and contribute to the TAMAT trust.
• Energy, enthusiasm, patience and a sense of humour.
• Commitment to safeguarding, discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead school finances, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Oversee HR, payroll, and staff welfare within policy.
• Oversee H&S through line management of the caretaker and facilities.
• Manage admin functions with the office team.
• Collaborate with TAMAT central team and SLT to support school improvement.

Skills

SBM experience

Financial acumen

Operational leadership

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Humour

Safeguarding

Education

CSBM/DBSM qualification

Job description

Vacancy for School Business Manager

Start Date: as soon as possible

Salary: Surrey Pay Grade PS7/8 (FTE Salary: between £34,659 and £41,134, depending on experience).

Actual salary is prorated between £26,116 - £31,552.

Hours: 30hrs per week, 41 weeks a year.

Powell Corderoy Primary School (part of The Alliance Multi-Academy Trust, or TAMAT) is nestled in the beautiful Surrey Hills. We are a single-form entry school with just under 200 pupils and a really close-knit and supportive staff team.

Due to our School Business Partner retiring, we are looking for someone special who will fit into our friendly, committed and positive team. They will need to be able to make our funds stretch further than ever before, especially in the current climate of underfunding. We would like someone who is confident with accounts and can guide us when what we desperately need is out of reach financially. Someone who will be able to suggest ideas to support the school whilst working within the parameters of our budgets. Not only will you be a financial whizz, but you will also be the school's HR lead, oversee H&S through the line management of our caretaker and manage the admin function of the school through our experienced and dedicated office team. Support comes in the form of the TAMAT central team, who will be on hand to guide and support you. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of the school.

This is a pivotal role within our school, and your impact will be felt by the whole school community.

We are looking for someone who:

• ideally has a proven success as a school business manager, preferably with a related qualification (e DBSM, CSBM)
• has a proven track record in financial acumen and operational leadership, ideally within an educational or public sector setting.
• can use their strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills to inspire and enthuse our staff, governors, and the wider community.
• attention to detail and can use their initiative to address areas that need extra attention
• has the ability to be flexible, working within an individual school and contributing to the whole Trust as required
• has energy, enthusiasm, patience and a great sense of humour
• can show commitment to all elements of safeguarding, discretion and confidentiality

What We Offer:

• A stable foundation: a balanced budget and a site with a compliance programme already in development.
• Established networks: well-developed relationships with an extensive network of goods and services providers.
• A strong community: a wonderful, inclusive school environment with a talented, motivated staff team and a supportive Governing Body.
• Collaborative leadership: a leadership team that values the SBM as a strategic partner in school improvement.
• Enthusiastic parents and children who love learning and life.

The closing date for applications is noon on 20 November 2026 (we reserve the right to shortlist on receipt of application and may interview before this date).

Interviews will be held W/C 23 November 2026