School Business Manager

Purple Mango Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution in Greater London is seeking an experienced Temporary School Business Manager to join their Senior Leadership Team. This role focuses on driving the school's financial strategy and managing business operations. The ideal candidate holds a degree and a CCAB accountancy qualification, possesses strong business acumen, and is committed to making a positive impact within the school community. The position offers professional development and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Wellbeing support programme

Ongoing professional development

Pension scheme

Access to on-site facilities

Qualifications

• Degree-level education and a recognised CCAB accountancy qualification are mandatory.
• Strong business acumen is necessary; school experience is a plus but not essential.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead on all financial matters, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Provide clear, solutions-focused advice to senior leaders.
• Oversee business operations including finance, estates, and compliance.
• Support the smooth running of the school with effective leadership.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Excellent organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Calm and adaptable

Education

Degree-level education

Recognised CCAB accountancy qualification

Job description

Overview

Temporary School Business Manager
Location: South East London / Kent Border
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications
Start: January 2026

We're working with a high-performing, values-led secondary school that is seeking a skilled School Business Manager to join them on a temporary basis. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a key leadership role within a warm, supportive and ambitious school community. The school offers a vibrant and purposeful environment where students are encouraged to thrive. Their ethos is built around excellence, community and respect — and they are looking for someone who shares these values and can contribute to the continued success of the school. As the school's lead support professional, you'll join the Senior Leadership Team and work closely with the Headteacher. Your role will focus on driving the school's financial strategy, managing key business operations, and overseeing the school estate.

Responsibilities

• Lead on all financial matters, ensuring decisions align with the school's strategic goals
• Provide clear, solutions-focused advice to senior leaders
• Oversee business operations including finance, estates and compliance
• Support the smooth running of the school with strong organisational leadership

What We're Looking For

• Degree-level education and a recognised CCAB accountancy qualification
• Strong business acumen — school experience is an advantage but not essential
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Calm, adaptable and able to manage competing demands
• Strong communication and written skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• A genuine desire to make a positive impact within a school community

What the School Offers

• A supportive, close-knit team environment
• Ongoing professional development
• Wellbeing support programme
• Access to on-site facilities
• Pension scheme
• Strong transport links between London and Kent

If you're an experienced School Business Manager — or a finance professional with transferable skills — and you're available for a temporary role, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply online and one of the team will be in touch