School Business Manager

First Recruitment Services Ltd.; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Free lunches

On-site gym

Job summary

First Recruitment Services Ltd. is partnering with a highly regarded school to recruit a School Business Manager on a full-time permanent basis.

The role is based in Haywards Heath on-site with a January 2027 start or sooner. You will lead financial, estates, IT and admin functions, reporting to the Principal and working with Trustees and senior leaders to ensure excellent educational and therapeutic support for children and young people.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business, financial or operational leadership.
• Strong financial management and budgetary control expertise.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary support teams.
• Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ICT skills and confidence using management information systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Oversee estates, facilities and IT services.
• Direct support teams across finance, facilities and administration.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance requirements.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

ICT skills

People management

Strategic leadership

Education

Experience in education sector

Tools

Management information systems

Job description

We are very pleased to be working alongside a highly thought of school as they seek to recruit a School Business Manager on a full time and permanent basis. Start date January 2027 or sooner if available

School Business Manager

Haywards Heath - outskirts with plenty of parking available for all staff on site. Due to rural workplace location it is essential to be a driver and have your own transport

Full time permanent role - Monday - Friday, 37 hours per week

£60000-£65000 plus good all round benefits - including, 25 days annual holiday, free lunches and use of an on site gym. Role is subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded, operationally focused leader to oversee the financial, administrative, IT and estates functions of a thriving independent school. Working closely with the Principal, Trustees and senior leaders, you will help ensure the school continues to provide outstanding educational and therapeutic support to children and young people.

If you are an accomplished business leader with strong financial acumen, excellent people management skills and a passion for making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

The role - School Business Manager

As School Business Manager, you will have strategic and operational responsibility for the school's business functions, ensuring the effective delivery of financial management, compliance, estates, facilities and support services.

You will work as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the school's long-term vision while ensuring robust financial control, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Financial Management

• Lead the school's budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
• Monitor financial performance and provide strategic financial advice
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and governance requirements
• Support effective resource allocation and value-for-money initiatives

Estates & Operations

• Oversee the management and development of the school's grounds, buildings and facilities
• Ensure health and safety compliance across the estate
• Manage contractors, maintenance programmes and operational projects
• Drive continuous improvement across school operations

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop support teams across finance, facilities, administration and IT
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence
• Support workforce planning and operational effectiveness

IT & Digital Strategy

• Provide leadership and oversight of IT services and infrastructure
• Support the development of technology solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery
• Ensure systems remain secure, effective and fit for purpose

Governance & Compliance

• Support the Principal, Trustees and Governors in meeting statutory obligations
• Ensure compliance with education, financial, charity and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and risk management processes

Experience, skills and competencies required:

My client is looking for an experienced leader who can combine strategic vision with a practical and hands‑on approach.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience in business, financial or operational leadership
• Strong financial management and budgetary control expertise
• Experience leading multidisciplinary support teams
• Excellent organisational, planning and problem‑solving skills
• Strong ICT skills and confidence using management information systems
• Outstanding communication and relationship‑building abilities
• The ability to influence, collaborate and lead at senior level
• A proactive and innovative approach to operational improvement

Desirable - not essential.

• Experience within education, special education, charity or not-for-profit sectors
• Knowledge of charity accounting, governance and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within education settings

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job