School Business Manager

Kettlethorpe High School; Kettlethorpe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous leave entitlement

Wide range of CPD opportunities

Free parking on site

Job summary

Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield is seeking a Business Manager to lead the administrative backbone across finance, facilities, HR, IT and safeguarding. You will work with the Headteacher and SLT to translate the improvement plan into tangible results.

The role requires strategic thinking, rigorous financial oversight, line management of a large team and the ability to balance competing priorities. A generous rewards package and CPD opportunities are on offer.

Qualifications

• Experience with budgeting, costing and drafting fund proposals.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to monitor contracts.
• Proven track record in project management and process improvement.
• Analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to balance conflicting priorities and lead large teams.

Responsibilities

• Line manage the administrative team spanning finance, facilities, HR, IT and safeguarding.
• Drive the school improvement programme with strategic and operational action.
• Provide financial oversight, procurement, and contract performance monitoring.
• Advise the Headteacher as a trusted member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

Budgeting and cost control

Commercial acumen

Project management

Analytical mindset

Line management

Recruitment oversight

Education

Business/Accounting qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office / Excel

Job description

Kettlethorpe High School is the last local authority-maintained high school in Wakefield. We're also the first when it comes to innovation, as we want to deliver a 21st-century education where imaginative teaching creates synergy alongside cutting-edge technology. That is why we are putting a brand-new team together under an ambitious, visionary new Headteacher. It is also why we want you to be our Business Manager. Thinking strategically and acting operationally, you will take charge of the administrative team that is the school's backbone. With a remit spanning finance, facilities and estate management, HR, IT infrastructure, GDPR, catering and health and safety, you will hit the ground sprinting as you bring our school improvement programme to life. What is more, you will be a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and a trusted adviser to the Headteacher, so you will have the autonomy to make things happen and the authority to initiate projects that will transform our 1,600 pupils' prospects. To be equal to the challenge, you will require:

• Experience of budgeting, costing, drafting fund proposals, monitoring contract performance and overseeing recruitment
• A high level of commercial acumen and business expertise
• A proven track record in project management
• An extremely analytical mindset and meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to balance conflicting priorities
• Line management experience of a large team/s

Finally, a formal business or accounting qualification would be very useful or other relevant qualification/experience, along with your appetite for change and the drive and determination to make your mark. It is a tall order, but we want you to continue the journey. That is why we are offering an exceptional package of rewards, plus the chance to shine - every day and in every way. One of the benefits of being a maintained school is that you have access to Wakefield Council's employee benefits that cover a range of products, including:

• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Discounted leisure membership
• Discounted travel cards
• Employee Assistance Programme

As well as the above, the school offers:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous leave entitlement
• Wide range of CPD opportunities
• Free parking on site

For further information and to apply online, please visit kettlethorpehigh.co.uk. Closing date: Noon on Friday, 18 September 2026. Kettlethorpe High School is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding our pupils and expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Kettlethorpe High School is the last local authority-maintained high school in Wakefield. We're also the first when it comes to innovation, as we want to deliver a 21st-century education where imaginative teaching creates synergy alongside cutting-edge technology. That is why we are putting a brand-new team together under an ambitious, visionary new Headteacher. It is also why we want you to be our Business Manager. It is a tall order, but we want you to continue the journey. That is why we are offering an exceptional package of rewards, plus the chance to shine - every day and in every way. One of the benefits of being a maintained school is that you have access to Wakefield Council's employee benefits that cover a range of products, including:

• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Discounted leisure membership
• Discounted travel cards
• Employee Assistance Programme

As well as the above, the school offers:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous leave entitlement
• Wide range of CPD opportunities
• Free parking on site