School Business Manager

Christ Church New Malden CofE Primary School; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused primary school in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a School Business Manager to join its Senior Leadership Team. You will oversee all non-educational functions, including financial management, strategic planning, and HR compliance. We are looking for an innovative and positive leader experienced in financial management with a passion for school improvement. This role offers the chance to significantly impact the school's operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Leader in strategic financial management and control.
• Experience in a school setting is an advantage.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Managing budgets and income generation.
• Developing the School Improvement Plan.
• Managing admin and caretaking teams.
• Leading on HR and Health & Safety compliance.
• Overseeing the Single Central Record.

Skills

Financial Management

Team Leadership

IT Proficiency

Problem Solving

Tools

Financial Management Information Systems

Job description

DescriptionEmployerLocation

The Opportunity

Due to the retirement of our long-standing postholder, Christ Church New Malden CofE Primary School is seeking an exceptional School Business Manager (SBM) to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated professional to take strategic ownership of all non‑educational functions in a successful, community‑focused school where staff, parents, and governors work closely together.

About Christ Church New Malden

We are a thriving school of 350 pupils, judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted (October 2022) and recognised for our strong Christian ethos (SIAMS October 2025). We pride ourselves on continuous improvement and providing a high‑quality education for all.

The Role : What You Will Lead

As an integral member of the SLT, you will be pivotal in shaping the school’s strategic direction. You will lead and manage five staff across the administrative and caretaking teams, ensuring the highest standards of business efficiency and resource utilisation.

Key Responsibilities Include :

• Financial Leadership: Managing budgets, forecasting, and income generation, including all aspects of the Access Education FMIS.
• Strategic Management: Working closely with the Headteacher and Governors to develop and implement the School Improvement Plan.
• Team Leadership: Line and performance managing the admin and caretaking teams (5 staff).
• Operations & Compliance: Leading on Human Resources (HR), Health & Safety, Premises / Facilities Management, and complex contract liaison (e.g., catering, cleaning).
• Safeguarding: Overseeing the Single Central Record (SCR) and ensuring compliance across all support services.

We Are Looking For an Individual Who Is :

• Solution‑focused, innovative, and flexible, with a consistently positive mindset.
• An experienced leader in strategic financial management and control.
• Highly proficient in IT, ideally with prior experience using financial management information systems (FMIS).
• A committed professional who shares our passion for continuous improvement and raising standards for all. (Previous experience working in a school setting is an advantage).

Application & Contact Details :

For further information or to book a school tour, please contact Ian Duncan, the current School Business Manager.

Closing Date : 5th January 2026

Interview Dates : 13th / 14th January 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Christ Church New Malden CofE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the DBS.