School Business Manager

Reed; Merstham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking a School Business Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team of a specialist independent school in Merstham, Surrey, supporting young people aged 11-16 with Autism and related needs.

You will lead finance, HR, administration, facilities, ICT, catering and ensure compliant operations, safeguarding, and value for money while driving strategic development.

Qualifications

• Strong financial and budget management experience.
• HR, recruitment and employee relations knowledge.
• Knowledge of education regulations, compliance and inspection frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make effective decisions.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Experience within a specialist education or SEN setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee finance and budget management.
• Lead HR and recruitment activities.
• Ensure administration and compliance across the school.
• Manage facilities and site maintenance.
• Oversee health & safety and ICT/business systems.
• Coordinate catering and housekeeping.
• Collaborate with Head of School on operational development plans.

Skills

Financial management

HR & recruitment

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Decision making

Safeguarding

SEN experience

Job description

School Business Manager

Salary: £55,000 - £59,000 per annum
Location: Merstham, Surrey
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)

We are recruiting for a School Business Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team of a specialist independent school supporting young people aged 11-16 with Autism and associated communication, emotional regulation and sensory processing needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the leadership and operational management of a growing specialist school, ensuring a safe, compliant and effective environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

The Role

As School Business Manager, you will lead and oversee all support services, including:

• Finance and budget management
• Human Resources and recruitment
• Administration and compliance
• Facilities and site maintenance
• Health & Safety
• ICT and business systems
• Catering and housekeeping

Working closely with the Head of School, you will have responsibility for managing budgets, resources and operational development plans, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and provide value for money.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a School Business Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership role
• Strong financial and budget management experience
• Knowledge of education regulations, compliance and inspection frameworks
• Experience of HR, recruitment and employee relations
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and make effective decisions
• A proactive, adaptable and solution-focused approach
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Experience within a specialist education or SEN setting is desirable but not essential.

Why Apply?

• Senior Leadership Team position
• Opportunity to influence strategic and operational development
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with additional needs

Safeguarding commitment: The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.