School Business Manager

Allsaintsupton; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bridge School in Halton, a Pupil Referral Unit for KS3 & KS4, invites applications for an outstanding School Business Manager. You will lead financial planning, facilities, procurement and HR, ensuring resources support high-quality teaching and improved student outcomes.

Working with the Headteacher and governors, you will translate strategy into effective processes, safeguard compliance, and drive wellbeing and workload reduction for staff.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and financial management experience in education.
• Proven track record in improving outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead on budget management and financial reporting for the school.
• Provide accurate financial and operational information to support school improvement planning.
• Oversee and develop the school's business functions, ensuring resources are aligned to the vision.
• Ensure compliance, procurement and facilities management run smoothly and safely.
• Collaborate with Headteacher, governors and senior leaders to drive strategic decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Budgeting

Human resources

Procurement

Premises management

Compliance

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Job description

Hours: 37 hours per week. Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 16:30.

DBS Check: Yes

Closing Date: 09/10/2026 at 09:00

Reference: TLRs/26/344813

The Bridge School is a Pupil Referral Unit for KS3 & KS4 students. The school is excited to offer the opportunity for an outstanding and dedicated School Business Manager to join us on the next stage of our transformational journey.

We are looking for an inspirational and highly effective School Business Manager with excellent leadership, financial and organisational skills, alongside a proven track record of delivering high-quality business management within an educational setting. You will be committed to ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence, enabling staff to focus on what matters most: improving outcomes for our young people.

Since the appointment of new senior leadership in September 2025, the school has embarked on an exciting journey with a revolutionary new curriculum offer and extended opportunities for students to achieve. Our school is committed to staff development and wellbeing, including additional paid wellbeing days off, smaller class sizes, praise and rewards, and a forward-thinking leadership team who continually seek innovative ways to improve systems, reduce workload and enhance the working environment for all staff.

The role comes with the autonomy to oversee and strategically develop the school's business functions, ensuring that financial resources, facilities, administration and compliance processes effectively support the school’s ambitious vision. We are looking for someone who can lead with integrity and efficiency, ensuring resources are carefully managed and aligned to support the best possible educational experiences and outcomes for students.

Here at The Bridge School, we are all passionate about developing, supporting and working with some of the most vulnerable students in Halton. To us, we genuinely see that we are changing lives daily. The students at The Bridge School exhibit social, emotional and mental health needs which can present through a range of behaviours. We therefore require a professional who understands the vital role that effective business leadership plays in creating a safe, nurturing and aspirational learning environment.

As a successful applicant, you will have a strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, human resources, premises management, procurement and statutory compliance. You will be able to identify opportunities for improvement, implement innovative and efficient systems, and ensure that the school operates effectively and sustainably. You will possess exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance strategic planning with the day-to-day operational requirements of a busy school environment.

You will work closely with the Headteacher, senior leaders and governors to support strategic decision-making, providing accurate financial and operational information that informs school improvement and future planning. You will lead on budget management, ensuring value for money while maintaining high standards across all areas of the school's operations. The ability to think creatively, solve complex problems and manage multiple priorities will be essential.

Successful candidates should have the skills and personality to develop professional and sustainable relationships with staff, students, families, governors and external agencies. Being positive, calm, resilient, proactive and reliable are essential qualities. You will lead and support administrative and operational functions across the school, ensuring that all systems and processes contribute effectively to the success and wellbeing of both staff and students.

This is an incredible opportunity to join an exceptional team within a small but vibrant school setting and to have a significant impact on the life outcomes of the young people in our care. We are a proud team who welcome passion, commitment and a determination to overcome barriers and create positive change. As School Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the school and supporting our continued transformation.

It is highly advisable to arrange a visit to the school, where we would be happy to answer any questions. Please contact the Headteacher, Aarron Stafford, at [e-mail] . He will be happy to speak to you in detail about the post.

You should note that, if successful, you will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check or Enhanced DBS Check for Regulated Activity (formerly Criminal Records Bureau). Further information about DBS checks can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check .

The Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.