School Business Manager

The Methodist Church in Britain; Slough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS membership

Employee assistance programme

Flu vaccinations

CPD programme

Flexible working

London Fringe allowance

Staff wellbeing

Job summary

Littledown School, a specialist setting within a Trust, seeks a School Business Manager to lead finance, HR, premises, health and safety, procurement and statutory compliance. The role blends day-to-day operations with contributing to the Trust's strategic planning, with term-time-only working considered.

You will work with the headteacher and trustees to manage budgets, risk and governance while fostering strong external partnerships and ensuring a focus on pupil outcomes.

Qualifications

• At least three years managing business, finance or operational functions in education.
• Experience in school governance and compliance is desirable.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management, budgeting and resource planning.
• Oversee human resources and recruitment processes.
• Manage premises and facilities.
• Ensure health and safety compliance.
• Oversee procurement and contracts.
• Support governance and strategic planning.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the school.

Skills

Organisational skills

Project management

Budget management

Financial analysis

Compliance & risk management

Stakeholder relations

Job description

School Business Manager post at Littledown School, a specialist setting for children with special educational needs that sits within a Trust. The role leads the school's finance, HR, premises, health and safety, procurement and statutory compliance, working alongside the headteacher and trustees. It combines day-to-day running of the school with contribution to the Trust's strategic planning, and term-time-only working is considered. Visa sponsorship is not available, and the start date is December 2026.

What the job involves

• Lead financial management, budgeting and resource planning
• Oversee human resources and recruitment processes
• Manage premises and facilities
• Ensure health and safety compliance
• Manage procurement and contracts
• Run administration and business operations
• Manage risk and statutory compliance
• Support governance and organisational development
• Contribute to the Trust's strategic planning
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the school

Experience

• At least three years managing business, finance or operational functions in education

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Confident analysing financial information and managing budgets
• Strong understanding of compliance, risk management and operational procedures
• Effective communicator who builds relationships with staff, families and external partners
• Proactive, solution-focused and committed to continuous improvement

Other

• Shared commitment to exceptional outcomes for pupils

What’s offered

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health support
• Free flu vaccinations and internal well-being schemes
• Reflective practice and supervision from an experienced counsellor
• Access to online learning and a strong CPD programme
• Flexible working arrangements considered
• London Fringe allowance
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance