School Business Manager

Clear Education; Stockport; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Education is seeking an experienced Interim School Business Manager for a secondary academy undergoing restructure. You will manage day-to-day operations, finance, HR and compliance, while coordinating with the Headteacher, SLT and central trust colleagues.

The role requires rapid assessment of current systems, prioritisation of actions, and autonomous working, with a view to stabilise operations during the interim period and support a smooth handover to a permanent successor.

Qualifications

• Experience managing non-teaching functions in a school context and strong operational leadership.
• Ability to assess current systems, establish priorities quickly and work autonomously.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, HR processes and procurement within a MAT or academy environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day school business and operational functions.
• Support Headteacher and SLT with planning and problem solving.
• Review processes to identify immediate operational or compliance risks.
• Monitor finances, budgeting, procurement and value for money.

Skills

Operational experience

School governance

H&S compliance

GDPR/data protection

Financial control

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

SIMS

Bromcom

Arbor

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a secondary experienced school business manager who understands how academies work, to start work immediately, during the intermin of an exciting restructure, where a new role will be created and the temporary candidate will be welcome to apply for the opportunity. At the moment the academy needs someone who can go in and hit the ground running with operational experience.

Purpose of the role

Our High School is seeking an experienced Interim School Business Manager to provide immediate operational and business support to the school. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of key non-teaching functions, ensuring that the school remains compliant, financially controlled and operationally effective during the interim period.

This would suit an experienced School Business Manager, Operations Manager or senior school administrator who can quickly assess existing systems, identify priorities and provide stability while working closely with the Headteacher, SLT and central trust colleagues.

Likely key responsibilities:

• Oversee the school's day-to-day business and operational functions.
• Support the Headteacher and SLT with operational planning and problem solving.
• Review existing processes and identify any immediate operational or compliance risks.
• Financial monitoring, budget control, purchasing, procurement and value for money.
• Work with the academy trust's central finance team on budgets, reporting and financial procedures.
• Oversee HR administration, contracts, absence, recruitment processes and staff records alongside trust HR.
• Ensure safer recruitment and appropriate pre-employment checks are being completed.
• Oversee premises, site management, maintenance, contractors and statutory compliance.
• Ensure appropriate health & safety procedures, risk assessments and records are maintained.
• Monitor contracts and suppliers including cleaning, catering, utilities, maintenance and other outsourced services.
• Support estates projects, repairs and planned maintenance.
• Review operational policies and procedures and ensure they are being followed consistently.
• Oversee or support administrative and business support teams.
• Support effective use of school systems and management information.
• Ensure GDPR, data protection and information-management procedures are followed.
• Support emergency planning, business continuity and school risk management.
• Produce reports and management information for the Headteacher, SLT and Trust as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
• Provide a clear handover and recommendations for the permanent Business/Operations Manager.

The ideal interim candidate would have substantial school business management or senior school operations experience, preferably within a secondary school or academy environment. They should be confident walking into a busy school, establishing priorities quickly and working autonomously rather than requiring extensive induction.

Experience of academy/MAT structures, school finance, HR, estates, compliance, procurement and managing support staff would be particularly valuable. Knowledge of systems such as SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor or similar school MIS/finance systems would also be useful