School Business Manager

Dudley; Wordsley; Remote; GBP 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Pens Meadow is seeking an experienced and suitably qualified School Business Manager to join our team and take responsibility for the business and operational functions that enable our pupils and staff to thrive.

You will lead financial and contract management, procurement, premises, compliance, and income generation opportunities, working with governors, staff and external partners to protect our values while expanding services for the children.

Responsibilities

• lead the school's financial and business management with confidence and integrity
• ensure resources are used effectively and provide excellent value for money
• oversee key operational areas such as premises, contracts, procurement, and compliance
• work closely with school leaders, governors, staff, and external partners
• identify and develop sustainable opportunities to generate additional income
• explore the potential of our new facilities for lettings, partnerships, and wider community use
• lead and develop the school's business functions as our provision continues to evolve
• above all, understand that excellent school business management exists to help improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people

Job description

Specialist provision for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties

School Business Manager

Grade 12 SCP 40 - 43

£53,051 to £56,293

The business of schools is children.

At Pens Meadow, that simple statement sits at the heart of how we believe a school should be run.

Our Governors are looking for an experienced and suitably qualified Business Manager to join our school and take responsibility for the business and operational functions that enable our pupils and staff to thrive.

This is a particularly important appointment for us. Our current Business Manager has been part of Pens Meadow since 2006 and, as she prepares for retirement, we are looking for someone exceptional to take the role forward.

Pens Meadow is a very special place. Our pupils have severe and complex learning difficulties, and every decision we make, whether about finance, staffing, premises, contracts, or resources, ultimately needs to serve them.

Our new school building also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Alongside outstanding learning spaces, we have facilities including a hydrotherapy facility, sports hall, MUGA, rebound room and Forest School. We want our new Business Manager to help us think creatively and commercially about how these facilities can be used effectively, including opportunities to generate additional income for the school, while always protecting the needs of our pupils and the purpose of the school.

We are looking for someone who can:

• lead the school's financial and business management with confidence and integrity.
• ensure resources are used effectively and provide excellent value for money.
• oversee key operational areas such as premises, contracts, procurement, and compliance.
• work closely with school leaders, governors, staff, and external partners.
• identify and develop sustainable opportunities to generate additional income.
• explore the potential of our new facilities for lettings, partnerships, and wider community use.
• lead and develop the school's business functions as our provision continues to evolve; and
• above all, understand that excellent school business management exists to help improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people.

We need someone with sound professional judgement and strong financial and organisational skills, but we are looking for more than technical expertise.

We want someone who will care about Pens Meadow.

• Someone who will walk around the school, get to know our community and never lose sight of the pupils behind the spreadsheets.
• Someone who can be commercially astute without losing our values.
• Someone who can protect what has been built while also asking, "What could we do next?"

Closing Date: Monday 30th November 2026

Interviews: Week Commencing 7th December 2026

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all who work at the school to share this commitment; therefore, these posts are subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

Effective from September 2022, KCSIE states as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out on-line searches, as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This is to determine suitability to work with children and keep them safe. All shortlisted candidates are now subject to an on-line check and if there is anything concerning, then the shortlisted candidate will be asked to comment on it either prior to or at interview.

N.B., We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised dateshould we receive a large number of applications.

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.

The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

Attached documents
Job Description and Person Specification