School Business Manager (3648 )

Westmorland & Furness Council; Kendal; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Bike to Work scheme

Staff Wellbeing

Job summary

Ghyllside Primary School in Kendal is seeking an exceptional School Business Manager to lead finance, HR, administration and premises management. The role supports the Headteacher and Trustees to ensure financial sustainability and strong governance.

You will manage budgeting, payroll, compliance and safeguarding, with a strategic approach and attention to detail. The position starts 1st September 2026 (negotiable) and offers a generous LGPS pension and additional staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in financial management, budgeting and accounting.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of Department for Education regulations and governance requirements.
• Experience of HR administration, payroll oversight and safer recruitment practices.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet statutory deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across finance, human resources, administration, premises management, compliance and governance.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and Trustees to support financial sustainability and governance.
• Contribute to safeguarding and welfare responsibilities and maintain compliance with regulations.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Leadership

HR administration

Payroll oversight

Governance

Communication

Job description

• Closing date for applications: Friday 26 June 2026

School Business Manager

1st September 2026 (negotiable)
Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks
Salary Level: SCP 30 £40,777 subject to 2026 pay award pending
Plus, generous LGPS pension with employer contribution, Bike to Work Scheme, Staff Wellbeing support.

Ghyllside Primary School is a vibrant two form entry primary situated in the South West of Kendal. The school prides itself on its holistic approach to providing an education that prepares children to be able to lead happy, independent lives in the 21st century. We are seeking an exceptional School Business Manager to join our strong team here at Ghyllside.

Working closely with the Headteacher and Trustees, the successful candidate will provide leadership across finance, human resources, administration, premises management, compliance, and governance. This is a varied and rewarding role that will make a significant contribution to ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our school.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has substantial experience in financial management, budgeting and accounting.
• Has excellent organisational, analytical and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of Department of Education regulations and governance requirements.
• Has experience of HR administration, payroll oversight and safer recruitment practices.
• Is confident managing multiple priorities and meeting statutory deadlines.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can work strategically while maintaining attention to detail.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Ghyllside Primary School is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of its children. Candidates for this post must supply a full employment history and will be subject to an enhanced DBS and barred check; appointment is conditional upon its satisfactory return. Please note that referees will be contacted prior to interview.

The standard application form and all further details are available from the school website.

Ghyllside Primary School
Gillinggate
Kendal
LA9 4JB