School Business Manager - Kendrick School

Reading Borough Council; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England seeks a School Business Manager to oversee financial strategy and business operations at Kendrick School. This vital role involves leading on financial matters and aligning them with the school's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will have significant accounting qualifications and experience in a school or business environment. Benefits include employee assistance and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Training and development

Access to swimming pool and sporting facilities

Qualifications

• Be educated to degree level with a CCAB Accountancy Qualification.
• Lead financial and business matters ensuring alignment with strategy.
• Possess sound business knowledge and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for financial strategy and business management of the school.
• Report directly to the Headteacher and be part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide solutions under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Financial management

Business strategy alignment

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Degree level education

CCAB Accountancy Qualification

Qualification in School Financial and Operational Leadership

Job description

Overview

Permanent; full time; 52 weeks - Start Date: 5th January 2026 or earlier

Kendrick School is graded Outstanding in all OFSTED inspections and is a centre of academic excellence with a track record of high performance and achievement. Due to the retirement of the current School Business Manager at the end of the autumn term, we are seeking to appoint their replacement from 5th January 2026 or earlier. As the school\'s leading support staff professional, you will be part of the Senior Leadership Team reporting directly to the Headteacher. You will be responsible for the financial strategy and business management of the school including the premises. As part of the role, you are the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary to the Trustee Board.

The Successful Applicant Will

• Be educated to degree level and have a recognised CCAB Accountancy Qualification and/or a qualification in School Financial and Operational Leadership.
• Lead on all financial and business matters within the school, ensuring that financial decisions are clearly linked to the school\'s strategic aims and development plan.
• Have sound business knowledge, including premises and capital management, ideally in a school setting but not essential.
• Have excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise.
• Remain calm under pressure, with an ability to provide solutions and adapt to changing priorities.
• Have good communication and written skills.
• Be able to motivate and lead a team.
• Attend meetings related to the requirements of the role of SBM after school, in person and remotely.
• Have an understanding and commitment to safeguarding, health and safety and promoting the welfare and educational outcomes of children.

About Kendrick School

Kendrick School is a welcoming, inclusive, and happy community, with students who are engaging, cooperative and eager to learn. Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme, free car parking, a contributory pension scheme, training and development and use of the swimming pool and sporting facilities on the school site.

Ofsted Note

The Ofsted Report in November 2022 stated that the Kendrick Pledge emphasises friendship, kindness, respect, equality, tolerance and justice, and these values underpin all that the school achieves. Pupils flourish in this caring and inclusive learning environment, with secure, trusting relationships between staff and pupils, very good support and safety, and excellent pupil behaviour and manners.

How to Apply

Further details and an application form can be downloaded from the school website (https://www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk/page/?title=Vacancies&pid=46) or obtained by emailing . CVs cannot be accepted as a method of application. Visits to the school are welcome. Please contact Amanda Emberson-Powney to arrange a visit.

Dates

Closing date for applications: Thursday 2nd October 2025. Interview: Friday 10th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role; please submit your application as early as possible.

Safeguarding

Kendrick School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure & Barring Service. Kendrick School is an Equal Opportunity employer.