School Business Manager – Secondary Academy In Bradford (Asap Start / January Start)

Marchant Recruitment; Aberford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a strategic School Business Manager for a Bradford, West Yorkshire, academy. You will lead non‑instructional operations, oversee multi‑million‑pound budgets, estates, HR, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Principal and Governing Body.

This full‑time role requires a Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM) or equivalent finance/HR qualification, proven financial and operational leadership in education, and an active DBS (Update Service).

Qualifications

• Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM) or professional qualification in Finance, HR or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM)
• Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within education, academy trust, or public sector
• Comprehensive knowledge of school funding models, Academies Financial Handbook guidelines, and estates compliance
• Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities
• Active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Responsibilities

• Direct academy finances, revenue forecasting, balance sheet audits, and procurement compliance
• Line-manage operational teams across facilities maintenance, front-office administration, IT, and catering
• Oversee estates infrastructure, CIF bids, campus security, and health and safety audits
• Manage school HR functions, including recruitment checks, SCR oversight, and payroll sign-off
• Drive commercial venue lettings and external community grant funding opportunities
• Prepare and present financial management accounts and statutory operational reports to the Trust Board

Skills

Financial leadership

Operational leadership

Team leadership

Supplier negotiation

Contract management

Education

DSBM/CSBM

ACCA

CIPD

ILM

Tools

Access Education

PSF

SIMS

Arbor

Every Compliance

Job description

A progressive secondary academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, is seeking a strategic, commercially astute School Business Manager to oversee operational finance, estate management, HR, and regulatory compliance starting ASAP or in January.

Job Overview

The School Business Manager operates as a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Principal and Governing Body. You will lead non-instructional operations, control multi-million-pound budgets, direct campus estates, and ensure compliance with Department for Education and ESFA regulatory frameworks.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will oversee site maintenance teams, central administrative staff, IT network teams, catering contractors, and external cleaning services. This is a full-time, permanent 52-week position.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct academy finances, revenue forecasting, balance sheet audits, and procurement compliance

• Line-manage operational teams across facilities maintenance, front-office administration, IT, and catering

• Oversee estates infrastructure, capital improvement bids (CIF), campus security, and health and safety audits

• Manage school HR functions, including recruitment checks, single central record (SCR) oversight, and payroll sign-off

• Drive commercial venue lettings and external community grant funding opportunities

• Prepare and present financial management accounts and statutory operational reports to the Trust Board

Role Overview & Specifications

• Start Date: Immediate (ASAP) or January

• Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract (52-week post, 37 hours/week)

• Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire

• Salary / Pay Rate: Leadership Scale / PO5–PO7 equivalent (Dependent on experience)

• Key Systems: Access Education / PSF / SIMS / Arbor / Every Compliance

Candidate Requirements

• Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM / CSBM) or professional qualification in Finance, HR, or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM)

• Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within an education, academy trust, or public sector setting

• Comprehensive knowledge of school funding models, Academies Financial Handbook guidelines, and estates compliance

• Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)