School Business Manager – Secondary School – Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Marchant Recruitment; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Local School in Shrewsbury is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to oversee its financial, operational and administrative functions. You will work with the headteacher and senior leadership to drive value for money and strategic resource allocation.

The role covers budget planning, financial reporting, procurement, premises management, health and safety, and workforce planning. You will lead a small team, implement strong financial controls and provide clear reports to governors.

Qualifications

• Experience in business management, finance or operational leadership, ideally in a school or public-sector organisation.
• Strong budget management, analytical and organisational skills.
• Confident communicating with senior leaders, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing teams, overseeing contracts and improving administrative systems.
• Ability to handle confidentiality and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage school's financial and operational services, including budget planning and controls.
• Prepare budgets with senior leaders and monitor spending to ensure value for money.
• Oversee purchasing, supplier contracts and procurement processes.
• Supervise administrative and support functions and improve systems.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment administration where appropriate.
• Prepare reports for governors and senior leaders to inform decisions.
• Coordinate premises management, health and safety and risk assessments.

Skills

Budget management

Financial reporting

Procurement

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Accounting

Job description

School Business Manager – Secondary School – Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

A well-established secondary school in Shrewsbury is seeking an experienced and commercially minded School Business Manager to oversee its financial, operational and administrative functions. The school is committed to providing an excellent educational experience and recognises that effective business management is essential to maintaining high standards across the organisation.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring that resources are used effectively. This is an opportunity for a confident professional who can combine strong financial management with practical leadership, organisational planning and a commitment to supporting pupils and staff.

The Role

The School Business Manager will take responsibility for the effective management of the school's financial and operational services. This will include budget planning, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting and ensuring that appropriate financial controls are maintained.

The postholder will prepare budgets in collaboration with senior leaders, monitor spending throughout the financial year and identify opportunities to improve value for money. They will oversee purchasing arrangements, supplier contracts and procurement processes, ensuring that expenditure supports the school's priorities.

The role will also involve supervising administrative and support functions, reviewing working practices and helping colleagues maintain efficient systems. The successful candidate will contribute to premises management, health and safety procedures, risk assessments and the coordination of maintenance requirements.

In addition, the School Business Manager will support workforce planning, assist with recruitment administration where appropriate and help ensure that relevant policies and procedures are implemented consistently. They will prepare reports for governors and senior leaders, providing clear information to support financial and operational decisions.

Requirements

Applicants should have previous experience in business management, finance or operational leadership, ideally within a school or another public-sector organisation. Strong budget management, analytical and organisational skills are essential.

Candidates should be confident communicating with senior leaders, suppliers, staff and external stakeholders. Experience managing teams, overseeing contracts and improving administrative systems would be advantageous.

The successful applicant must demonstrate integrity, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

What the School Offers

The school offers an opportunity to play a central role in its strategic development, working alongside senior leaders to improve operational efficiency and support its educational objectives. The position provides scope to influence financial planning, strengthen systems and contribute to the long-term success of the school.