SEN School Business & Operations Leader

Marchant Recruitment; St Albans; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a private SEN school in St Albans. You will oversee day-to-day financial, administrative and operational functions, balancing strategic planning with hands-on management to support pupil wellbeing and school efficiency.

You will work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to maintain financial integrity, compliance, and effective resource management in a challenging SEN context.

Qualifications

• Experience as School Business Manager, Business Manager, Finance Manager or similar role.
• Experience managing budgets, financial processes and administration.
• Strong financial awareness with attention to detail.
• Experience preparing financial reports, forecasts and management information.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience managing suppliers and external service providers.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and education environment considerations.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day business, financial and administrative operations.
• Support Headteacher with strategic planning and school improvement.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts and management information.
• Oversee income, expenditure, purchasing, invoicing, payroll and reporting.
• Maintain financial records and ensure controls are in place.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and advise budget holders.
• Liaise with accountants, auditors, suppliers and advisers.
• Oversee procurement and supplier relationships.
• Support premises, facilities, health and safety, and site services.
• Assist with recruitment and HR administration as required.
• Ensure policies and procedures are maintained and updated.

Skills

Budget management

Financial reporting

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Independent working

Leadership teaming

Education

Experience in school finance or business management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a private SEN school in St Albans. You will oversee day-to-day financial, administrative and operational functions, balancing strategic planning with hands-on management to support pupil wellbeing and school efficiency.

You will work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to maintain financial integrity, compliance, and effective resource management in a challenging SEN context.