Strategic School Business Manager

The Whitby High School; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-quality induction

Supportive staff

Professional development

Pension plan

Paid duties

Flexible hours

Free gym facilities

Staff wellbeing group

Onsite staff parking

Job summary

The Whitby High School is seeking a Strategic School Business Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team from April 2027. You will lead on budgets, HR, premises, IT, finance, marketing and catering, shaping how the school operates and delivers high-quality outcomes for students.

With strong strategic and operational capabilities, you will balance competing priorities, drive efficiency and develop long-term plans, ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing remain at the heart of school life.

Qualifications

• Experience of planning 1-3-year budgets, drafting funding proposals, monitoring contract performance and overseeing recruitment
• A high level of HR management experience
• A high level of commercial acumen and business expertise
• An analytical mindset and meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to balance competing priorities
• Finally, a formal business qualification, preferably together with an HR qualification, along with other relevant qualifications and experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Main School Office, Finance, Premises, HR, IT, Media & Marketing and Catering.
• Be a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and work closely with the Headteacher.
• Contribute to strategic planning and school governance.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Budget planning

Funding proposals

Contract management

Recruitment oversight

HR management

Commercial acumen

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Job description

Grade 12 - SCP 40-45

£56,807 - £64,850

37 Hours Per Week

52 Weeks Per Year

For April 2027, we are seeking to appoint a motivated, committed and dynamic Strategic School Business Manager and leader to join The Whitby High School. The School Business Manager will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on school strategic direction and outcomes, joining a team of ambitious senior leaders and becoming an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will be able to think strategically and act operationally. With a remit spanning the Main School Office, Finance, Premises, HR, IT, Media & Marketing and Catering provision. The successful candidate will be a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and will work closely with the Headteacher.

To be equal to the challenge, you will require:

• Experience of planning 1-3-year budgets, drafting funding proposals, monitoring contract performance and overseeing recruitment
• A high level of HR management experience
• A high level of commercial acumen and business expertise
• An analytical mindset and meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to balance competing priorities
• Line management experience of a large team/s

Finally, a formal business qualification, preferably together with an HR qualification, along with other relevant qualifications and experience is required.

We would like to hear from candidates who are:

• Committed to High Quality Inclusive Practice
• Committed to Safeguarding and the Wellbeing of our school community
• Able to motivate and inspire students to achieve their full potential
• Energetic with a can-do attitude
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff and other stakeholders
• Committed to contributing to the personal development of every child.

In return, we will offer you:

• High quality induction
• Friendly and supportive staff
• Commitment to support your professional development
• Attractive pension plan
• Opportunity for additional paid duties
• Flexible start / finish times and negotiation around hours considered
• Free Gym facilities
• Active and well-funded staff wellbeing group
• Ample free onsite staff parking facilities

Closing Date: Noon, Monday 7th December

Our school community places the highest priority on keeping our children safe. Applicants for all posts will be subject to stringent vetting including online searches for shortlisted candidates.

The Whitby High School is an equal opportunities employer.