Strategic School Business Manager: Finance & Ops Leader

Marchant Recruitment; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a large secondary school in Sheffield. You will lead the school's financial, operational, and administrative functions, partnering with the Headteacher and SLT to drive strategic decisions and school improvement.

The role demands strong budgeting, forecasting, procurement, HR coordination, and compliance, with a focus on safe, efficient operations and value for money.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in school business management or a comparable senior operational role, ideally within a secondary school or large educational setting.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• A solid understanding of school operations, HR procedures, procurement, and health and safety compliance.
• Excellent leadership and organisational abilities, with experience managing teams and competing priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work alongside senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• A relevant professional qualification, such as the Diploma or Certificate in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM), or an equivalent qualification in finance, HR, or business administration.
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or a willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Financial leadership: Manage budgets, financial planning, forecasting, expenditure, procurement, and audit preparation.
• Operational management: Oversee essential non-teaching functions, including administration, premises, IT, and catering.
• Facilities & compliance: Ensure the school site remains safe, secure, well-maintained, and compliant with health and safety requirements.
• HR & staff support: Oversee HR administration, payroll processes, contracts, recruitment support, and staff-related procedures.
• Contracts & suppliers: Manage external providers, negotiate contracts, monitor service delivery, and identify value-for-money opportunities.
• Strategic collaboration: Work with the Headteacher and SLT to support decision-making and long-term objectives.
• Resource management: Ensure school resources are used efficiently for day-to-day ops and future development.

Skills

Financial leadership

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

DSBM/CSBM diploma or certificate

Finance/HR/business administration qualification

Tools

Access Education

PSF

SIMS

Arbor

HFX

Job description

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a large secondary school in Sheffield. You will lead the school's financial, operational, and administrative functions, partnering with the Headteacher and SLT to drive strategic decisions and school improvement.

The role demands strong budgeting, forecasting, procurement, HR coordination, and compliance, with a focus on safe, efficient operations and value for money.