Strategic School Finance & Operations Lead

Marchant Recruitment; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is assisting a prestigious school in Oxford to appoint a Senior School Business Manager. The role oversees financial, operational and administrative functions, reporting to the Head and Governors, ensuring sustainability and strategic alignment.

The ideal candidate will bring significant school-level financial management experience, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to governance and risk management. A collaborative senior leadership culture is offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial and operational management (school experience required).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organisational and strategic planning abilities.
• Sound knowledge of compliance, governance and risk management.
• Effective communication with staff, parents and governors.
• Discretion, integrity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Leading the school’s financial management, budgeting and forecasting processes
• Overseeing HR, recruitment and staff compliance procedures
• Managing contracts, procurement and supplier relationships
• Ensuring regulatory compliance across health & safety, safeguarding and statutory requirements
• Supervising site, facilities and administrative teams
• Supporting strategic planning and contributing to senior leadership decisions
• Monitoring risk management and operational efficiency
• Overseeing income streams including fees, lettings and commercial opportunities

Skills

Financial management

Leadership

Compliance & governance

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Marchant Recruitment is assisting a prestigious school in Oxford to appoint a Senior School Business Manager. The role oversees financial, operational and administrative functions, reporting to the Head and Governors, ensuring sustainability and strategic alignment.

The ideal candidate will bring significant school-level financial management experience, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to governance and risk management. A collaborative senior leadership culture is offered.