Strategic School Operations & Finance Lead

Marchant Recruitment; Aberford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a strategic School Business Manager for a Bradford, West Yorkshire, academy. You will lead non‑instructional operations, oversee multi‑million‑pound budgets, estates, HR, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Principal and Governing Body.

This full‑time role requires a Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM) or equivalent finance/HR qualification, proven financial and operational leadership in education, and an active DBS (Update Service).

Qualifications

• Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM) or professional qualification in Finance, HR or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM)
• Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within education, academy trust, or public sector
• Comprehensive knowledge of school funding models, Academies Financial Handbook guidelines, and estates compliance
• Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities
• Active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Responsibilities

• Direct academy finances, revenue forecasting, balance sheet audits, and procurement compliance
• Line-manage operational teams across facilities maintenance, front-office administration, IT, and catering
• Oversee estates infrastructure, CIF bids, campus security, and health and safety audits
• Manage school HR functions, including recruitment checks, SCR oversight, and payroll sign-off
• Drive commercial venue lettings and external community grant funding opportunities
• Prepare and present financial management accounts and statutory operational reports to the Trust Board

Skills

Financial leadership

Operational leadership

Team leadership

Supplier negotiation

Contract management

Education

DSBM/CSBM

ACCA

CIPD

ILM

Tools

Access Education

PSF

SIMS

Arbor

Every Compliance

Job description

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a strategic School Business Manager for a Bradford, West Yorkshire, academy. You will lead non‑instructional operations, oversee multi‑million‑pound budgets, estates, HR, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Principal and Governing Body.

This full‑time role requires a Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM/CSBM) or equivalent finance/HR qualification, proven financial and operational leadership in education, and an active DBS (Update Service).