Strategic School Operations & Finance Leader

First Recruitment Services Ltd.; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Services Ltd. is seeking a School Business Manager to take strategic and operational responsibility for the school’s financial management, compliance, estates, facilities and support services.

You will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, driving robust financial control, regulatory compliance and value-for-money while supporting the school’s long‑term vision and high standards of service delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business, financial or operational leadership.
• Strong financial management and budgetary control expertise.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary support teams.
• Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ICT skills and confidence using management information systems.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and lead at senior level.
• A proactive and innovative approach to operational improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
• Monitor financial performance and provide strategic financial advice
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and governance requirements
• Support effective resource allocation and value-for-money initiatives
• Oversee the management and development of the school’s grounds, buildings and facilities
• Ensure health and safety compliance across the estate
• Manage contractors, maintenance programmes and operational projects
• Drive continuous improvement across school operations
• Lead and develop support teams across finance, facilities, administration and IT
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence
• Support workforce planning and operational effectiveness
• Provide leadership and oversight of IT services and infrastructure
• Support the development of technology solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery
• Ensure systems remain secure, effective and fit for purpose
• Support the Principal, Trustees and Governors in meeting statutory obligations
• Ensure compliance with education, financial, charity and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and risk management processes

Skills

Budgeting

Financial management

Team leadership

IT systems

Communication

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Management Information Systems

Job description

First Recruitment Services Ltd. is seeking a School Business Manager to take strategic and operational responsibility for the school’s financial management, compliance, estates, facilities and support services.

You will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, driving robust financial control, regulatory compliance and value-for-money while supporting the school’s long‑term vision and high standards of service delivery.