Strategic School Operations & Finance Leader

Marchant Recruitment; Stockport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A community secondary academy in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is seeking an experienced, commercially minded School Business Manager to direct operational finance, estates, HR and compliance from ASAP or January.

The SBM will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, report to the Headteacher and Trustees, and lead a team of premises officers, admin staff, finance assistants and contractors to ensure robust financial health and compliant school operations.

Qualifications

• DSBM/CSBM or professional qualification in Finance, HR, or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM).
• Proven track record of financial and operational leadership in education.
• Knowledge of school funding models, AFH guidelines, and estates compliance.
• Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities.
• Active 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 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 reports to the Trust Board.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Procurement

Education

DSBM/CSBM or professional finance/hr/ops qualification

Tools

Access Education

PSF

SIMS

Arbor

Every Compliance

Job description

A community secondary academy in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is seeking an experienced, commercially minded School Business Manager to direct operational finance, estates, HR and compliance from ASAP or January.

The SBM will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, report to the Headteacher and Trustees, and lead a team of premises officers, admin staff, finance assistants and contractors to ensure robust financial health and compliant school operations.