Job Title: School Business Manager

Location: Newham, East London

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent / Long-Term

Start Date: Immediate / As Soon As Possible

About the School

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking School Business Manager to join the senior leadership team at a vibrant secondary school in the London Borough of Newham. The school is deeply committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and ensuring that operational support directly contributes to student success.

This pivotal leadership role holds whole-school responsibility for the strategic management of finance, human resources, facilities, health and safety, compliance, and administrative operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Strategy: Oversee school financial planning, budget setting, multi-year forecasting, and financial reporting in line with ESFA / local authority guidelines; manage payroll, procurement, and auditing processes.

• Human Resources & Administration: Lead non-teaching personnel, oversee recruitment, contracts, single central record (SCR) maintenance, and staff welfare, while driving efficient office administration routines.

• Facilities, Health & Safety: Direct premises management, site maintenance, contract management, catering, and cleaning services; ensure full compliance with COSHH, fire safety, and statutory health and safety regulations.

• Compliance & Governance: Ensure school policies, risk registers, GDPR data protection compliance, and statutory returns are maintained and submitted accurately to governing bodies and regulatory authorities.

• Income Generation: Identify commercial opportunities, grant funding avenues, and community lettings to maximize revenue for the school.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Level 4 (or above) Diploma in School Business Management (CSBM/DSBM) or a recognized professional accounting/HR/management qualification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIPD).

• Experience: Proven experience as a School Business Manager, Finance Director, or Senior Operations Manager within a primary, secondary, or academy trust setting.

• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency with school financial software (e.g., FMS6, ACCESS Finance, RM Finance) and Management Information Systems (e.g., SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom).

• Leadership Attributes: Exceptional strategic thinking, strong staff management ability, high resilience, and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Safeguarding: An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or readiness to undergo an immediate DBS check).

What the School Offers

• A welcoming, supportive Senior Leadership Team and dedicated governing body.

• Comprehensive continuous professional development and networking opportunities across East London.

• Excellent public transport connections across Newham (Elizabeth line, DLR, Jubilee line, and District line).

How to Apply

If you hold proven school operations and financial leadership experience and are available for an immediate start in Newham, please submit your updated CV today for consideration.