Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Job Title: School Business Manager
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: Dependent on experience and responsibilities
Contract Type: Full-time, ongoing or permanent opportunity

About the Role

An established primary school in Bournemouth is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to oversee key financial, administrative and operational functions. This is a senior support staff opportunity for a commercially aware and highly organised professional who understands how effective business management contributes to the smooth running of a school.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, ensuring that resources are managed responsibly, financial processes are maintained accurately and operational priorities are addressed effectively. Previous school business management experience is essential for this vacancy, particularly experience with school budgets, financial reporting, procurement and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the school's financial administration, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking and financial reporting.

• Supporting the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and financial plans in consultation with the Headteacher and relevant stakeholders.

• Monitoring income and expenditure, identifying variances and advising senior leaders on financial implications.

• Managing procurement processes, supplier relationships, purchase orders and contract administration.

• Coordinating premises management, facilities requirements, maintenance arrangements and contractor access.

• Supporting compliance with relevant financial procedures, health and safety requirements and school policies.

• Overseeing administrative processes, record management and the effective use of school resources.

• Supporting recruitment administration, staff records and other HR processes as appropriate to the school's structure.

• Preparing reports for governors or trustees and supporting audit requirements.

• Identifying opportunities to improve administrative efficiency and strengthen financial controls.

About the School

The school is looking for a business professional who can combine careful financial oversight with a practical understanding of the daily operational requirements of a primary setting.

Working closely with senior leaders, the School Business Manager will help ensure that budgets, premises, staffing administration and support services are managed effectively. The role requires discretion, sound judgement and the confidence to communicate financial and operational information clearly.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a School Business Manager, School Finance Manager or in a comparable school operations role is essential.

• Strong experience in budgeting, financial monitoring, procurement and financial reporting.

• A sound understanding of school financial procedures and relevant compliance responsibilities.

• Experience with school finance systems and management information systems.

• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to work effectively with headteachers, governors, suppliers and external service providers.

• Relevant finance, business management or school business professional qualifications would be advantageous.

How to Apply

Experienced school business management professionals interested in this Bournemouth opportunity are invited to submit their CV as soon as possible.