Role: School Business Manager (SBM)

Location: Barnet, North London

Pay Rate / Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience) / Competitive Daily Rate available for interim candidates

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (Long-term interim considered)

Start Date: Immediate / As soon as possible

About the Role

A welcoming, high-achieving primary school in the London Borough of Barnet is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly organized School Business Manager to lead their non-teaching operational services.

Reporting directly to the Headteacher and Governing Body, the School Business Manager sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and oversees all aspects of finance, HR, premises management, health & safety, administration, and IT infrastructure. This is a key leadership role responsible for maintaining the financial health, compliance, and smooth day-to-day operations of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Management: Lead the school’s financial planning, budget setting, monitoring, and auditing. Manage payroll, procurement, income generation, and financial reporting in compliance with ESFA/LA guidelines.

• Human Resources: Oversee school HR processes, recruitment, contracts, Single Central Record (SCR) maintenance, staff records, and personnel administration alongside the central administrative team.

• Premises & Health & Safety: Lead the site and facilities management, ensuring statutory compliance (fire safety, Legionella, COSHH, risk assessments), managing premises staff and external contractors, and overseeing site security.

• Administration & Governance: Line-manage front-office and administrative staff, oversee school MIS/finance software, and provide strategic reports and financial forecasts to the Governing Body.

• Contract & Procurement Management: Negotiate and manage external service contracts (catering, cleaning, IT support, insurance) to ensure maximum value for money.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience: Proven track record as a School Business Manager, Finance Manager, or Senior Operations Officer within a UK primary or secondary school setting.

• Software Proficiency: Strong hands-on experience using school management databases and finance packages (e.g., SIMS, Arbor, RM Finance, FMS, or Access Education).

• Qualifications: CSBM/DSBM qualification or a degree/professional accounting body certification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

• Skills: Strong financial acumen, excellent leadership and staff management capabilities, and deep knowledge of school compliance and safeguarding standards.

• Safeguarding: Must hold a valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to process a new one.

What the School Offers:

• Supportive Leadership: A warm, collaborative Senior Leadership Team and an active, supportive Governing Body.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development and strategic input into school-wide growth.

• Environment: Well-resourced primary school environment with dedicated administrative and facilities teams.

• Location: Conveniently located in Barnet with excellent local transport links and on-site parking.

How to Apply

If you are a proactive School Business Manager seeking a rewarding leadership role in a thriving Barnet primary school, please submit your updated CV today.