School Business Manager

What skills and experience we're looking for

Due to the retirement of the current Business Manager, Discovery Primary School is seeking to appoint a highly skilled, strategic and motivated School Business Manager to join our school team.

Discovery Primary School opened in 2007 and currently educates approximately 690 pupils aged 3–11. With an annual budget of £4.3 million and a strong commitment to high standards, collaboration and inclusion. We are also entering an important phase of transition as we move to a two-form entry model from September 2026.

This is a pivotal role within our school. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of financial strategy, operational management, HR processes, premises and compliance to ensure long-term sustainability and excellence.

The Role

The School Business Manager will:

• Lead the strategic management of the school’s £4.3m budget
• Provide high-quality financial reporting to the Headteacher and Governors
• Oversee HR, payroll and safer recruitment processes
• Manage premises, contracts and health & safety compliance
• Ensure robust financial controls and value for money
• Support strategic planning during a period of organisational change

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has strong financial management experience
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Has experience of managing budgets and leading teams
• Understands HR processes and employment legislation
• Is highly organised, solution-focused and resilient
• Can build strong professional relationships with staff and governors
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Experience within a school or public sector setting is desirable but not essential for candidates with strong transferable financial expertise.

What the school offers its staff

We Offer:

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• A positive and inclusive school culture
• Opportunities for professional development
• A well-resourced environment
• A role with real strategic influence

Discovery Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.