School Business Manager | Forward-Thinking & Community...

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking an astute, strategic School Business Manager (SBM) to lead the operational, financial, and administrative performance of our school. Working closely with the Headteacher and Governing Body, the successful candidate will oversee financial management, estates and facilities, human resources, health and safety, and procurement, ensuring resources are optimized to support exceptional educational outcomes.

THE SCHOOL

Set in a bright, modern campus featuring expansive outdoor sports grounds and multi-purpose community facilities, this energetic primary academy serves over 450 pupils across North London. The school combines high academic ambition with a warm, inclusive ethos. The business and operations function serves as the strategic backbone of the school, bringing together office administration, site maintenance, and finance personnel into a unified team. Utilizing modern cloud-based financial software and digital asset management tools, the SBM will lead a smooth operational setup that keeps the school compliant, financially sustainable, and fully equipped for learning.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Financial Strategy & Budgeting: Manage the school’s budget, lead financial planning, oversee payroll, perform monthly bank reconciliations, and prepare statutory audit reports for the Governing Body.

• Estates & Facilities Management: Lead the site premises team, overseeing building maintenance, health and safety compliance, cleaning contracts, and capital improvement projects across the campus.

• Human Resources & Payroll: Oversee staff recruitment procedures, maintain the Single Central Record (SCR), manage HR contracts, and liaise with centralized payroll providers.

• Procurement & Contract Management: Negotiate and manage external service-level agreements (SLAs), catering services, ICT infrastructure contracts, and supplier relationships to ensure maximum value for money.

• Health & Safety Leadership: Serve as the designated Health and Safety Lead, managing risk assessments, fire safety compliance, and site security routines.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Level 4–6 Diploma in School Business Management (CSBM/DSBM) or a recognized qualification in accountancy, business administration, or finance.

• Experience: Proven track record in financial management, HR, premises management, or business operations—ideally within an educational setting, academy trust, or public sector organization.

• Skills: Strong financial acumen, proficiency with school finance software (e.g., SIMS, FMS, Access Education, or Sage), excellent leadership capabilities, and clear strategic decision-making.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the thriving North London borough of Enfield, the school serves an ambitious, culturally rich, and diverse suburban community. The area offers an attractive mix of historic market hubs, modern shopping districts, and expansive green spaces like Forty Hall Estate and Trent Park.

• Transport & Commuting: Enfield benefits from outstanding transport connections, with rapid road access via the A10 (Great Cambridge Road), A406 (North Circular), and M25 motorway corridor (Junction 25). Public transit is extensive, featuring direct London Overground links (Enfield Town, Silver Street), Great Northern rail services, and Piccadilly Line Underground access (Oakwood, Cockfosters), providing fast routes into Central London and Hertfordshire.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.