A progressive secondary academy in Poole, Dorset, is seeking a strategic, commercially minded School Business Manager to oversee financial operations, human resources, facilities, and health & safety compliance starting ASAP or in January.
Job Overview
The School Business Manager serves as a senior operational leader reporting directly to the Headteacher and Governing Body. You will lead non-teaching functions, manage multi-million-pound operational budgets, oversee campus infrastructure, and ensure full compliance with Department for Education and ESFA financial guidelines.
Working closely with leadership teams, you will manage premises staff, IT services, administrative offices, catering teams, and commercial site lettings. This is a full-time, permanent position.
Key Responsibilities
Lead financial management, budget forecasting, annual audit preparation, and procurement strategies
Line-manage non-teaching teams across office administration, site maintenance, IT, and catering
Oversee site facilities, capital building projects, health & safety compliance, and contractor management
Direct HR processes, payroll administration, staff contracting, and occupational health referrals
Maximize commercial revenue through facility lettings, grant applications, and community partnerships
Serve on the Senior Leadership Team and present operational reports to the Governing Body
Role Overview & Specifications
Start Date: ASAP or January
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract (52-week post, 37 hours/week)
Location: Poole, Dorset
Salary / Pay Rate: Leadership Scale (Dependent on qualifications & academy size)
Key Systems: Access Education / PSF / SIMS / Arbor
Candidate Requirements
Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM / CSBM) or equivalent professional qualification in Finance, HR, or Business Administration
Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within an educational or public sector setting
Comprehensive knowledge of school funding frameworks, ESFA regulations, and health & safety standards
Strong leadership, strategic negotiation, and commercial contract management abilities
An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
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