School Business Manager - Outstanding Secondary School -...

School Business Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Birmingham

Start Date: As soon as possible**
Contract: Full-time, Permanent**
Salary: Paid to scale**

School Information

This Outstanding 11–18 secondary school in Birmingham is nationally regarded for its exceptional leadership, highly inclusive ethos, and strong academic performance. The school serves a richly diverse community and is deeply committed to providing a safe, ambitious, and supportive environment in which every student can thrive.

Known for outstanding behaviour and excellent student engagement, the school offers a calm yet vibrant atmosphere where learning thrives. Staff benefit from modern facilities, professional development pathways, forward-thinking leadership, and a strong focus on wellbeing. The governing body works closely with leaders to drive improvement and long-term vision, creating a stable and aspirational environment.

As the school continues to grow and modernise its operations, a highly skilled and strategic School Business Manager (SBM) is required to lead on finance, HR, estates, and compliance.

Role Overview

The School Business Manager is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and will oversee all non-teaching operations of the school. They will ensure that financial planning, business management, and operational processes align with the school’s long-term strategic goals.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Leading financial management, budgeting, auditing, and forecasting for the school

• Managing HR systems, recruitment processes, contracts, and policy compliance

• Overseeing estates management, site safety, security, and maintenance programmes

• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation and statutory requirements

• Preparing reports for governors, SLT, and external agencies

• Managing procurement processes and ensuring cost-effective use of resources

• Leading administrative, finance, and support staff teams

• Overseeing risk assessments, health and safety protocols, and disaster planning

• Supporting the strategic development of the school by contributing to policy design, resource planning, and operational improvements

• Working collaboratively with department leaders, external contractors, auditors, and local authority partners

This role requires strong leadership, financial expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex operations effectively.

Operations & Leadership Team Information

You will work directly with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, acting as a key advisor on financial and operational matters. The SBM will lead the finance, HR, admin, premises, and compliance teams, ensuring all support operations run smoothly and efficiently.

The school uses modern digital systems including HRIS platforms, MIS (SIMS/Arbor), financial management software, and estates-management tools. Training opportunities, CPD, and leadership coaching are regularly provided.

Candidate Requirements

• Significant experience in school business management or operational leadership

• Professional qualification in business, finance, HR, or management (e.g., DSBM, CSBM, CIPFA, CIPD)

• Strong financial acumen and experience preparing budgets and reports

• Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, health and safety, and HR legislation

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Ability to make strategic decisions and lead organisational change

• Highly organised, analytical, and confident in stakeholder management

• Commitment to the school’s values, safeguarding, and inclusive ethos

Application

To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.