Connect Alliance Trust (CAT) is seeking a dynamic, high-level professional for a unique dual-aspect leadership role. This position bridges the gap between high-level Trust strategy and the daily operational success of a large, vibrant primary school. Connect Alliance Trust, based in Manchester, formed in September 2025 and consists of five Manchester Primary Schools. These include Barlow Hall Primary School, Beaver Road Primary School, Brookburn Community Primary School, Cavendish Community Primary School and Northenden Community School. The trust is committed to building a strong family of schools, enhancing educational standards and opportunities for our local communities. Our shared vision and values underpin our trust’s development: a commitment to academic excellence, a culture of collaboration and an inclusive environment built on respect. The executive trust leaders have a strong track record in school improvement, having improved schools in need of support and championed the development of teaching talent through local teaching hubs. The Role This is a career-defining opportunity for an ambitious school business professional to operate at both a local and a strategic Trust level: ● School Business Manager (4 Days): You will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team at Beaver Road Primary School (1,100 pupils), strategically leading finance, operations, HR, and estates. You will empower academic leaders by managing the professional support services that allow teaching and learning to flourish. ● School Business Partner (1 Day): You will join the Trust Central Team to provide high-level financial and operational oversight to allocated schools. You will lead on strategic projects, benchmarking, and risk management, supporting the Trust’s continued expansion and excellence. Key Responsibilities ● Financial : Lead 3-to-5-year financial planning, monitor monthly budgets, and prepare technical accruals/prepayments for Trust reports. ● Operational Excellence: Oversee estates, health and safety, and large-scale contracts in collaboration with the Trust Estates Manager. ● People Leadership: Manage business support and estates staff, ensuring strict adherence to Safer Recruitment and Single Central Record (SCR) compliance. ● Strategic Liaison: Serve as the vital link between school leaders and the Trust executive team, identifying procurement opportunities and driving "best value". About You We are looking for a resilient, self-motivated leader who possesses: ● Qualifications: A minimum Level 4 professional qualification in School Business Management or Accounting (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, AAT). ● Experience: At least 3 years of experience in a business function within education or the public sector, with a proven track record in rigorous financial monitoring. ● Skills: High level IT skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge effectively. ● Integrity: A deep commitment to safeguarding, equality, and the professional integrity required for high-pressure environments. Why Connect Alliance Trust? As the Trust expands, this remit is designed to scale, offering the successful candidate the chance to grow alongside us. You will be part of a collaborative senior team that values professional development and recognises everyone’s unique background and experience.