Job Title: School Business Manager
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 (Dependent on Experience)
Working Hours: Full-time (with flexibility)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Based in London (In Toto Ed London), with some travel to Cambridge and Peterborough
The School Business Manager (SBM) will oversee finance, payroll, procurement, compliance, and operational infrastructure across the In Toto Ed group — three Alternative Provisions (London, Cambridge, and Peterborough) currently progressing toward independent special school registration.
Based in London, the SBM will manage support staff locally and maintain strategic and quality assurance oversight of non-teaching operations across all sites. The role requires strong financial and systems leadership, operational experience, and the ability to work closely with senior leadership.
Main Duties
* Support Directors in achieving operational and financial excellence.
* Contribute to Finance & Risk Committee with updates on budgets, risk, and improvement planning.
* Lead on financial management using Xero and ApprovalMax, ensuring robust systems and VAT compliance.
* Oversee and monitor budgets across schools/APs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
* Manage income, credit control, and invoicing, producing accurate monthly financial reports.
* Oversee payroll with the Finance Manager/provider, ensuring accuracy in pensions, deductions, and contracts.
* Monitor staffing costs and support financial forecasting.
* Manage premises, maintenance, cleaning, and admin functions, ensuring safety, presentation, and capital project support.
* Lead health & safety compliance, maintaining statutory registers, coordinating training, and liaising with external advisors.
* Line manage Finance, Maintenance, Admin, and Cleaning teams, supporting performance and development.
* Oversee procurement, contracts, leases, insurances, and supplier relationships, ensuring efficiency and value for money.
* Ensure readiness for Ofsted, DfE registration, and financial audits, maintaining compliance documentation.
* Build strong relationships with commissioning officers and local authorities, acting as the central finance contact.
* Provide accurate financial reports to external partners and support Directors in review meetings.
A full list of duties can be found in the job description
About You
Essential
* Experience in school or multi-site operational leadership
* Strong financial management and budget setting skills
* Credit control and VAT knowledge
* Line management of premises/admin/finance staff
* Understanding of H&S compliance and site safety
* Excellent organisational, communication, and system skills
* Willing to submit an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS).
* Complete Child Protection Training. Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young person's they are responsible for, or come into contact with.
Desirable
* AP/SEMH or Independent School experience
* SBM-specific qualifications or AAT
* Familiarity with Xero and ApprovalMax
* Worked with Peninsula or similar advisors
* Experience in leading refurbishments
* Experience preparing for Ofsted/DfE inspection
What We Can Offer
* Unlimited access to an award winning CPD platform
* Term time only (39 weeks including 5 inset days) Fully funded Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Qualification for all staff
* Fully funded enhanced DBS
* Accredited support through QTLS
* Training grants for qualifications, including NPQ, NPQSL and NASENCO
* Access to extensive professional development opportunities
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Health Assured EAP programme which includes varied types of counselling, 24/7, 365 confidential helpline, mental health crisis phone support
* Access to my healthy advantage app which includes: wellness plans, rewards including discounts with a variety of retailers including travel agents and gyms
* Bonus for staff with 100% attendance to work (per academic year)
* Small class groups
* Employee recognition and service awards
* Casual Dress Code Company pension
* Free Specsavers eye test
* Work Laptop or MacBook provided
* Free tea and coffee
* Bonus for referring a friend to In Toto Ed
* Wellbeing leave
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
* Free teacher planner
* Blue light card
In Toto Ed are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person