Exciting Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join our wonderful Bright Futures Team to play a key role in the development of our brand-new school in Salford, and an opportunity for you to:
* Be at the forefront of shaping a new specialist school in the North West.
* Join a wider leadership team with the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of current and future schools.
* Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where staff development and wellbeing are valued.
Bright Futures currently has two highly successful, non-associated, independent specialist schools in St Helens and Lymm, and is looking to expand its educational offer in the North West.
We are committed to providing high-quality education for all, where children feel safe, valued, and a sense of belonging. Our Educational vision is to "awaken the potential" of every child and young person.
We are seeking an experienced and capable Business Manager to take a leading role in shaping and sustaining the operational functions of our new school. In this position, you will work closely with the Headteacher to uphold the highest standards across all areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our students and supporting young people aged 5-18 with autism, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and complex needs. Your leadership should express our core educational values and moral purpose.
Reporting to the Headteacher, you will oversee the financial and administrative operations of the school, allowing leaders and staff to focus on their core function of teaching and learning.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong business acumen and leadership experience with a passion and commitment to improving outcomes for all students.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post and stage of recruitment, including social media checks, communication with past employers, and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All posts are subject to satisfactory statutory employment checks and referencing.
As the Business Manager, you will be responsible for :
Providing strategic leadership, management, and development of efficient financial, personnel, and support services for the school, including:
* Budget planning, monitoring, and financial control
* Contract compliance and leasing
* Personnel records and appointments
* Managing and coordinating systems, including recruitment and the SCR
* Managing and coordinating site services and catering
* Line Management of support teams.
* Co-ordinating exam arrangements
* Policy compliance
* Health and Safety and "Risk Management and management coordination.
* Managing contractors, i.e., cleaning contract, maintenance, transport, and catering
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role as outlined above. These are outlined in the Business Manager Job Description.
The postholder may be expected to carry out additional tasks that align with the level of the position, as well as undertake any other reasonable responsibilities assigned by the Headteacher.
Requirements
Qualifications and experience
* Proven experience in business management, operations and strategic planning
* Experience of leading teams and managing cross-functional projects
* Experience in setting up new systems, including operational workflows, reporting structures, and technology platforms
* A degree and or relevant professional qualification
* Experience of working in an educational setting. (desirable)
Additional requirements
* Commitment to safeguarding and equality, ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways that exploit the position
* High-level understanding of implications of education policy in the context of quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures
* Up-to-date knowledge of regulations and compliance requirements in the education sector
* Strong ethical standards and a role model for the Organisation's values and behaviours
* Flexibility to cover business needs
* High levels of integrity, maintaining confidentiality in handling sensitive financial and personnel information
* Contribute to the success of an educational institution, ensuring its financial sustainability
* Capability to use initiative, with the ability to respond confidently
* Engage in ongoing professional development and be committed to upskilling current knowledge
The Business Manager salary scale for this school is: £41,097- £54,075
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? For more details or to apply today, contact
Closing date: 14th October 2025
Interview Date: 23rd October 2025
Start Date: January or April 2026
We reserve the right to conduct interviews before the closing date and may appoint before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
Visits to one of our schools and a meeting with the Executive Lead for Education are encouraged.
IND3
At Bright Futures, we make a real difference in the lives of young people and adults with autism, special educational and complex needs. Through our dedicated and expert team, we deliver outstanding care and education.
Our team are here because they are passionate about improving the lives of the individuals we support. Our employees are the key to the exceptional quality of care and education that we provide. It's why we invest in our people, fostering their personal and professional growth to ensure they can excel and develop in their journey with us.
We can't promise that it will always be easy, but we can promise here at Bright Futures it will be worthwhile. You'll be making a difference to the lives of the people we support, celebrating their achievements, and providing unwavering support during challenging times. The feedback from our people is that the good days will always outshine; especially with the backing and support of the whole team.
No matter your role, everything we do is focused around our unwavering commitment to the people we support. Our aim is that every individual we support thrives and socially develops as active members of their local community.