School Business Manager - Dual Site
Location: Bucknall (Stoke-on-Trent) & Wilmslow (Cheshire East)
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £52,000 - £55,000 per annum
About Us
We are proud to deliver high-quality, specialist education and care for young people aged 5-19 with complex needs, including Autism and associated conditions. Our settings are designed to provide supportive, inclusive environments where students can thrive both academically and personally.
One of our sites has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, while the other - recently opened in 2023 - is already making a strong impact and has achieved Outstanding ratings in Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development in its most recent inspection.
The Role
This is a senior leadership opportunity across two specialist school settings, where you will play a key role in driving operational excellence and supporting exceptional outcomes for students. You will lead established Administration Teams at both sites, providing clear direction and support.
As School Business Manager, you will oversee and develop all support services across both locations, including:
* Finance
* Human Resources
* Administration
* Facilities & Estates
* ICT
* Health & Safety
* Housekeeping & Catering
You will ensure these services run efficiently, remain fully compliant, and align with strategic priorities - helping to create safe, effective, and high-quality learning environments.
Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will:
* Lead strategic and operational planning for support services
* Manage budgets with full accountability, driving value and performance
* Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and health & safety requirements
* Oversee financial performance, reporting, and resource allocation
* Lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams across both sites
* Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
This is a varied and dynamic role, with the expectation that you will contribute to the wider leadership and ongoing success of both settings.
About You
You are an experienced and confident leader with a strong background in business management, ideally within education or another regulated environment.
You will bring:
* Proven leadership experience across multiple operational areas
* Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, monitoring, and performance analysis (including EBITDA)
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety legislation
* An understanding of education funding, inspection frameworks, and regulatory requirements
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
* The ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems
Desirable
* A recognised management or professional qualification (e.g. Management Diploma or Finance qualification)
* Experience leading HR processes and procedures
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact across two specialist settings, working alongside dedicated teams committed to improving the lives and outcomes of young people.
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