Are you a strategic and pragmatic School Business Manager looking for a senior operational leadership role from January 2026? A central Westminster primary school is seeking a School Business Manager to own finance, HR, premises and administrative systems so the leadership team can focus on standards.
The School Business Manager will lead budget-setting, provide monthly management information, ensure payroll and pensions accuracy and manage contracts for catering, cleaning and site services. Based in Westminster, the School Business Manager will also be responsible for compliance reporting, preparing for audit and advising governors on financial decisions. A comprehensive induction will run before January 2026, enabling the School Business Manager to be fully operational when the post starts in January 2026.
This role suits a School Business Manager experienced in multi-stakeholder settings who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on problem solving in a busy Westminster environment.
Responsibilities
* Prepare and monitor the school budget, produce management accounts and report to governors.
* Oversee payroll/pensions and ensure HR records and processes are robust.
* Manage procurement, contract performance and service-level agreements.
* Lead premises management, health & safety compliance and risk registers.
* Provide clear financial analysis to support strategic planning and leadership decisions.
Person specification
* Substantial experience in school business management or an operations/finance leadership role, with clear evidence of financial control.
* Strong numerical skills, confident with accounting systems and spreadsheet modelling.
* Experienced in HR basics, contract management and premises oversight in a school or similar setting.
* Excellent communicator able to represent finance matters to governors and external partners in Westminster.
* Available to start January 2026 and to participate in an induction programme prior to January 2026.
To be considered for this School Business Manager position, please forward a CV as soon as possible.