Full‑time | 12‑month contract | Starting July
A Multi‑Academy Trust in Cumbria is seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Business Manager to provide maternity cover within its Northern cluster of schools. This is a senior operational leadership role supporting several specialist schools and plays a key part in ensuring the Trust continues to deliver high‑quality provision for pupils with special educational needs.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with Headteachers, you will lead the operational functions across multiple school sites. The role is primarily based at Carlisle, with regular travel required across schools in the region and some flexibility for remote working (1-2 days per week). Please note this role is full time, full year.
Your new role
You will take strategic and operational responsibility for:
1. Financial management – budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and ensuring value for money
2. Estates and facilities management – ensuring safe,pliant, well‑maintained learning environments
3. Health & safetypliance – maintaining robust systems and meeting statutory requirements
4. Contracts and procurement – overseeing tendering processes and contract management
5. Line management – supporting and developing operational staff
6. Strategic leadership – contributing to planning and decision‑making at senior level
What you'll need to succeed
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
7. Significant leadership experience in business, finance, or operations (education or public sector desirable)
8. Strong financial acumen and experience managingplex budgets
9. Knowledge of HR processes,pliance, and staff management
10. Ability to manage multi‑site operations effectively
11. Excellentmunication and stakeholder engagement skills
12. A flexible, solutions‑focused approach
Experience within a school or MAT environment, would be highly advantageous, though not essential for the right candidate.