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
School Staffing Solutions is proud to be recruiting a School Business Manager – Dual Site role on behalf of a large independent special educational needs provider. The provider operates two specialist schools: one in Stoke-on-Trent, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, providing innovative education and care for up to 90 young people aged 6‑19 with complex needs, including Autism; and a second in Wilmslow, opened in April 2023, with capacity for 50 students aged 5‑19 with autism spectrum conditions.
The Role
This senior leadership opportunity involves managing operational excellence across both schools. You will lead and develop support services for the administration teams at each site.
* Finance
* Human Resources
* Administration
* Facilities & Estates
* ICT
* Health & Safety
* Housekeeping & Catering
You will ensure these services operate efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with the schools’ strategic priorities, creating safe, effective, and high‑quality environments for learning and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
* 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
* Inspire and manage multi‑disciplinary teams across both sites
* Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
This varied and dynamic role requires contribution to the wider leadership and success of both schools.
About You
You are an experienced and confident leader with a strong background in business management, ideally within education or a similar regulated environment.
Required Qualifications and Experience
* Proven leadership experience across multiple operational functions
* Strong financial acumen, including budget setting, monitoring, and performance analysis (including EBITDA)
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety legislation
* Understanding of education funding, inspection frameworks, and regulatory requirements
* Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
* Ability to work autonomously, make sound 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
What's on Offer
* Grow with Us – Training & Development
* Save money on everyday essentials with Perkbox app
* Competitive pay and reward; we benchmark pay and benefits to stay ahead
* Enhanced annual leave, company sick pay, enhanced pension and life assurance
* 24/7 GP access – for you and your household
* UK health cash plan
* Employee assistance programme
* Refer a friend – earn 1,000!
#J-18808-Ljbffr