School Business Manager at York Steiner SchoolPermanent, full time position (Part-Time Considered) working all year round - Monday to Friday with additional hours on occasions to fulfil the requirements of the postSalary: £45,000.00 per annumClosing Date for this vacancy: Midnight, Sunday, 15th June 2025Interview Dates: Week commencing, 16th June 2025Start Date: 1st July 2025, or earlier if possible, to ensure transition with the outgoing Finance ManagerPlease also complete the Schools Application Form alongside a cover letter and up to date CV.About York Steiner SchoolYork Steiner School is an independent, non-selective school providing Steiner Waldorf education to children aged 3 to 16. Rooted in Waldorf philosophy, we offer a holistic and creative learning environment that nurtures the whole child — head, heart, and hands. We are part of a network of successful UK and Irish Waldorf schools and enjoy strong community ties in the city of York.We are entering an exciting phase of development, including a rebranding and a new website, and are seeking a dynamic and capable School Business Manager to lead our non-teaching functions and support long-term sustainability.Role PurposeThe School Business Manager is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic and operational management of the school’s finance, HR, operations, marketing, and compliance functions. Working closely with the Headteacher (who leads teaching and learning), the Business Manager enables the school to meet its strategic aims and delivers effective services to support high-quality education.This is a high-trust leadership position that reports directly to the Board of Trustees and manages the administrative and operational staff team.Line Management: Operations Manager, HR/Admin Manager, other non-teaching staff as requiredKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic and Financial LeadershipLead and manage the school’s budget and financial strategy in collaboration with the TrusteesProduce monthly and termly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial reportsEnsure value for money and sound financial planning across all departmentsOversee payroll, pensions, tax compliance, invoicing, and debt recoveryLiaise with auditors and accountants to ensure regulatory compliance and statutory reportingManage fee structures, including bursary assessments, invoicing, and debt collectionMaintain the school’s accounting systems and financial records to professional standardsOperational and Compliance ManagementLead the school’s operational functions, including premises, health and safety, and IT systemsLine-manage and support HR, admin and operations staff, ensuring clarity of roles and accountabilityEnsure legal compliance with all relevant statutory and independent school obligations (DfE, Companies House, Charity Commission, GDPR, KCSiE, etc.)Maintain key statutory records including the Single Central Register and insurance documentationHuman ResourcesOversee HR administration, ensuring robust recruitment, induction, performance management and payroll processesSupport policy development and implementation relating to staff wellbeing, training, contracts and disciplinary mattersMarketing and External RelationsDevelop and lead a marketing strategy to support pupil recruitment and retentionManage the school’s brand and communications, including website, social media, and promotional materialsBuild positive relationships with parents, prospective families, local businesses and the wider community, including coordinating the alumni networkSupport and attend key school events, such as fairs, open days and seasonal festivalsGovernance and Strategic PlanningSupport the Trustees with strategic planning, risk management and financial oversightPrepare and present reports at trustee and subcommittee meetings as requiredActively participate in meetings with Waldorf UK and other partner organisationsAnnual Leave: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays) in the first year, 31 day in the second year before rising to 33 days after 3 years. There will be a 6 month probationary period.Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications and Experience:Business and/or financial qualification (AAT Level 3 or equivalent)Significant experience in financial management, including budget planning and forecastingExperience of leading operational services in a school or similar organisationExperience of managing people and building effective teamsProficiency in accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, DEXT), MS Office, Google WorkspaceDesirable Qualifications:Experience working in an independent or Steiner/Waldorf schoolKnowledge of charity accounting and regulationsExperience in marketing and communicationsSkills and Competencies:Excellent organisational and time management skillsStrong analytical and financial reporting skillsStrategic thinker with ability to lead and influenceHighly effective communicator with a collaborative leadership styleDiscreet, trustworthy and committed to professional standardsPersonal Attributes:Supportive of Waldorf educational valuesCalm, flexible, and solutions-focusedCommitted to equity, inclusion and community engagementProfessional, positive and resilient