Location: Ware, Hertfordshire
Salary: £51,000 - £57,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2026 (or sooner)
About the role:
Tradewind Recruitment is excited to be supporting one of our partner schools to source a School Business Manager for a specialist SEN school in Hertford. We are looking to appoint an experienced and dynamic School Business Manager to join the team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key strategic and operational role in a friendly, forward-thinking school that continues to go from strength to strength. We are ideally looking for applications from those with experience as a School Business Manager or post within Finance and School experience. We are looking for someone able to lead school finance, HR, premises, compliance, health & safety, and administration, ensuring that the school runs efficiently and effectively so teaching and learning can flourish.
About the school:
This is an inclusive and specialist school, well respected and supported by the local council. Pupils here are given structure and support in order to achieve to the best of their abilities.
Large, specialist school "Good with Outstanding features" Ofsted rating
Exceptionally well-run, hands on leadership team with clear strategic vision
Warm, supportive staff culture that values teamwork and innovation
Modern facilities including a refurbished building and extensive outdoor spaces
Well-resourced classrooms and strong community links
Easily accessible by public transport across North West London
The role:
Provide strategic leadership and management of the school's finances, budgets and procurement
Oversee HR processes including recruitment, payroll, contracts and staff compliance
Manage health & safety, premises and site maintenance in line with statutory requirements
Lead on GDPR, data protection and safeguarding compliance from an operational standpoint
Support the Headteacher and Governors in financial planning, forecasting and value-for-money analysis
Line-manage the admin and site teams, promoting a culture of high performance and professionalism
Prepare and present reports to the governing body and senior leadership team
Liaise with local authority, external partners and suppliers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
Contribute to the strategic growth and sustainability of the school
The ideal candidate:
We are looking for either an experienced School Business Manager or an applicant with experience in a school setting and senior finance post.
Strong financial management skills and understanding of school funding and budget control
Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
Confident using finance and MIS systems (e.g. FMS, SIMS, Arbor or similar)
Ability to interpret data, manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure
Knowledge of HR, premises management, and health & safety legislation
A solutions-focused, flexible and proactive approach
Relevant professional qualification (e.g. CSBM / DSBM / Accountancy / Business Management) desirable
Passion for supporting education and making a tangible difference behind the scenes
Why choose Tradewind:
Recognised as one of the Top 100 Companies to Work For (The Sunday Times)
Part of the Tradewind Recruitment Group, one of the UK's most trusted education networks
100% PAYE - no umbrella companies, no hidden deductions
Competitive pay, weekly payroll and full transparency
Access to free professional development and leadership CPD
Dedicated consultant Sam Taylor providing ongoing career support
Exclusive partnerships with leading schools across London
Interested?
If you're an organised, financially astute and forward-thinking Business Manager ready to make an impact in a thriving Brent primary school, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Sam at Tradewind Teaching Agency for a confidential discussion.
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