Job Description
School Business Manager – Specialist Education SettingsFull Time | Senior Leadership Opportunity | Multi-Site Role
About the Opportunity
We are recruiting for an experienced and dynamic School Business Manager to join two highly successful specialist education settings supporting children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and additional complex needs.
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for a commercially aware and strategic professional who is passionate about making a difference within education. You will oversee and lead all operational support services across two school sites, ensuring high-quality provision, compliance, and operational excellence that supports outstanding student outcomes.
Both schools have established administration and support teams in place, and you will provide leadership, development, and strategic direction across all non-teaching functions.
The Role
As School Business Manager, you will lead and oversee:
* Finance & Budget Management
* Human Resources & Staff Operations
* School Administration
* Facilities & Estates Management
* ICT & Operational Systems
* Health & Safety Compliance
* Housekeeping & Catering Services
* Procurement & Contract Management
* Operational Performance & Efficiency
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in the strategic development and operational success of both settings.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead strategic and operational planning across support services
* Manage and monitor large budgets with full accountability
* Drive financial performance, reporting, forecasting, and resource allocation
* Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety standards are consistently met
* Oversee operational delivery across multiple school sites
* Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams
* Implement continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies
* Support inspections, audits, and regulatory requirements
* Contribute to whole-school leadership and school improvement planning
About You
We are looking for a confident, proactive, and solutions-focused leader with strong operational and financial management experience.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a School Business Manager, Operations Manager, or senior business support role
* Strong financial management skills including budget setting, forecasting, and financial analysis
* Experience managing multiple operational departments
* Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety legislation
* Strong leadership and people management skills
* Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
* Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and organisational skills
* Experience within education, healthcare, SEN, social care, or another regulated environment
Desirable
* School Business Management qualification, Management Diploma, or Finance qualification
* Experience within SEN schools, specialist education, or multi-site environments
* Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and education funding
* HR management experience including ER processes and recruitment
Why Apply?
* Senior leadership opportunity with real impact
* Opportunity to work within specialist education and SEND services
* Varied and rewarding multi-site role
* Supportive and collaborative leadership teams
* Excellent career progression opportunities
* Chance to contribute to life-changing outcomes for children and young people