A well-established primary in Southwark is recruiting an experienced School Business Manager to join their senior leadership team from January 2026. The appointed School Business Manager will lead the school’s finance, HR, premises and procurement functions, delivering robust systems that allow teaching staff to focus on learning. This School Business Manager role in Southwark is pivotal to the school’s strategic planning and day-to-day operational effectiveness.

• School Business Manager required for a full-time leadership position
• School Business Manager required to work within a busy primary school in Southwark
• School Business Manager to join the senior leadership team and lead finance & operations

The School Business Manager will prepare and monitor budgets, produce management information for governors and leaders, oversee payroll and pensions and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The successful School Business Manager will manage contracts and suppliers, lead on premises and health & safety matters, and line-manage administrative and site staff to maintain high service standards. The role will start January 2026, with induction and handover activities arranged in the weeks leading to January 2026 so the School Business Manager can support budget-setting for the next financial year.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, monitoring and monthly management accounts to provide clear financial oversight.
• Oversee payroll, pensions and supplier contracts while driving cost-effective procurement.
• Manage premises, health & safety and statutory compliance to secure a safe working environment.
• Produce timely management reports and advise governors and senior leaders on financial decisions.
• Supervise finance, admin and site teams and develop efficient office systems.

Person specification

• Proven experience in school finance or a similar operational leadership role; demonstrable impact as a School Business Manager.
• Strong financial competence, including budgeting, forecasting and management accounting.
• Familiarity with school payroll, pensions and statutory compliance processes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills; able to work with governors, headteacher and external stakeholders.
• Able to start January 2026 and based in Southwark.

This is a strategic School Business Manager opportunity within a busy Southwark school that values strong operational leadership and collaborative working. The successful candidate will be expected to begin duties January 2026 and will play a key role in ensuring the school’s finances and operations support educational priorities from day one.

To be considered for this School Business Manager position, please forward a CV as soon as possible.