School Business Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Birmingham
School Business Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Birmingham
Start Date: As soon as possible**
Contract: Full-time, Permanent**
Salary: Paid to scale**
School Information
This Outstanding 11–18 secondary school in Birmingham is nationally regarded for its exceptional leadership, highly inclusive ethos, and strong academic performance. The school serves a richly diverse community and is deeply committed to providing a safe, ambitious, and supportive environment in which every student can thrive.
Known for outstanding behaviour and excellent student engagement, the school offers a calm yet vibrant atmosphere where learning thrives. Staff benefit from modern facilities, professional development pathways, forward-thinking leadership, and a strong focus on wellbeing. The governing body works closely with leaders to drive improvement and long-term vision, creating a stable and aspirational environment.
As the school continues to grow and modernise its operations, a highly skilled and strategic School Business Manager (SBM) is required to lead on finance, HR, estates, and compliance.
Role Overview
The School Business Manager is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and will oversee all non-teaching operations of the school. They will ensure that financial planning, business management, and operational processes align with the school’s long-term strategic goals.
Primary responsibilities include:
Leading financial management, budgeting, auditing, and forecasting for the school
Managing HR systems, recruitment processes, contracts, and policy compliance
Overseeing estates management, site safety, security, and maintenance programmes
Ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation and statutory requirements
Preparing reports for governors, SLT, and external agencies
Managing procurement processes and ensuring cost-effective use of resources
Leading administrative, finance, and support staff teams
Overseeing risk assessments, health and safety protocols, and disaster planning
Supporting the strategic development of the school by contributing to policy design, resource planning, and operational improvements
Working collaboratively with department leaders, external contractors, auditors, and local authority partners
This role requires strong leadership, financial expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex operations effectively.
Operations & Leadership Team Information
You will work directly with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, acting as a key advisor on financial and operational matters. The SBM will lead the finance, HR, admin, premises, and compliance teams, ensuring all support operations run smoothly and efficiently.
The school uses modern digital systems including HRIS platforms, MIS (SIMS/Arbor), financial management software, and estates-management tools. Training opportunities, CPD, and leadership coaching are regularly provided.
Candidate Requirements
Significant experience in school business management or operational leadership
Professional qualification in business, finance, HR, or management (e.g., DSBM, CSBM, CIPFA, CIPD)
Strong financial acumen and experience preparing budgets and reports
Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, health and safety, and HR legislation
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Ability to make strategic decisions and lead organisational change
Highly organised, analytical, and confident in stakeholder management
Commitment to the school’s values, safeguarding, and inclusive ethos
Application
To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.
- Locations
- Birmingham, West Midlands
About Marchant Recruitment
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