School Business Manager – Progressive Secondary School – Trafford, Greater Manchester

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive salary dependent on experience

School Information

This is a well-established 11–18 Outstanding Ofsted-rated secondary school located in Trafford, Greater Manchester, widely recognised for its academic excellence, strong leadership, and commitment to student success.

The school serves a vibrant and diverse community and maintains exceptionally high expectations for both students and staff. Pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes to learning, showing curiosity, resilience, and ambition across all areas of the curriculum.

The school’s ethos is centred around respect, aspiration, and inclusion. Staff work collaboratively to ensure every student is supported to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. The school offers a broad curriculum complemented by a rich programme of extracurricular opportunities, including sports, arts, leadership activities, and community initiatives.

The leadership team is experienced and forward-thinking, with a clear vision focused on continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Staff benefit from strong professional support, clear communication, and a culture that values innovation and collaboration.

The school campus is modern and well maintained, with high-quality facilities that support learning, administration, and extracurricular activities. Efficient operational leadership is essential to maintaining these standards and ensuring that resources are managed effectively.

The Role

The school is seeking a highly organised and experienced School Business Manager (SBM) to lead the operational management of the school.

This is a senior leadership support role responsible for overseeing the school’s financial management, human resources, premises operations, and administrative systems. The School Business Manager works closely with the Headteacher and governing body to ensure that the school’s resources are used effectively to support teaching and learning.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in the strategic planning and operational leadership of the school, ensuring that systems run efficiently and that the school environment remains safe, well managed, and financially sustainable.

This role requires a strong leader who can manage multiple operational areas while working collaboratively with senior leaders and support staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the school’s financial management and strategic budget planning

• Overseeing administrative systems and operational procedures

• Managing human resources processes including recruitment, contracts, and staff records

• Supervising finance, administration, and premises teams

• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations

• Managing procurement processes and supplier contracts

• Supporting the Headteacher and governing body with financial and operational planning

• Monitoring expenditure and ensuring value for money across school operations

• Overseeing site management, facilities maintenance, and school security

• Ensuring that administrative systems support effective school performance

Operational Leadership

The School Business Manager plays a central role in ensuring the smooth operation of the school. Strong operational leadership enables teaching staff to focus on delivering excellent learning experiences while ensuring that financial and administrative processes remain efficient and transparent.

The role requires someone who is both strategic and detail-oriented, capable of managing complex systems while maintaining clear communication with senior leaders and staff.

The school values innovation and welcomes new ideas that improve efficiency, strengthen systems, and enhance the overall working environment.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience in financial and operational management

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Excellent organisational and strategic planning abilities

• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple operational areas effectively

• A proactive approach to problem solving and system improvement

• Commitment to supporting the school’s educational mission

Experience working in education or the public sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join This School

• Outstanding Ofsted-rated environment with strong leadership

• Collaborative and supportive staff culture

• Opportunity to contribute to strategic school development

• Excellent facilities and working environment

• Strong commitment to staff development and wellbeing

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete enhanced safeguarding checks.

Application

To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may be scheduled before the closing date.