CORE PURPOSE

We require a highly strategic, commercially minded, and meticulous School Business Manager (SBM) to lead the financial management, operational infrastructure, and human resources functions of our outstanding state primary school. Operating as a pivotal member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the successful candidate will assume full accountability for the long-term sustainability of the school’s budget, regulatory compliance, contract procurement, and estate optimization, directly enabling our teaching staff to maintain an exemplary, world-class standard of primary education.

THE SCHOOL

Our primary school is a vibrant, oversubscribed, and officially designated 'Outstanding' community academy located in the London Borough of Barnet. Renowned for achieving exceptional early childhood development metrics and Key Stage 2 outcomes well above national averages, we cultivate an environment where academic rigor blends seamlessly with holistic child pastoral care. The school's operational framework is characterized by a culture of absolute financial accountability, professional efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving. We operate a highly organized, supportive leadership structure that values commercial acumen, ensuring that administrative, site maintenance, and catering functions operate flawlessly to preserve an inspiring, safe, and modern learning campus for our pupils.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Strategic Financial Control & Income Generation: Model, manage, and monitor the school’s multi-million-pound annual budget under the direction of the Headteacher and Governing Body, executing precise monthly variance analyses, 3-to-5-year financial forecasting, and robust internal audits while aggressively pursuing grant opportunities and premises hire revenue.

• Operational Procurement & Contract Management: Lead the tendering, negotiation, and contract management of all external service level agreements (SLAs)—including ICT infrastructure, commercial catering, cleaning, and utility providers—ensuring maximum cost-efficiency and absolute value for money.

• Estate Management & Statutory Compliance: Supervise the site maintenance team to guarantee total compliance with Health and Safety executive legislation, including routine tracking of asbestos registers, water hygiene, fire protection systems, and comprehensive risk assessments across the entire early years and primary footprint.

• Human Resources & Safer Recruitment: Oversee the school's administrative and personnel operations, maintaining the Single Central Record (SCR) to flawless safeguarding standards, managing payroll variations, coordinating contracts, and administering the performance management framework for all support staff.

• SLT Advisory & Governance Reporting: Prepare and present authoritative financial, structural, and compliance reports for full Governing Body meetings and local authority or trust executives, providing clear data-driven counsel to shape the school’s strategic development plan.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: A degree-level qualification in Business Administration, Accountancy, or Human Resources, paired with a recognized professional credential in School Business Management (such as the Level 4/5 DSBM or CSBM) or a corporate financial qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA).

• Operational Experience: A proven track record of successful financial and operational leadership at a senior level, explicitly within a primary school, secondary academy, or high-budget public sector education environment.

• Analytical & Collaborative Ethos: Exceptional quantitative precision, strong contractual negotiation skills, and a professional, diplomatic communication style required to manage diverse stakeholder relationships, lead internal support teams, and interface effectively with corporate suppliers and auditors.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• An Exceptional London Borough Anchored in Educational Excellence: Based in the thriving, affluent outer London borough of Barnet—which celebrates a landmark regional achievement with 100% of its state schools officially rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted—the school operates within a premium educational climate. Combining a proud local heritage with rapid residential development and green belt spaces, Barnet presents an inspiring, high-achieving environment where educational leadership directly influences a community focused on upward mobility, high academic expectations, and sustainable infrastructure growth.

• Connectivity & Infrastructure: The campus benefits from superb North London and commuter transport links, offering straightforward road access via the strategic M25 orbital motorway, the M1 corridor, and major dual carriageways including the A1 and A406 North Circular Road. Public transit connectivity is seamless, utilizing extensive Transport for London (TfL) bus networks alongside high-frequency rail links via the Northern Line (both High Barnet and Edgware branches) and Thameslink rail corridors, connecting the school effortlessly to central London, Hertfordshire, and surrounding suburban hubs.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.