School Business Manager – Secondary Academy
Listed on 2026-11-01
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Management
Financial Manager
A progressive secondary academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, is seeking a strategic, commercially astute School Business Manager to oversee operational finance, estate management, HR, and regulatory compliance starting ASAP or in January.
Job OverviewThe School Business Manager operates as a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Principal and Governing Body. You will lead non-instructional operations, control multi-million-pound budgets, direct campus estates, and ensure compliance with Department for Education and ESFA regulatory frameworks.
Working closely with senior leadership, you will oversee site maintenance teams, central administrative staff, IT network teams, catering contractors, and external cleaning services. This is a full-time, permanent 52-week position.
Key ResponsibilitiesDirect academy finances, revenue forecasting, balance sheet audits, and procurement compliance
Line-manage operational teams across facilities maintenance, front-office administration, IT, and catering
Oversee estates infrastructure, capital improvement bids (CIF), campus security, and health and safety audits
Manage school HR functions, including recruitment checks, single central record (SCR) oversight, and payroll sign-off
Drive commercial venue lettings and external community grant funding opportunities
Prepare and present financial management accounts and statutory operational reports to the Trust Board
Start Date: Immediate (ASAP) or January
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract (52-week post, 37 hours/week)
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Salary / Pay Rate: Leadership Scale / PO5–PO7 equivalent (Dependent on experience)
Key Systems: Access Education / PSF / SIMS / Arbor / Every Compliance
Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM / CSBM) or professional qualification in Finance, HR, or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM)
Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within an education, academy trust, or public sector setting
Comprehensive knowledge of school funding models, Academies Financial Handbook guidelines, and estates compliance
Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities
An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
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