Business Manager

Divisional Business Manager - Education Division Lancaster, Cardiff & Billingshurst

We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded, and highly organised professional to join our Education Division as a Divisional Business Manager.

This is a key leadership role providing strategic, operational, and financial support to the Divisional Director and senior leadership team. Working across a portfolio of specialist education services, you will play a vital role in driving performance, supporting operational excellence, and ensuring robust financial oversight across the division.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on analysing data, influencing decision‑making, improving processes, and building strong relationships with senior stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the Divisional Director, you will work closely with Regional Directors, Headteachers, Principals, Business Managers, and central support functions to help deliver the division's strategic objectives.

You will provide detailed financial and operational analysis, support business reviews, lead performance monitoring activities, and contribute to the successful delivery of key divisional projects and initiatives.

The role also includes direct line management responsibilities and requires regular travel across our education services such as Lancaster, Cardiff & Billingshurst.

• Partner with the Divisional Director to support business reviews, operational performance, and strategic planning.
• Monitor occupancy, admissions, and fee income against budget targets.
• Provide meaningful financial and operational insights to support informed decision‑making.
• Identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement across the division.

• Analyse divisional financial performance, budgets, and key performance indicators.
• Support Headteachers, Principals, and Business Managers through monthly finance review meetings.
• Produce management information and performance reports for senior leaders.
• Work closely with Finance, Business Development, and operational teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Support continuous improvement through effective data analysis and performance monitoring.

• Ensure key corporate and divisional communications are effectively shared across the education division.
• Build strong working relationships with school leaders, regional teams, and central functions.
• Support leaders in developing effective communication processes and practices.
• Facilitate collaboration and information sharing across multiple sites.

• Coordinate and support divisional projects and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor project progress, milestones, and deliverables.
• Support operational improvements and best practice implementation across services.
• Contribute to the development of systems and processes that improve efficiency and performance.

• Lead, support, and develop a team of Business Managers across the division.
• Set clear objectives and provide ongoing coaching and support.
• Take direct management responsibility for Chiron, our online education provision.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

We are looking for a confident and proactive professional who can combine strong analytical skills with excellent relationship management.

• A Bachelor's degree or Level 3 qualification in Business Administration or a related field.
• Strong experience analysing complex data and producing meaningful management information.
• Experience interpreting budgets, financial reports, and profit and loss statements.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the use of formulas and data analysis tools.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently while building effective relationships across diverse teams.
• A high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Experience working within an education environment.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations.
• Previous leadership or line management experience.

£60-£65,000 depending on experience and qualifications.