School Business Manager - East Infant School

About Us

Are you looking to begin your career as a School Business Manager or are you an experienced School Business Manager looking for a new challenge?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right person to become a valued member of our welcoming team.

We are a three‑form entry, Gold Rights Respecting Infant School seeking a motivated and forward‑thinking School Business Manager to join our team. You will lead the strategic and day‑to‑day management of our business operations, including finance, HR, health and safety, compliance and administration- helping to ensure our school runs smoothly so that teaching and learning can continue to flourish. We are looking for the right person- could it be you?

Training is available to help the successful candidate if required.

Rated Good in all areas by Ofsted (June 2025), our school puts children’s needs and rights at the heart of everything we do. With inspiring facilities - including a rainforest‑themed library, Forest School area and Computing Suite- we are proud to offer an engaging, creative learning environment.

We are looking for someone with the skills, enthusiasm and vision to support the ongoing development of our school and its provision for pupils.

Salary: Grade 9, SCP 25 - 28 £ 38,398 - £40, 327 FTE per annum, dependent on experience (actual £27,941 - £29,344)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days.
Actual working pattern to be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Monday 19th October. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.

Interviews: tbc

Start Date: Flexible for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Financial & strategic management: overall leadership of budgets, financial planning, reporting and effective use of resources
• People & operations oversight: responsibility for HR, recruitment, payroll, compliance and line management of a small team of staff
• Facilities & compliance management: management of premises, health & safety, contracts, statutory requirements, catering, and lettings

A full list of key responsibilities is available in the attached job description.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in school or organisational management, with strong financial and HR knowledge
• Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to line manage and develop a team
• Confidence working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders; knowledge of local authority procedures is desirable

• Strong administrative and premises teams to support operational delivery
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the school’s ongoing development
• A committed, supportive staff team and governing body, plus access to local SBM networks and professional development

We would be delighted to hear from you if you think that you would be a suitable candidate for the post and visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact us at or if you would like to arrange a visit or a conversation about the role with Claire New, Headteacher.

East Preston Infant School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.