School Business Manager

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £48,000 – £58,000 per annum (Depending on experience)

Setting: Secondary School

We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated School Business Manager (SBM) to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at a vibrant and successful secondary school in Reading.

As the School Business Manager, you will be the strategic lead for all non‑teaching operations. You will hold ultimate accountability for the school’s financial health, human resources, health and safety compliance, estate management, and administrative functions. This is a pivotal role requiring a commercial mindset, strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead a diverse team of support staff in a fast‑paced educational environment.

Financial Management & Strategy

• Act as the principal financial advisor to the Headteacher and Governing Body, preparing regular monitoring reports, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning.

• Manage the school’s multi‑million‑pound budget, ensuring maximum value for money, robust internal controls, and full compliance with financial regulations.

• Oversee procurement, contract renewals, and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimise school spending.

• Identify and drive income‑generation opportunities, including community lettings, bids, and grant applications.

Operations & Estate Management

• Line‑manage the Site Manager / Facilities team to ensure the school premises are safe, secure, well‑maintained, and prepared for daily teaching.

• Oversee the strategic delivery of major capital building projects, maintenance programmes, and IT infrastructure upgrades.

• Ensure absolute statutory compliance across all aspects of Health & Safety, risk management, and fire safety.

Human Resources & Staff Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop the school's support staff teams, including administration, finance, facilities, and catering.

• Oversee the operational HR function, including recruitment processes, contract administration, performance management, and payroll verification.

• Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) to ensure flawless safeguarding compliance.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure the school meets all legal and statutory obligations set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities.

• Attend and present at full Governing Body and sub‑committee meetings, providing transparent operational and financial analysis.

• Experience: Proven experience working as a School Business Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Finance Lead (experience within a secondary school setting is highly desirable).

• Qualifications: A professional qualification in finance/accounting (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, CIPFA, CIMA, or ACCA) or a relevant degree in business administration.

• Skills: Strong leadership capability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with school management information systems (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom) and financial software.

• Attributes: A strategic thinker who is resilient under pressure, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting student outcomes through operational excellence.

• A supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking Senior Leadership Team.

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).

• Generous local government pension scheme and staff wellbeing initiatives.