Business Manager

The Brian Clarke CE Academy, based in Oldham town centre, Greater Manchester, is looking for a qualified and experience school business leader to add strategic leadership capability to our free school which in September 2026, will be full in years 7-11.

This is an exciting time in the school’s journey as we have realised our ambition as a full school, with 1200 pupils, when we will embark on our first ever GCSE exams for our founding cohort and at a time when we are developing our brand-new build even more, adding an inclusion provision to our state-of-the-art building.

We would like the successful applicant to take up post in September 2026, or sooner if possible, depending on notice requirements.

The post holder will be a member of the Brian Clarke CE Academy Senior Leadership Team alongside the headteacher and deputies and will provide strategic leadership as we grow and develop Brian Clarke as an established and full school. You will work closely with Cranmer Education Trust central colleagues, as you manage a big estates project, and closely with the headteacher to implement the inclusion strategy which sits alongside the capital build aspect of our growth.

You will be at the forefront of developing people and culture with the headteacher at Brian Clarke. You will focus on driving ethos and systems and ensuring our community continues to flourish.

We offer:

• An exciting senior leadership post in a growing organisation
• The opportunity to shape and develop our school, making a difference to the lives of children and young people
• The challenge and stimulation of working alongside dedicated educationalists and colleagues who are committed to making a difference
• Experience and collaboration across a wider trust
• 24 days annual leave rising to 31, plus Bank Holidays
• Final salary pension scheme, including significant employer contribution
• National terms and conditions

The closing date for applications is Monday 16th March 2026 erviews will be held week commencing 23rd March 2026.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

The Cranmer Education Trust is a successful trust which prides itself on looking after its people, offering a high level of support and access to expertise.  This is an excellent time to join the team, as we develop collaborative structures and systems to enhance and support our growing family of schools.  

We are a growing schools trust with both primary and secondary schools, across Oldham and Rochdale. The trust also incorporates a teacher training school and the East Manchester Teaching Hub, which support the training and development of new and existing teachers across the North West of England.

The Cranmer Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Cranmer Education Trust follows safer recruitment practices. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and appointment is therefore subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service.  

For further information please refer to:  

• the Cranmer Education Trust’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
   

• The job description and person specification for further information regarding the safeguarding responsibilities of the role. xekaoyc   

Diversity

The Cranmer Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer and will provide reasonable support to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process.