School Business Manager

Havering Education Services; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Greater London is seeking a School Business Manager to oversee financial management, HR, and school administration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leadership and a recognised qualification in business management. This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to lead teams, and the management of various operational functions. The position offers a permanent contract for 36 hours a week, contributing to a positive and collaborative school environment.

Benefits

Excellent professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Strong parental community engagement

Qualifications

• Proven experience in finance management within an educational setting
• Strong background in HR management and compliance
• Excellent organisational skills with a strong attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management for the schools ensuring compliance and sustainability
• Manage staff payroll services and personnel records
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for the schools

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Human Resource Management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Recognised qualification in business administration or a related field

Finance or HR qualification

Tools

Office software (e.g., Excel)

IT systems management

Job description

Overview

Employer: The Federation of Towers Schools

Reference: SCH/26/328855

Grade 8 Points 35 - 39

Closing on 19/01/2026 at 11:00

Enhanced DBS Check

Contract Permanent | Hours 36 hours per week

Location Hornchurch, RM11 1HP/RM11 1PD

Executive Head Teacher of Federation: Mr Matt J Dineen

Position School Business Manager

Hours 36 hours per week x 52 weeks per year

Application Permanent | Required ASAP

Responsibilities and duties

We are looking for an enthusiastic, thorough and meticulous Business Manager who has high standards and is good at organising and motivating staff, managing whole school finance and supporting the Leadership team in the effective running of the school. We are seeking to appoint someone with experience, who is forward thinking with the passion and commitment to build on the impressive achievements of our school and act as a driver for further improvement.

The post is of a permanent contract and will be an interesting, varied and an exciting balance of operating and developing the school’s finance, administration and HR, alongside leading and being responsible for premises and Health and Safety.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Senior Leadership within a very collaborative working environment in which they will feel valued and can thrive and lead a team of people.

Main duties and responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Have extensive leadership, financial and HR experience as well as management of areas including Premises, Health and Safety, Administration, lettings, bid writing, procurement and Facilities.
• Advise and implement the day-to-day support that enable the school to operate effectively, which allows other members of the senior leadership team to focus on teaching and learning.
• Participate in and present in Strategic Leadership meetings, Full Governing Body meetings offering financial, premises and personnel support and advice as required.
• Provide information including the annual budget statement and Financial Summary
• lead and line manage both schools’ implementation of recruitment and inductions
• Have experience of school/primary school finance
• Have excellent office and IT skills
• A recognised qualification or a willingness to work towards a qualification with support from the school is an option e.g. working at national occupational standards (NOS) in business and administration and knowledge/skills equivalent to current national qualifications level 4-6 or the Advanced Diploma of School Business Management (ADSBM) or Director of School Business Management. A finance or HR qualification would be advantageous.
• Be responsible for the effective financial management of both schools ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and legal requirements.
• Evaluate information and consult with the Leadership and Governors to prepare a realistic, balanced and sustainable budget for the schools’ activity in the short, medium and long term
• Submit the proposed budgets to the Head Teachers and Governors for approval, assist the overall financial planning process and ensure the school is always audit ready.
• Discuss, negotiate and agree the final budgets

Human Resource Management

• Have excellent communication skills
• Manage the payroll services for all the schools’ staff including the management of pension schemes and associated services.
• Oversee the completion of all new starter paperwork and other documents relating to staff employment and maintain the Personnel database.
• To liaise with Head teachers on personnel issues.
• To liaise with external organisations to ensure that the appropriate clearance for new staff is received – medical checks, DBS checks and obtainment of employment references.
• To be responsible for the maintenance of confidential staff records.

Site Management

• To be able to line manage the site team, office team and be able to lead meetings with contractors, services and letting agents.
• Develop and implement a Marketing Strategy for both schools to maintain their profiles within the wider community and attract additional funds for both schools.

General

• Have the ability to think creatively and strategically
• Have a flexible and positive nature and the ability to work well under pressure
• Be able to manage their own time and workload effectively and have good problem-solving skills as well as excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to operate strategically, lead, value, inspire and motivate others as well as demonstrate flexibility, teamwork and have a commitment to the school values and mission statement.
• Good interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with different stake holders and service providers.
• The courage to deliver change and who can demonstrate significant past success.

If you are an experienced Finance Manager looking to progress into becoming a School Business Manager, this could be the right position for you too. Investment, support and training will be available to the successful candidate. The Federation of Towers schools is a happy, inclusive and creative school where children thrive and where innovation, initiative and creativity are encouraged. Our children are exceptional and keen to learn and all members of our school community are valued and really do look after one another.

What we offer

• Amazing children who demonstrate a love of learning across our schools
• A friendly and supportive team with high morale who all champion children’s well-being
• A very well resourced and attractive environment
• A strong ethos of high expectations and challenge for the whole community
• Excellent professional development and career enhancement opportunities
• A thorough induction and support programme embarking on the role.
• A brilliant parental community who join us in our pursuit of excellence for everybody.

Visits to the school are welcomed and strongly encouraged. If this role sounds like the job for you and you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Towers Infant School or Towers Junior School to arrange a meeting ahead of making your application. When you visit the school, you will see first-hand our excellent settings and feel how welcoming The Federation of Towers schools is.

This position is fulltime for 36 hours per week for 52 weeks per year. For exceptional candidates with extensive appropriate skills an honorarium may be considered.

The Federation of Towers Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and therefore all posts are subject to a DBS check and appropriate references. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our children and the overall school community. We look forward to welcoming you to our team

Closing date: Monday 19th January 2026, 11am

Interviews: TBC

Following deadline of advert we apologise if you are not contacted but due to expected high volumes of applicants we are unable to respond individually. The Federation also reserves the right to interview prior to the advert closing due to the high numbers of applicants anticipated.

Safeguarding

Havering Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our pupils from abuse is the responsibility of all staff within our schools, superseding any other considerations. Therefore Havering Schools comply with the Department for Education ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance.

Equal Opportunities

Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

How to apply

To apply, please visit https://ats-haveringschools.jobsgopublic.com and submit your application by clicking the 'Apply Online' link below.