Business Manager (Primary Academies)

Please be aware that this is an ideal role for an individual looking for positions in facilities and operations.

About the role: Are you an experienced Business Manager keen to be part of a new journey? Leigh Academies Trust have a fantastic opportunity for a Business Manager to join us on a full time, permanent basis from October 2020. The successful candidate will be working across our four successful and collaborative Primary Academies based in Maidstone; Langley Park Primary Academy, Molehill Primary Academy, Tree Tops Primary Academy and Oaks Primary Academy. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a candidate looking to be part of our well-established and experienced central Estates Department who operate across the Trust. Reporting into the Estate Controller for the Trust, we can offer progression and excellent mentoring support to ensure that you exceed in this role and expand on your existing knowledge and experience. On a daily basis, you'll work harmoniously with the Principal of each academy.

Key areas of responsibilities include the following;

• Health, safety and regulatory compliance
• Premises management and development
• Contract management
• Budget management and efficiencies
• Environmental management
• Travel, and vehicle management
• Team management
• Admission Appeals

This is a challenging position for someone who is self-motivated, an excellent communicator and has an understanding of community both in terms of externally and within the academies. The post holder is responsible for budget monitoring within their designated areas of responsibility only as there is a Finance Manager responsible for academy finances. Our successful candidate will be entitled to 25 days annual leave per annum which increases based on length of service, in addition to bank holidays.

Being a part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have one further secondary academy in the development phase, due to open in September 2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.