School Business Manager

We are looking for a School Business Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team of our successful, highly regarded and oversubscribed 11 to 18 Academy at an exciting time in its development.  Over the last 7 years we have converted a significant deficit into a healthy surplus, seen substantial improvements in student outcomes, and utilised the challenges of Covid to integrate new ways of working, teaching, and communicating. We are currently implementing a £1.8 million capital investment project and have plans for further investment in buildings and facilities, which our new Business Manager will have the opportunity to secure and shape.  Potential candidates are encouraged to explore our website www.highcliffe.school and our published accounts.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated person with strong interpersonal skills, who is able to work independently and use their own initiative.  Experience of working in an education setting is desirable but not essential. 

The position is wide and varied and therefore requires an individual who can embrace the complexity of this role and the time demands associated with it.

The post-holder will promote the highest standards of business ethos within the administrative function of the school and ensure the most effective use of resources in support of the learning and achievement objectives. Reporting to the Head Teacher, you will be responsible for the administration function, finance and risk management, health and safety and marketing of the school. Responsible for contracts such as catering, grounds’ maintenance, transport, and lettings. Oversee team leaders of ICT resources, premises, the Librarian and Communications/Reprographics.

Highcliffe School is situated minutes from Highcliffe and Avon beaches, Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Harbour.  A few minutes’ drive or cycle away are the beaches of Bournemouth while Poole Harbour, a mecca for watersports, is approximately 12 miles away.  As a result, sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and beach life are prominent parts of life in the area.  

Highcliffe is also on the doorstep of the New Forest, meaning that equestrian sports, cycling, walking and running are also prominent features of local life.  There is an extensive range of top-class pubs, cafes, clubs, theatres and cinemas throughout the area catering for people of all ages and tastes.  

Highcliffe School is easily accessible from the urban centre of Bournemouth and Poole.  With its large student population Bournemouth uniquely offers a multicultural city buzz combined with the relaxed South Coast surfing and holiday culture.  London, the South East and the South West are easily reached by road or rail links.  The European mainland is easily reached by ferry from Weymouth, Poole, and Portsmouth, while Bournemouth and Southampton airports offer continental and worldwide flights.