School Business Manager

Main responsibilities: :

• To work closely with the Head and Senior Leadership Team running the school as efficiently as possible while delivering excellent academic results 

• To oversee the efficient running of the support functions of the school including: finance, health and safety, facilities and site management and school transport.

• To work with United Learning Head Office on all group related matters 

• To ensure all areas of work are compliant with United Learning policy and ISI regulations. 

Financial and Accountancy 

• To take full responsibility for all financial matters relating to the school, from strategic through to transactional activities 

• To assist United Learning Central Finance team in the production of monthly management accounts; to review and reforecast results in conjunction with the school’s Finance Business Partner; and to present the results to the school’s Governing body 

• To maintain the school’s financial records, and undertake the day to day financial activities in support of the school’s operation. Many of these activities are undertaken in conjunction with the United Learning central finance department: 

o ordering, processing and payment of all goods and services purchasing o fee billing, and the calculation of nursery funding, extras, discounts and debt collection o manage local banking including account control / reconciliation o contract management – phones, copiers, IT, utilities etc 

• To manage effective administrative and financial services for the school 

• To manage the purchase of supplies, equipment and services 

• To develop the school’s annual forecasts and budgets and then manage the actual performance in relation to the budget 

• To develop the school’s 5 Year Strategic Plan that will indicate trends and requirements of the school development plan and will forecast future year budgets 

• Undertake any feasibility studies / project appraisals in respect of capital initiatives that the school may want to undertake 

• Overall responsibility for lettings of school premises to regular and ad hoc hirers, ensuring licence agreements are in place and an appropriate balance of maximisation of lettings income with school operations 

• Assist teaching staff with the budgeting and payment processing for school trips, clubs and activities using the ParentMail system 

• To work closely with the Central Finance team on all finance related matters 

• To prepare financial and annual census returns as required. 

Health & Safety Management 

• Ensure that the school’s written Health & Safety Policy is clearly communicated and available to all people 

• Ensure that all United Learning Policies relating to Premises and Health & Safety are implemented at all times, put into practice and are subject to review and assessment at regular intervals or as the situation or legislation changes 

• Ensure systems are in place for effective monitoring, measuring and reporting of Health & Safety issues to the Senior Management Team, Governors and, where appropriate, the Health & Safety Executive 

• Ensure the maximum level of security is maintained at all times. 

Facilities and Property Management 

• To determine how the school will best deliver the support activities - property and grounds maintenance programme, catering operation, school minibuses 

• Ensure the safe maintenance and operation of all school premises 

• Ensure the continuing availability of utilities, site services and equipment 

• Follow sound practices in estate management and ground maintenance. Negotiate contracts and obtain quotes for maintenance and project works. Ensure contractors follow instructions and requests. Monitor quality of work by contractors and manage all projects on the school site. 

• Ensure a safe environment for the stakeholders of the school to provide a secure environment in which due learning processes can be provided 

• Ensure ancillary services e.g. catering, cleaning, etc are monitored and managed effectively 

• Liaise with the premises staff to ensure that minor repairs / caretaking general duties are carried out promptly and to the necessary standard. 

• To manage the move from the split site to single site.

• To oversee the introduction of all new IT infrastructure, IT systems (Finance, Pupil Management, Fees Billing, Admissions etc) 

Other responsibilities 

• To lead the school’s response to ISI inspections and United Learning audits for areas of responsibility within the Business Manager’s remit 

• To attend and keep minutes of termly LGB meetings, ensuring that all papers are distributed ahead of meetings and filed on the United Learning portal 

Experience of working in a school environment 

• Background in facilities/estates management, accounting, or school administration 

• Experience in accounts administration and using a Financial Accounts System 

• Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships (both internal and external) at all levels 

• Knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation 

• Knowledge and experience of ISI regulations and inspections 

Skills 

Excellent ICT skills including MS Office and the ability to learn in-house systems 

• Excellent oral and written English 

• Good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines 

• Awareness of the school’s responsibilities under GDPR 

• Management skills 

• Excellent administrative skills 

• Ability to effectively manage budgets 

• Ability to communicate confidently and professionally with pupils, staff, parents 

• Experience of using iSAMs 

Personal qualities 

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people 

• A flexible approach and a willingness to undertake tasks at all levels