School Business Manager

37 hours per week

We are looking to strengthen our Senior Leadership team by appointing a resilient School Business Manager to provide strategic support and guidance to the Headteacher and other Senior Leaders on all non-Teaching and Learning functions. 

Oak Tree School is an exciting collaborative project which will provide a safe and happy learning environment for 150 learners from Year 1 to Year 13, with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for Autism Spectrum Conditions and associated complex needs, including Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health.

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of working as a School Business Manager in an educational setting and enjoy the challenges and rewards a role like this brings.

The successful applicant will possess the following:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of financial management systems.
• Experience of supporting the budgeting and reporting processes.
• Experience of working with a range of internal and external partners including non-finance personnel.
• Knowledge and experience of managing procurement, contracts for services and health and safety.
• Knowledge of governance within an educational context.
• Extensive experience of managing and motivating staff.
• Bromcom, PS Financials and/or HCSS experience desirable but not essential.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• A highly effective communicator (in both written and verbal communications).
• An exceptional organiser with first class planning skills.
• Able to work in a team or on your own initiative.
• Self-organised, be able to prioritise and manage conflicting demands to meet deadlines.
• Able to understand and interpret complex legislation regulations etc.
• Ability to influence and participate as a member of the SLT.

These children and young people have boundless potential so, at the heart of Oak Tree School’s provision, will be a rich and stimulating curriculum, specialist personal development education and targeted therapeutic programmes delivered by talented and specialist staff.

The impetus for this project has been a partnership between Brighter Futures for Children, Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council as part of their commitment to providing additional special school places for local children close to their own communities. 

Community, inclusion and respect are key Maiden Erlegh Trust values and they underpin our vision for Oak Tree School. As the project progresses, we will continue work with our partners and listen to parents and children to realise our vision. Only in this way can we meet the needs of every child and help each one to reach their potential.

Linked to our community values, the school will also offer a range of outreach programmes to support SEND pupils in mainstream schools.

Being part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust also offers a range of career opportunities in its vibrant and successful schools. We are very happy to discuss flexible working arrangements including part-time working and job-sharing.

Whilst it is not currently possible to view Oak Tree School, we urge you to come and visit one of our other schools and meet staff and students. Please email our recruitment team via recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org who can help organise this.

Closing date: 9am 14 April 2023

Interviews: Shortly after the closing date

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and staff. We are also committed to being ambitious for all and supporting everyone to reach their full potential. All employees of the Trust are expected to share these commitments. All posts require satisfactory employment checks and references and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.