Business Manager Large School in Reading

Location: Reading Berkshire

Job Type: Full-time Permanent

Salary:per annum (Depending on experience)

Setting: Secondary School

We are seeking an exceptional highly motivated School Business Manager (SBM) to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at a vibrant and successful secondary school in Reading.

As the School Business Manager you will be the strategic lead for all non-teaching operations. You will hold ultimate accountability for the schools financial health human resources health and safety compliance estate management and administrative functions. This is a pivotal role requiring a commercial mindset strong financial acumen and the ability to lead a diverse team of support staff in a fast-paced educational environment.

Financial Management & Strategy

• Act as the principal financial advisor to the Headteacher and Governing Body preparing regular monitoring reports forecasting and long-term financial planning.

• Manage the schools multi-million-pound budget ensuring maximum value for money robust internal controls and full compliance with financial regulations.

• Oversee procurement contract renewals and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimize school spending.

• Identify and drive income-generation opportunities including community lettings bids and grant applications.

Operations & Estate Management

• Line-manage the Site Manager / Facilities team to ensure the school premises are safe secure well-maintained and prepared for daily teaching.

• Oversee the strategic delivery of major capital building projects maintenance programs and IT infrastructure upgrades.

• Ensure absolute statutory compliance across all aspects of Health & Safety risk management and fire safety.

Human Resources & Staff Leadership

• Lead motivate and develop the schools support staff teams including administration finance facilities and catering.

• Oversee the operational HR function including recruitment processes contract administration performance management and payroll verification.

• Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) to ensure flawless safeguarding compliance.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure the school meets all legal and statutory obligations set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities.

• Attend and present at full Governing Body and sub-committee meetings providing transparent operational and financial analysis.

• Experience: Proven experience working as a School Business Manager Operations Manager or Senior Finance Lead (experience within a secondary school setting is highly desirable).

• Qualifications: A professional qualification in finance/accounting (e.g. CSBM DSBM CIPFA CIMA or ACCA) or a relevant degree in business administration.

• Skills: Strong leadership capability excellent communication skills and proficiency with school management information systems (such as SIMS Arbor or Bromcom) and financial software.

• Attributes: A strategic thinker who is resilient under pressure adaptable and deeply committed to supporting student outcomes through operational excellence.

• A supportive collaborative and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).

• Generous local government pension scheme and staff wellbeing initiatives.

If you are a visionary operational leader ready to make a significant impact on our school community please submit your updated CV today.