Job Title: School Business Manager
Contract Type: Fixed term (until December 2026)
Reporting to: Headteacher
Location: Primary School in Hoddesdon
Working Hours: 25 hours per week, across 4 or 5 days (flexible working pattern and start/finish times)

Role Purpose

To work in partnership with the Headteacher to lead and manage the school''s administrative, financial, and operational functions, ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Office Management

• Lead the effective management of the school office, including staff and administrative systems
• Attend Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Local School Committee (LSC) meetings as required
• Contribute to and influence strategic decision-making
• Develop and maintain effective communication systems within the school and with external stakeholders (e.g. website, newsletters, digital platforms)
• Liaise with staff, pupils, parents/carers, and external agencies
• Line manage administrative and premises staff, including performance management and appraisals
• Plan, develop, and monitor administrative systems and procedures
• Analyse data and produce detailed reports to support decision-making
• Provide guidance and support on administrative matters
• Ensure compliance with GDPR across all administrative systems
• Support the marketing and promotion of the school
• Oversee arrangements for staff absence cover, including maintaining records and timesheets

Finance and Accounting

• Provide strategic oversight of the school''s financial management
• Monitor income and expenditure, cash flow, and budget performance
• Oversee month-end processes, including VAT requirements
• Report financial information to the Headteacher and Trust CFO as required
• Work with the Trust''s central team to support internal and external audits and implement recommendations
• Review and manage contracts and service level agreements to ensure value for money
• Contribute to financial planning and resource allocation

Human Resources and Payroll

• Support the Headteacher in delivering effective HR management and workforce planning
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including safeguarding and GDPR
• Maintain accurate staff records, including the Single Central Record
• Manage DBS checks and safer recruitment processes
• Liaise with the Trust and external agencies to ensure accurate payroll and pension administration
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll and pension queries, referring where necessary

Premises and Estate Management

• Work with the premises team to maintain and develop the school site and facilities
• Line manage the site manager where applicable
• Ensure all required contracts, licences, and insurances are in place and maintained
• Monitor service contracts and compliance requirements
• Oversee procurement, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities
• Manage building improvement and refurbishment projects, including liaising with contractors and consultants
• Coordinate lettings and community use of the school site to maximise income opportunities

Health and Safety

• Ensure the school meets all health and safety requirements and maintains a safe working environment
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation and ensure compliance
• Implement and monitor health and safety policies and procedures
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and regularly reviewed
• Maintain systems for reporting and monitoring incidents, including liaison with relevant authorities
• Oversee annual health and safety reviews and fire risk assessments
• Ensure a competent health and safety officer is appointed

Person Specification

• Proven experience as a School Business Manager (essential)
• Strong understanding of administrative systems and processes
• Proficiency in ICT systems (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SIMS, FMS)
• NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) in Business Administration
• Working knowledge of Level 1 NASBM professional standards
• Level 1 Safeguarding training
• Understanding of and commitment to the school''s ethos and values

Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Tate is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application.