School Business Manager

Are you an experienced and dynamic business leader ready to make a meaningful impact in a high‑performing school? Hays are currently working with a Secondary School in Cheetham Hill who are seeking a Business Manager to drive excellence across their business operations and support their mission of providing exceptional education within a caring and values‑driven environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the country’s leading multi‑academy trusts and play a pivotal role in the smooth running and continued success of the school.

Location:Cheetham Hill

Contract:Temporary initially, potential for Permanent

Hours:Full-time (Early finish on Fridays)

Start Date:ASAP

Salary:£47,181 to £52,413

What You'll Be Doing

As a Business Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all non‑teaching functions. You will ensure the school runs efficiently, safely and in alignment with Trust policies - enabling staff to focus on what matters most: delivering an outstanding educational experience. This is a key senior role where your leadership will directly enhance the experience of students, staff and wider community.

You will lead on areas including:

• Finance (in collaboration with Trust Finance colleagues)
• HR and workforce management
• Facilities and estate management
• Health and safety
• ICT and systems
• Admissions and attendance
• School administration
• Governance and compliance

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop all business and resource functions across the school.
• Provide high‑quality information and support to the Principal and Governors.
• Ensure strong relationships with staff, students, parents and the wider Star community.

Finance

• Support financial planning, monitoring and reporting with the Finance Business Partner.
• Oversee purchasing, invoicing, cash handling and adherence to Best Value principles.
• Maintain accurate financial systems, asset registers and school funds.

Facilities & Estates

• Act as the school’s Health & Safety Lead and Fire Officer.
• Manage all aspects of the school premises, maintenance, security and compliance.
• Oversee contractors, cleaning, catering and lettings.
• Ensure safety and compliance around fire, asbestos, legionella and statutory checks.

Human Resources

• Lead day‑to‑day HR operations, supported by Central HR.
• Maintain personnel records, SCR and HR compliance documentation.
• Manage recruitment, induction, performance and development of non‑teaching staff.

Administration & MIS

• Lead the school office and administrative functions.
• Manage Bromcom, statutory returns, class lists, attendance records and census data.
• Oversee admissions, attendance processes and communications.

Governance & Regulatory

• Act as the school’s Data Protection Lead and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Support the Local Accountability Board and manage governance records and logistics.

ICT

• Oversee ICT systems, asset tracking, issue logging and contingency planning.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience in school business management or a similar operational leadership role.
• Any relevant qualifications are beneficial (AAT, CIMA/ACCA, CIPD)
• Is highly organised, proactive and able to manage a diverse workload.
• Thrives in a busy school environment and builds strong, positive relationships.
• Has a strong understanding of finance, HR, estates and compliance in an educational setting.

• Work in a supportive, high-performing Trust.
• Join a collaborative and forward-thinking school community.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or forward your CV directly to Amy on amy.rowley@hays.com

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.