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Job Title: School Business Manager

Location: Barking and Dagenham

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (1 year with potential to become permanent)

Salary: From PO5 - £51,000 per annum (Negotiable based on experience)

About the Role

Our client school based in Barking and Dagenham is seeking a highly capable and experienced School Business Manager to join their leadership team on a fixed-term basis for one year, with a view to the role becoming permanent. This is a critical post in the school, and we are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible.

This role requires strong schools finance experience, with a proven ability to manage budgets, funding streams, and financial compliance in an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Financial Management

Lead on the school's financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
Oversee day-to-day financial operations including budget monitoring, reconciliations, and reporting.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, DfE guidance, and local authority requirements.
Produce regular financial reports for the Headteacher and Governing Body.
Manage contracts, procurement, and tendering processes to ensure best value.

Human Resources & Staff Management

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, HR compliance, and staff records.
Liaise with external HR and payroll providers where applicable.
Support performance management and staff wellbeing processes.

Premises & Health and Safety

Ensure effective site management and maintenance planning.
Lead on health and safety policy implementation and statutory compliance.
Manage contracts and relationships with facilities, cleaning, and catering providers.

Administration & Compliance

Line-manage administration staff and ensure efficient office operations.
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including GDPR, safeguarding procedures, and audit readiness.
Support the leadership team with key administrative tasks and reporting.

Essential Experience & Skills

Significant experience managing school finances (including use of systems such as FMS, PS Financials, or similar).
In-depth understanding of school budget planning, monitoring, and financial reporting.
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with senior staff.
Experience managing HR and premises operations in a school setting.
Excellent IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Ability to prioritise, problem-solve, and meet deadlines under pressure.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

CSBM/DSBM or equivalent school business management qualification.

Experience in a local authority maintained school or academy setting.

Experience working closely with Governors and external auditors.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work in a well-regarded and supportive school environment.

Potential for the role to become permanent following a successful fixed term.

Salary starting from £51,000 (PO5), with room for negotiation based on experience.

A leadership role where your expertise will directly contribute to the school's success.

Application Information

Interviews for this Barking and Dagenham based position will be held on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged. To express interest or apply, please contact Dereck at TimePlan Education.

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