School Business Manager

Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a forward thinking School Business Manager as soon as possible.Although we have listed a start date we are willing to be flexible for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Headteacher, and will provide overall strategic leadership and management for all aspects of the school's financial operations, HR, Health & Safety and facilities management with oversight of the admin team.

You might be an experienced Finance Officer looking to take the next step in your career, or an established Finance/School Business Manager looking for a new challenge - what's most important to us is that you have the expertise, passion, and drive to continue and enhance the work of the current business manager.

Working hours/weeks - 37 hours per week, term time including non-pupil days, plus at least the equivalent of 3 weeks during the school holidays (to be agreed). Some hybrid working may be possible and we're open to part-time applications of a minimum of 4 days a week.

Salary in the range Giffards Scale 7 or 8 dependent on experience - actual salary £37,130 - £49,000 for full time (pay award pending).

This role covers a broad and varied remit spanning, but not exclusive to, the below:

· Provide high quality strategic leadership on business functions within the school, including financial planning, stakeholder management and resource allocation in support of the school's vision, aims and objectives.

· Lead on the effective and efficient delivery of business support services across the school.

· Be proactive in developing new systems, manage multiple projects and ensure the school is compliant with legislation and internal policies.

· This is a strategic leadership position which requires an excellent knowledge of school finance systems and management of the school budget including finance reporting to the Headteacher and Governors as well as the ESFA and DfE. You will need to have an excellent understanding of HR, payroll and Health & Safety (including Premises).

· Provide professional leadership and management of business support staff (office and premises team) to enhance their performance

· Liaison and support re ICT upkeep in the school

The successful candidate will have:

· Sound experience of financial management and budgetary control within a school; experience within an academy is desirable.

· The successful candidate will have relevant qualifications such as a management/business degree or other equivalent qualifications - CSBM, DSBM, ADSBM/proven equivalent experience and be willing to work towards one of these.

· A secure understanding, experience and knowledge of human resources procedures and requirements

· Knowledge and experience of data protection legislative requirements and how to effectively manage a professional office and advise others in line with these requirements.

· Excellent computer skills, strong organisational and prioritisation skills and a flexible and proactive approach

· Excellent communication skills and able to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality

· Proven leadership skills and the ability to effectively line-manage staff

· Have experience of IT and knowledge of accounting and school management information systems. A knowledge of SIMS/FMS would be beneficial.

Visits to the school are welcomed and warmly encouraged as part of the application process. Please contact Sue Bryant, the current Business Manager, or Nicky Haslam-Davis the Headteacher, for further information or to arrange a visit on admin@giffardsprimary.thurrock.sch.uk or 01375 672138.

Please take care to complete the application in full, as any incomplete applications will not be considered. The school reserves the right to close the listing at any time and shortlist earlier if strong candidates apply earlier in the process. This is a public facing role and the successful candidate must speak fluent English.

Giffards Primary School is committed to the protection and safety of all pupils and adheres to the Safer Recruitment guidelines. The appointment will be subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal record check. In line with recommended practice the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line.

Closes 30th September 2024, although we have listed a start date we are willing to be flexible for the right candidate.

Information about the School

Giffards has been a primary school since 2005, with the amalgamation of the previous Infant and Junior schools. We currently have 14 classes with 405 pupils. We are a welcoming, friendly and inclusive primary academy, where we nurture and celebrate the achievements of all of our children. We have a large, experienced team of teachers and LSAs as well as specialist Music and PE staff. This has created a large school. We have invested heavily in ICT; all our classrooms have interactive screens as does our music room. We have an ICT suite with 30 computers plus interactive screen and also every child has access to their own chrome book as well as a set of headphones. All teaching staff have their own laptops which are used for planning and centralisation of information and resources.

Giffards Primary School continues to be a good school. The pupils at Giffards Primary School are walking, talking examples of the school’s values, particularly being caring and respectful. They build warm, supportive relationships with staff - Ofsted March 2022