School Business Manager

About the job

Key information

37 hours, all-year-round

Salary: Grade 11

Due to the retirement of our current School Business Manager at the end of the summer term, we are seeking to appoint their replacement from 5th January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

What will I be doing?

As the school’s leading support staff professional, you will be part of the Senior Leadership Team reporting directly to the Headteacher. You will be responsible for the financial strategy and business management of the school, including the premises.

The successful person will:

Provide strategic vision and leadership to all aspects of business and financial management of school resources including budgeting and financial planning.

Provide strategic vision and leadership in the provision and management of all support services across the school, including human resources, administration, finance, pastoral and facilities, including in-house catering and cleaning.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to manage their own time and workload without close supervision. You must be able to respond to the needs of school staff and pupils whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times.

The successful candidate will be a proactive and positive person, who is approachable and has a calm, professional manner. You will be flexible enough to meet the changing demands of a busy school day and able to organise and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.

The successful applicant will:

• Lead on all financial and business matters within the school, ensuring that financial decisions are clearly linked to the school’s strategic aims and development plan.
• Have sound business knowledge, including premises and capital management, ideally in a school setting but not essential.
• Have excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise.
•  Remain calm under pressure, with an ability to provide solutions and adapt to changing priorities.
• Have good communication and written skills.
• Be able to motivate and lead a team.
• Attend meetings related to the requirements of the role of SBM after school, in person and remotely, including Full Governing Board meetings.
• Have an understanding and commitment to safeguarding, health and safety and promoting the welfare and educational outcomes of children.
• The successful candidate will be given a comprehensive induction, working alongside the outgoing SBM for two terms. They will be supported to flourish in an environment which promotes each staff member to be the best version of themselves.

DBS check

Any offer of employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and employment references.

Supporting documents and information

Visits to the school are encouraged.

To apply for this role, it would be desirable that you either hold a School Business Manager qualification, or would be willing to undertake it when in post.
All applications should be submitted using the Somerset Council application form. Application packs can be downloaded from our school website

Alternatively, please contact Mrs Morwenna Dunstan, Headteacher, St Mary’s CEVC Primary School, by telephone: 01278 422691 or email: office@stmarysbridgwater.co.uk

Closing Date: Noon on Thursday 6 November 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 11 November 2025

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment.

Apply on the St Mary’s C of E Primary School & Little Oaks Nursery website