School Business Manager

The Federation of Towers Schools

Towers Infant & Junior Schools

Osborne Road/Windsor Road

Hornchurch

RM11 1HP/RM11 1PD

Acting Executive Head Teacher of Federation: Ms LJ Blurton

School Business Manager  

Grade 8 Points 35 - 39

Hours: 36 hours per week x 52 weeks per year

Actual Salary: £46,041 - £50,031 p.a.

Permanent

Required 2nd September 2024

We are looking for an enthusiastic, thorough and meticulous Business Manager who has high standards and is good at organising and motivating staff, managing whole school finance and supporting the Leadership team in the effective running of the school. We are seeking to appoint someone with experience, who is forward thinking with the passion and commitment to build on the impressive achievements of our school and act as a driver for further improvement.

The post is of a permanent contract to start on the 2nd September and will be an interesting, varied and an exciting balance of operating and developing the school’s finance, administration and HR, alongside leading and being responsible for premises and Health and Safety. 

The successful candidate will be a member of the Senior Leadership within a very collaborative working environment in which they will feel valued and can thrive and lead a team of people.

Main duties and responsibilities in the following areas:

Leadership & Management

• Have extensive leadership, financial and HR experience as well as management of areas including Premises, Health and Safety, Administration, lettings, bid writing, procurement and Facilities.
• Advise and implement the day-to-day support that enable the school to operate effectively, which allows other members of the senior leadership team to focus on teaching and learning.
• Participate in and present in Strategic Leadership meetings, Full Governing Body meetings offering financial, premises and personnel support and advice as required.
• Provide information including the annual budget statement and Financial Summary
• lead and line manage both schools’ implementation of recruitment and inductions

Financial Resource Management

• Have experience of school/primary school finance
• Have excellent office and IT skills
• A recognised qualification or a willingness to work towards a qualification with support from the school is an option e.g. working at national occupational standards (NOS) in business and administration and knowledge/skills equivalent to current national qualifications level 4-6 or the Advanced Diploma of School Business Management (ADSBM) or Director of School Business Management. A finance or HR qualification would be advantageous.
• Be responsible for the effective financial management of both schools ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and legal requirements.
• Evaluate information and consult with the Leadership and Governors to prepare a realistic, balanced and sustainable budget for the schools’ activity in the short, medium and long term
• Submit the proposed budgets to the Head Teachers and Governors for approval, assist the overall financial planning process and ensure the school is always audit ready.
• Discuss, negotiate and agree the final budgets

Human Resource Management 

• Have excellent communication skills
• Manage the payroll services for all the schools’ staff including the management of pension schemes and associated services.
• Oversee the completion of all new starter paperwork and other documents relating to staff employment and maintain the Personnel database.
• To liaise with Head teachers on personnel issues.
• To liaise with external organisations to ensure that the appropriate clearance for new staff is received – medical checks, DBS checks and obtainment of employment references.
• To be responsible for the maintenance of confidential staff records.

Site Management

• To be able to line manage the site team, office team and be able to lead meetings with contractors, services and letting agents.
• Develop and implement a Marketing Strategy for both schools to maintain their profiles within the wider community and attract additional funds for both schools.

General

• Have the ability to think creatively and strategically
• Have a flexible and positive nature and the ability to work well under pressure
• Be able to manage their own time and workload effectively and have good problem-solving skills as well as excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to operate strategically, lead, value, inspire and motivate others as well as demonstrate flexibility, teamwork and have a commitment to the school values and mission statement.
• Good interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with different stake holders and service providers.
• The courage to deliver change and who can demonstrate significant past success.

If you are an experienced Finance Manager looking to progress into becoming a School Business Manager, this could be the right position for you too. Investment, support and training will be available to the successful candidate.  The Federation of Towers schools is a happy, inclusive and creative school where children thrive and where innovation, initiative and creativity are encouraged. Our children are exceptional and keen to learn and all members of our school community are valued and really do look after one another.

We offer:

• Amazing children who demonstrate a love of learning across our schools
• A friendly and supportive team with high morale who all champion children’s well-being
• A very well resourced and attractive environment
• A strong ethos of high expectations and challenge for the whole community
• Excellent professional development and career enhancement opportunities
• A thorough induction and support programme embarking on the role.
• A brilliant parental community who join us in our pursuit of excellence for everybody.

Visits to the school are welcomed and strongly encouraged. If this role sounds like the job for you and you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact our Office Administrator Mrs Deacon on 01708 449872, to arrange a visit or an informal telephone conversation with our Acting Executive Head Teacher ahead of making your application. When you visit the school, you will see first-hand our excellent settings and feel how welcoming The Federation of Towers schools is.

This position is fulltime for 36 hours per week for 52 weeks per year. For exceptional candidates with extensive appropriate skills an honorarium may be considered.

The Federation of Towers Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and therefore all posts are subject to a DBS check and appropriate references. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our children and the overall school community. We look forward to welcoming you to our team

Closing date: Wednesday 26th June 2024 at 12:00pm

Short listings: Thursday 27th June 2024 

Interviews: Monday 1st July 2024 or Tuesday 2^nd July 2024