School Business Manager - London

What skills and experience we're looking for

Qualifications:

• School Business Management qualification (CSBM or DSBM) desirable but not essential
• Minimum GCSE grades of A – C in Maths and English or a relevant qualification in administration/accounting/finance is essential (minimum equivalent Level 4)

Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior finance administrative/ business management role within an educational setting is essential
• Experience in financial management, with strong skills in accounting, and reporting is essential
• Experience working in premises/facilities administration or collaborating with a premises/facilities manager is desirable.
• Experience with school MIS systems (e.g., SIMS, Arbor) and finance software (e.g., Access Finance and Access Budgets) is essential to the role
• Experience in line management and supervising a team.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• High level of financial literacy, with the ability to manage budgets, process transactions, and produce financial reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using office software (Microsoft Office Suite), especially Excel for financial data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in both administrative and financial tasks.
• Ability to liaise with contractors and manage premises-related administration efficiently.

Personal Attributes:

• A proactive, self-motivated individual with a positive attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people.
• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Flexibility and adaptability to the changing needs of the school and the federation
• Awareness of health & safety and safeguarding procedures, particularly in relation to premises management.

What the school offers its staff

The Fox Federation is a passionate community of four schools and a nursery working collaboratively to ensure equal access to consistent, excellent education for all pupils. Our schools are Fox Primary School in Notting Hill, Ashburnham Community School in Chelsea, Avonmore Primary School in Kensington Olympia, Avondale Park Primary School and St Anne’s Nursery school in North Kensington.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

What the team say about Fox Federation:

Fantastic schools. Great staff. Supportive leadership team. Amazing children.

A genuine educational family, providing a community beyond our gates. A network of schools, committed to providing the best education for children whilst creating a safe and happy place for them.

It is incredible to be surrounded by so many competent, hard-working, passionate people - so committed to delivering fantastic education opportunities to our pupils.

Management are always available to speak with, unbelievably approachable and create time to listen and come up with solutions.

It is run in an extremely compassionate, supportive and nurturing manner for both staff and pupils, and I really do feel that the wellbeing of the whole community is at the heart of the school's ethos.

A place of supportive colleagues who are constantly striving to improve what we do for our children and families.

A shared vision of always going the extra mile to support and care for the families in our community.

It is somewhere that has nurtured my career, but also a place where I have met friends that I know will be friends for life.

The Fox Federation is an incredible support network of teachers and staff working together to ensure children's education is kept at the highest possible standard.

• An experienced Leadership Team with a shared vision working in partnership across the federation.
• Hard-working leaders who strive to ensure that both pupils and staff enjoy coming to school.
• We are passionate about supporting our staff in their career development and success through care and guidance.
• A working environment that values wellbeing and supports work-life balance.
• Vibrant, multicultural and inclusive city schools that have positive, diverse communities and a determination that all children will succeed.
• A comprehensive range of CPD for all our staff through the partnership including in-school training and external specialist SEND training.
• Performance management and coaching to support career progression.
• Opportunities to undertake school-led Initial Teacher Training, with the relevant experience.
• Exceptionally well-behaved children who love to learn.
• A relaxed, fun working environment where all adults are equally valued and supported.

Further details about the role

Main Purpose of the Role:

The School Business Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative, financial, and premises functions of the school with direct supervision from the federation's Senior Leadership Team.

This role ensures the effective operation of school administration, finance management, and works closely with the Premises Officer/Manager to maintain the school’s facilities and infrastructure.

The role also ensures compliance with relevant policies and procedures and plays a critical part in managing budgets, processing financial transactions, and maintaining efficient office operations to support staff, students, and parents.

Commitment to safeguarding

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.