School Business Manager

School Business Manager - Primary School, BlackburnTemporary position with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate

Tradewind Recruitment is working with a Primary School in Blackburn, part of a Multi-Academy Trust, to recruit a proactive and experienced School Business Manager.

This is a temporary role, with the potential to become permanent for the right person. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in the strategic and operational management of the school's finances and business operations.

Key Purpose of the Role:

The School Business Manager will oversee the day-to-day financial, administrative, and operational functions of the school. Acting as a key liaison between the school and the Trust's central finance team, the postholder will provide strategic financial guidance while ensuring the smooth running of school business services.

Key Relationships:

The postholder will work closely with the Headteacher, Chief Finance Officer, Trust Finance Lead, Trust Business Lead, and wider Trust team to ensure effective financial management and communication.

Main Responsibilities:

Finance & Budgeting:

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and variance reports.

• Ensure timely and accurate month-end processes (e.g., accruals, prepayments).

• Monitor income and expenditure, identifying variances and working with school leadership to address them.

• Oversee the preparation and ongoing review of the annual school budget and multi-year financial plans.

• Present financial information to the school's Local Governing Board.

• Maintain accurate records of school income and expenditure, including petty cash, pupil payments, and departmental budgets.

• Support payroll reconciliation and ensure staffing budgets are accurately maintained.

• Provide financial information for Trust-wide reporting and audits.

Operational & Administrative Leadership:

• Manage key business functions including procurement, premises, health & safety, and HR support in coordination with the Trust.

• Ensure school operations comply with the Trust's financial policies and the ESFA Academies Trust Handbook.

• Liaise with the central Trust finance team to ensure efficient processing of financial transactions.

Compliance & Development:

• Keep up to date with changes in education funding, policies, and legal requirements.

• Ensure the school remains compliant with safeguarding procedures related to finance and operations.

• Develop systems and processes to improve operational efficiency and value for money.

Staff and Systems Oversight:

• Provide oversight and guidance to school-based administrative and finance staff.

• Support training and development for administrative personnel in line with Trust expectations.

• Manage school procurement activities, including the use of procurement cards and ordering procedures.

If you're an experienced and driven professional looking to make a positive impact in a vibrant primary school environment, we'd love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive Trust with the possibility of a long-term role. please contact