School Business Manager

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced high-calibre School Business Manager (SBM) to provide financial leadership for a highly regarded secondary school in Rochester. You will have operational and strategic responsibility for financial management, human resources, estate management, health and safety, and administrative systems. Key Responsibilities Provide a confidential and professional financial service preparing monthly reports, action plans, and accounts to the Headteacher and Governors. Ensure that all financial reports are completed to a high standard for all auditing purposes and for LA/DfE/Gov returns. Work with external service provider on monthly payroll routines to ensure payments are accurate. Oversee the Purchase Ledger function ensuring all suppliers invoices are paid in a timely manner. Manage external lettings, liaising with external companies seeking to utilise our facilities. Ensure sales invoices are sent and paid in a timely manner. Scrutinise premises, catering, and ICT budgets to ensure best value practices through robust contract and SLA management. Provide strategic oversight on large capital projects and planned maintenance programmes. Proactively identify and secure additional income streams, including grant funding bids and encouraging facility lettings by the local community. Line-manage the Premises Manager and team to deliver the required maintenance, health and safety, and security of our school buildings, facilities and site. Person Specification Essential Skills Excellent mathematical/accounting skills with experience as a School Business Manager or Senior Finance Lead ideally within a secondary school or multi-academy trust (MAT) setting. Ability to work independently under time pressure, make decisions, and show initiative when problem solving. Experience of managing staff. Experience of lettings management, risk assessments, etc. Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and requirements. Experience of maintaining accurate and up-to-date administration, reports and records. Flexibility, resilience, adaptability and commitment to work as part of a team. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Desirable Skills: Proficiency with school financial and budgeting software and Management Information Systems, ideally with FMS, Access Education, and SIMS. Experience of generating income through letting of facilities. Relevant managerial and operational qualifications.