School Business Manager

School Business Manager - Primary School

Milk Education is supporting a friendly and forward-thinking primary school who are seeking an experienced and committed School Business Manager to join their team in Liverpool. This is a full-time position with responsibility for leading on finance, HR, administration, and compliance within the school.

This role plays a vital part in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant running of the school's operational functions, working in close partnership with the Headteacher and Governing Body.

The successful candidate will provide an effective financial and administrative service to support and enhance the running of the school in accordance with statutory Financial Regulations. You will ensure timely and accurate information is provided to the Headteacher, SLT, and Governors, while overseeing key areas such as finance, HR, contracts, health & safety, compliance, and office management.

You will play a strategic role in school development planning, resource management, and ensuring best value across all operational areas.

• Prepare financial proposals in line with the School Development Plan and coordinate the annual budget.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, and bank/credit card reconciliations, including statutory monthly financial returns.
• Maintain and monitor all school budgets, working closely with finance/budget officers and reporting regularly to Governors.
• Prepare and implement business plans to support the school's strategic development.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements from DCSF, Local Authority, Governing Body and other agencies.
• Attend Safer Recruitment training and manage all safeguarding procedures for visitors and new staff.
• Manage the Single Central Record.
• Negotiate contracts and tenders to ensure best value for money.
• Lead on all HR administration including contracts, payroll processes (absence, overtime), new starters, leavers, and supporting with escalated HR issues.
• Arrange and maintain records of staff CPD including first aid training.
• Supervise administrative support staff and identify training needs to maintain an efficient service.
• Maintain the asset register and ensure health & safety policies remain up to date.
• Support the Headteacher in finance, personnel, and administration, providing informed and objective advice to aid decision-making.

• Administrative, financial, or accounting qualifications (Level 6 or equivalent), or Advanced Diploma of School Business Management (desirable).
• Strong IT skills with experience using databases, spreadsheets, and word-processing systems.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing training and development.

• Managing strategic plans, budgets, financial reporting, and procurement (essential).
• Working effectively with internal and external stakeholders (essential).
• Understanding of HR and Health & Safety processes (desirable).
• Experience working in an educational environment (desirable).
• Experience with school information systems such as SIMS (desirable).

• Ability to work confidentially and effectively with the Headteacher, SLT, and Governors.
• Professional, positive, and flexible attitude.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.

• Uphold the school's Safeguarding Policy and the DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Promote equal opportunities and contribute to whole-school ethos and policy development.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff, pupils, and external agencies.
• Participate in team working and in-service training as required.

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