School Business Manager

About us:

Furzefield Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive mainstream primary school committed to providing a nurturing learning environment for our students. We strive to empower young minds, foster a culture of growth and kindness, and support our community in Merstham, Surrey. We are a two-form entry school with a maintained Nursery, Specialist SEND Centre for 14 pupils and Family Centre on site. We are every inch a community school with high levels of parental engagement and collaboration.

The school has recently been inspected by Ofsted (March 2023) under the leadership of the recently appointed new Headteacher (September 2022). We are proud to have received a GOOD rating overall with an OUTSTANDING judgement for our Personal Development offer. We offer a creative and rich curriculum that promotes learning outside the classroom, including Forest School. Staff are friendly and supportive – we are proud of this and it defines who we are.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced School Business Manager to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the school's finances, administration, facilities, and human resources. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of the school's non-teaching functions.

The work pattern is 36 hours per week, term time only plus one additional week (40 weeks per year). This is a hybrid role and successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct some work from home.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation in alignment with school objectives. Monitor income and expenditure, providing strategic financial advice to the Headteacher and governing body.
• Administration and Compliance: Manage administrative processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and school policies. Coordinate efficient administrative systems to support the school's operational needs.
• Facilities and Resources: Maintain a safe, welcoming, and functional school environment. Oversee facilities management, procurement, and the efficient use of resources.
• Human Resources: Lead on HR functions, including recruitment, ensuring adherence to HR policies and procedures.
• Requirements (see full details in person specification below)
• Proven experience in financial management, preferably within an educational setting.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of HR processes and statutory compliance requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, stakeholders, and external partners.

Qualifications:

Relevant degree or professional qualification in finance, business management, or related field. Additional qualifications in school business management or finance (desirable).

What We Offer:

We are a genuinely friendly, supportive and highly collaborative team. We operate within a leadership structure that promotes and encourages professional challenge but always within professional boundaries and always with kindness and respect. We value wellbeing, mental health and psychological safety within the workspace and our school values are woven throughout everything we do; they apply to pupils and staff in equal measure.

We are passionate about personal growth and professional development and will always offer staff the opportunity to further their careers wherever possible. If you are ambitious and passionate about your work, then this is the place for you.

We trust our professionals to do their jobs and can offer an environment where you will feel empowered to make decisions; we do not micro-manage. High autonomy with high accountability is the model we adopt at Furzefield with support, guidance and CPD available for all members of staff.

Working for a local authority school offers many advantages including generous local government pension scheme, staff benefits and discounts through Surrey Extra and Employee Assistance Program offering a 24 hour support including mental health support helpline.  

If we sound like the type of school you are looking for, please download and complete an application form and include a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We would encourage applicants to visit the school before applying – if you wish to book a visit and meet informally with some of our team, please do call the school.

Furzefield Primary School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.