Job Description

School Business Manager - Secondary School (Bolton)
Salary: £39,862 - £45,091
Start Date: ASAP
Agency: Tradewind Recruitment

Tradewind Recruitment is working in partnership with a well-regarded Secondary School in Bolton to recruit an experienced and highly capable School Business Manager to join their leadership and operations team on a permanent basis.

This is a pivotal role within the school, supporting the Headteacher and Governors to ensure the effective strategic and operational management of finance, HR, estates, and business functions. Due to the specialist nature of the role, only applicants with prior experience working within schools or the education sector will be considered.

The Role

As School Business Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day and strategic leadership of the school's business operations, ensuring value for money, compliance, and sustainability. Key responsibilities include:

  • Strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and monitoring

  • Managing school finance systems, procurement, and audits

  • Oversight of HR processes including contracts, payroll liaison, absence management and recruitment support

  • Leadership of non-teaching staff and operational teams

  • Management of the school estate, health & safety, and compliance requirements

  • Supporting governors and senior leaders with business reporting and decision-making

  • Ensuring adherence to ESFA, DfE and local authority guidance

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

  • Have proven experience as a School Business Manager or in a senior business/finance role within a school or education setting

  • Demonstrate strong knowledge of school finance, HR, and operational compliance

  • Be confident working at a strategic level with senior leaders and governors

  • Possess excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills

  • Be proactive, solution-focused, and committed to supporting positive outcomes for pupils

Please note: Applications from candidates without school or education-sector experience will not be progressed.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary of £39,862 - £45,091, depending on experience

  • Opportunity to join a supportive and forward-thinking secondary school

  • A key leadership role with real influence across the school

  • Immediate start available

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to:

📧 will.megson@twrecruitment.com

For further information about the role, contact Will Megson at Tradewind Recruitment.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all applicants to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.