Are you an experienced and dynamic business leader ready to make a meaningful impact in a high‑performing school? Hays are currently working with a Secondary School in Cheetham Hill who are seeking a Business Manager to drive excellence across their business operations and support their mission of providing exceptional education within a caring and values‑driven environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the country’s leading multi‑academy trusts and play a pivotal role in the smooth running and continued success of the school.
Location: Cheetham Hill
Contract: Temporary initially, potential for Permanent
Hours: Full-time (Early finish on Fridays)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £47,181 to £52,413
What You'll Be Doing
As a Business Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all non‑teaching functions. You will ensure the school runs efficiently, safely and in alignment with Trust policies - enabling staff to focus on what matters most: delivering an outstanding educational experience. This is a key senior role where your leadership will directly enhance the experience of students, staff and wider community.
You will lead on areas including:
- Finance (in collaboration with Trust Finance colleagues)
- HR and workforce management
- Facilities and estate management
- Health and safety
- ICT and systems
- Admissions and attendance
- School administration
- Governance and compliance
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Lead and develop all business and resource functions across the school.
- Provide high‑quality information and support to the Principal and Governors.
- Ensure strong relationships with staff, students, parents and the wider Star community.
Finance
- Support financial planning, monitoring and reporting with the Finance Business Partner.
- Oversee purchasing, invoicing, cash handling and adherence to Best Value principles.
- Maintain accurate financial systems, asset registers and school funds.
Facilities & Estates
- Act as the school’s Health & Safety Lead and Fire Officer.
- Manage all aspects of the school premises, maintenance, security and compliance.
- Oversee contractors, cleaning, catering and lettings.
- Ensure safety and compliance around fire, asbestos, legionella and statutory checks.
Human Resources
- Lead day‑to‑day HR operations, supported by Central HR.
- Maintain personnel records, SCR and HR compliance documentation.
- Manage recruitment, induction, performance and development of non‑teaching staff.
Administration & MIS
- Lead the school office and administrative functions.
- Manage Bromcom, statutory returns, class lists, attendance records and census data.
- Oversee admissions, attendance processes and communications.
Governance & Regulatory
- Act as the school’s Data Protection Lead and ensure GDPR compliance.
- Support the Local Accountability Board and manage governance records and logistics.
ICT
- Oversee ICT systems, asset tracking, issue logging and contingency planning.
About You:We’re looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience in school business management or a similar operational leadership role.
- Any relevant qualifications are beneficial (AAT, CIMA/ACCA, CIPD)
- Is highly organised, proactive and able to manage a diverse workload.
- Thrives in a busy school environment and builds strong, positive relationships.
- Has a strong understanding of finance, HR, estates and compliance in an educational setting.
Benefits- Work in a supportive, high-performing Trust.
- Join a collaborative and forward-thinking school community.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or forward your CV directly to Amy on amy.rowley@hays.com
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
- Amy Rowley
