School Business Manager

We are looking for a dynamic, driven, bright, versatile, sympathetic, meticulous, straight talking person with a ‘can do’ attitude. The successful candidate will be dedicated to supporting the Head and all staff in the provision of exceptional learning experiences for all our children.

Candidates are sought who can demonstrate a track record of successful management and particular aptitude for:

• Communication and relationship-building
• Attention to detail and effective time management for meeting deadlines
• Versatility in undertaking tasks and a good eye for prioritisation planning
• Commercial decision making

Full job descriptions and person specification can be found in this pack.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: 40 hours per week, full time, permanent role. 8am – 5pm with an hour unpaid lunch.

Salary: Starting from £45,000.00 pa dependent on skills and experience.

Benefits:

• 5% employer pension
• EV scheme with Octopus
• Cycle to work scheme and shopping discount card
• Means tested staff discount
• Free lunch if working in one of our schools
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per annum
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• Personal accident at work cover
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships, up to L7
• Discretionary Christmas stand down

Job Description:

• The School Business Manager is the school’s lead support staff professional and works as part of the Senior Leadership Team to assist the Head to ensure that the School meets its educational aims.
• The School Business Manager is responsible for providing professional leadership and management of school support staff and site team.
• The School Business Manager promotes the highest standards of professionalism and customer service within the administrative and site function of the School and ensures the most effective use of resources in support of the school’s learning objectives.

The School Business Manager is responsible for:

• • Human Resources
  • Compliance
  • Administration Management
  • Facilities & Property Management
  • Financial Management
  • Health and Safety
  • First Aid & management of pupil’s medical needs
  • Transport
  • Educational Visits

In addition to the roles and responsibilities outlined below, the School Business Manager is, above all else, responsible for the smooth running of school business. This will involve working closely with all staff to ensure the efficient and effective running of the school day as well as realigning priorities during busy periods or unforeseen events. The children’s safety and happiness and the quality of the education they receive should be the driving force of all actions and decisions.

Please read the candidate pack for the full job description.

Person Specification:

The successful candidate will have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Leading by example in honesty and integrity when dealing with the school community.
• Energy, enthusiasm and commitment to delivering the successful development of The Mead School.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Confidence in dealing with with difficult conversations.
• Attention to detail.
• Enjoyment of policy, legislation and compliance!
• ‘Can-do’ flexible attitude.
• Leadership qualities including authority and empathy to advise, connect with, and inspire colleagues.
• Excellent management skills including the setting of clear goals, effective delegation and time management, an understanding of the importance of performance management.
• Experience of managing a team of colleagues.
• Strong IT skills including a good working knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook.

Application Form

Location:

The Mead School
16 Frant Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent,
TN2 5SN

How to Apply and Deadline:

Applicants should complete the school’s application form and submit it to Mrs Catherine Openshaw, head@themeadschool.co.uk

The Application Form may be accompanied by a covering letter of no more than one page. 

The final closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 12th December 25 but applications will be viewed as they arrive.

Interviews will take place as candidates are reviewed and we reserve the right to close the process in advance of the final closing date should a suitable candidate be found. This role will commence in February 2026.

The Mead School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, online checks, reference and medical checks and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you have any queries or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact the School at office@themeadschool.co.uk or on 01892 525 837.

Wishford Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Appointments will be made solely on merit and will be made without regard to age, disability, gender, nationality, race, colour, ethnicity, or religion.

If you need any adjustments for the application or interview process please contact Molly.Rees@wishford.co.uk