School Business Manager

Salary details: £ - £

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Lead the next phase of Operational Excellence at New Mills School

New Mills School is an ambitious, inclusive 11–16 local authority maintained secondary school where high expectations sit at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of Think Big, Do the Right Thing and Team Spirit, we are building a culture where every student feels they belong and is inspired to achieve their very best.

Located in the High Peak, on the edge of the Peak District and within easy reach of Stockport, Macclesfield, and Manchester, the school combines strong community roots with excellent transport links.

Following a strong and very positive Ofsted inspection, we are firmly focused on the next stage of our journey: building on our success and continuing to raise aspirations for all. Our student numbers are strong, our reputation is growing, and we are determined to provide an exceptional education for every young person we serve.

We are now seeking a highly capable, forward-thinking School Business Manager to play a key role in shaping this next phase as part of our senior leadership team.

This is a role for someone who is energised by complexity, motivated by impact, and excited by the opportunity to solve strategic challenges that make a real difference to young people’s lives.

The Role

This is a pivotal leadership position with significant influence across the school. As School Business Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage all business functions including finance, HR, premises, health & safety, ICT and administration
• Provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring sustainability and value for money in a demanding funding environment
• Play a central role in long-term planning, including the continued reduction of the school’s historic deficit
• Line manage and develop support staff, fostering a positive, professional and high-performing culture
• Oversee the maintenance and development of the school site, including an ageing and characterful estate
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the development of robust operational systems
• Contribute fully as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping whole-school improvement

Facilities and Context

We are open about our context - but we see it as a compelling and worthwhile challenge.

Our school operates from a distinctive site that includes a Grade II listed building, alongside other older facilities. This brings complexity, but also character and a genuine opportunity to think creatively about how the estate can best serve our students and community.

We are also managing a historic financial deficit, which we are steadily reducing. With strong student numbers and a growing reputation, we are in a positive position - but this remains a daily strategic challenge in the current national funding climate as we strive to meet the needs of all our students.

This role will suit someone who:

• Enjoys solving complex problems and thinking strategically
• Can balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational effectiveness
• Sees financial and estate challenges not as barriers, but as a puzzle to be solved
• Is motivated by making a tangible difference to students through smart, effective use of resources

You will play a crucial role in helping the school continue its journey towards financial stability while ensuring that every decision supports high-quality education and student wellbeing.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Have a strong track record in financial management and strategic planning
• Bring experience of premises management and health & safety (or a willingness to develop expertise)
• Demonstrate excellent organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Build strong, professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Exercise discretion, integrity and professionalism at all times
• Be proactive, resilient and relentlessly solution-focused
• Share our values of Think Big, Do the Right Thing and Team Spirit
• Be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful whole-school improvement 

Working Arrangements

This is a people-facing leadership role and requires a consistent on-site presence to work effectively with staff, students and the wider school community. However, we recognise the importance of flexibility and will consider flexible working arrangements where these can be aligned with the needs of the role and the school. 

We Offer:

• A supportive, welcoming and ambitious school community
• A senior leadership role with genuine influence and strategic impact
• The opportunity to work on complex, meaningful challenges that make a difference
• High-quality professional development and leadership opportunities
• A committed and collaborative staff team
• Engaged, friendly students who are proud of their school
• The chance to play a key role in shaping the school’s future 

How to Apply

Application packs can be obtained from and returned to Pete Eckersley, Office Manager:
New Mills School, Church Lane, New Mills, High Peak, SK22 4NR
Email: jobs@newmillsschool.co.uk or via our website - Vacancies - New Mills School - Discover The Difference

Informal visits to the school are welcomed—please contact Pete Eckersley at 01663 423125 or via email (jobs@newmillsschool.co.uk) to arrange a visit or for further details.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.