training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Salary: £52,000 - £55,000 per annum
Location: Dual-site split between Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire) & Wilmslow (Cheshire East)
Position Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Full-Time, 40 hours/week)
Category: Education Leadership / Operations Management
The Opportunity
Are you a sharp operational leader who thrives on variety, strategy, and making a tangible difference?
We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded School Business Manager to take the operational reins across two of our premier specialist education sites. One site holds a proud, long-standing 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, while the newer sister site is already mirroring that success with 'Outstanding' accolades in key areas.
Both sites cater to children and young people (aged 5-19) with complex needs and Autism spectrum conditions. This is not just an administrative role; it is a vital Senior Leadership position where your operational expertise directly supports life-changing education.
The Role: Strategic & Impactful
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will oversee, inspire, and manage the administrative and support teams across both locations. You will hold ultimate accountability for ensuring both sites run like clockwork, allowing our educational teams to focus on what they do best.
Your remits will include:
Financial Management: Driving financial performance, budget setting, resource allocation, and monitoring key metrics (including EBITDA).
People & HR: Providing guidance to established administration teams and managing HR processes.
Estates & Infrastructure: Overseeing facilities, health & safety, ICT, housekeeping, and catering.
Compliance: Ensuring both sites meet strict regulatory, safeguarding, and health & safety standards.
Continuous Improvement: Streamlining processes across both sites to drive maximum efficiency and value.
About You
You don't necessarily need a background exclusively in education-we welcome top-tier operational leaders from corporate, healthcare, or other highly regulated sectors who possess strong financial acumen and an eye for compliance.
What you'll bring:
Multi-Function Leadership: Proven experience managing diverse operational teams (Finance, HR, Facilities, Admin).
Commercial Polish: Strong financial literacy, including robust budget management and performance analysis.
Compliance Savvy: A firm grasp of health & safety legislation and safeguarding practices.
Autonomy & Agility: The ability to split your time effectively between two sites, making sound, independent decisions.
Highly Desirable:
A professional management or finance qualification (e.g., Management Diploma, CSBM/DSBM, or accounting equivalent).
Practical experience leading HR procedures.
Why Apply?
Make a Real Impact: Your work directly facilitates an environment where neurodivergent young people thrive.
Leadership Autonomy: The freedom to shape operations and put your stamp on two high-performing provisions.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate, dedicated educators and supportive leadership.
How to Apply
If you are ready for a fast-paced, deeply rewarding 12-month contract, we want to hear from you.
To apply or have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Paul Hirchfield:
📧 Email: paul.hirchfield@randstad.co.uk
📞 Phone: 01293 527416
