school business manager.

• Salary: £52,000 - £55,000 per annum

• Location: Dual-site split between Stoke-on-Trent & Wilmslow (Cheshire East)

• Position Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Full-Time, 40 hours/week)

• Category: Education / Public Sector / Operations Management

About the Role

Are you an experienced operations manager, school business professional, or public sector leader looking for a role where your organisational skills directly improve the lives of children?

We are seeking a collaborative and highly organised Operations & Business Lead to oversee support services across two of our specialist schools. Both sites provide tailored, high-quality education and care for young people (aged 5-19) with Autism and complex needs. One site is fully rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, and the other has achieved 'Outstanding' ratings for its exceptional student behaviour and personal development provisions.

In this role, you will be the backbone of both schools-managing the environments, budgets, and support teams so that our frontline educational staff can focus entirely on the well-being and growth of our students.

How You Will Make an Impact

Working closely with the Headteachers and the Senior Leadership Team, you will guide and mentor established administration teams across both sites. You will ensure that both schools run safely, efficiently, and compliantly.

Your day-to-day leadership will cover:

• People & Administration: Overseeing the day-to-day HR processes, supporting staff welfare, and managing the multi-disciplinary admin teams.

• Finance & Resources: Managing the schools' budgets responsibly, ensuring excellent resource allocation, cost efficiency, and accurate financial reporting.

• Safe Environments: Ensuring strict compliance with safeguarding, health & safety regulations, and education frameworks.

• School Infrastructure: Overseeing the smooth running of essential facilities, including estates management, ICT, catering, and housekeeping.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a grounded, people-centric leader who excels at spinning multiple plates and creating organised, calm environments.

Your experience should include:

• Team Leadership: A proven track record of managing diverse operational or support teams (e.g., in a school, charity, housing association, civil service, or healthcare setting).

• Robust Budget Management: Strong financial literacy with experience setting, monitoring, and reporting on complex budgets.

• Compliance & Safeguarding: A thorough understanding of health & safety legislation, and a deep commitment to regulatory compliance and safeguarding.

• Excellent Communication: The ability to build strong, trusted relationships with staff, suppliers, and regulatory bodies across two locations.

Desirable Criteria:

• A recognised professional qualification (such as a Diploma in School Business Management, CSBM/DSBM, ILM, or a finance/HR qualification).

• Practical experience navigating HR policies and procedures.

Why Join Our Community?

• A Rewarding Mission: See the direct, positive impact of your hard work on neurodivergent young people every single day.

• A Welcoming Culture: Work alongside compassionate, dedicated educators who value collaboration and mutual support.

• Professional Growth: Gain valuable senior multi-site leadership experience within a highly respected educational framework.

To Apply

If you are an organised, community-minded leader looking for a meaningful 12-month contract, we would love to hear from you.

For more details or to submit your application, please contact Paul Hirchfield:

• 📧 Email: paul.hirchfield@randstad.co.uk

• 📞 Phone: 01293 527416