School Business Manager – Secondary School in Harrogate (ASAP Start / January Start)

A welcoming secondary school in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is seeking an experienced, commercially minded School Business Manager to direct operational finance, estates, HR, and compliance starting ASAP or in January. Job Overview The School Business Manager is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Headteacher and Board of Governors. You will provide strategic leadership over the school's financial health, estate management, support staff operations, health and safety, and procurement processes. You will lead a team of premises officers, administrative staff, finance assistants, and external contractors, ensuring that school operations run efficiently and comply with statutory DfE and ESFA standards. This is a full-time, permanent 52-week position. Key Responsibilities Direct school finances, revenue forecasting, balance sheet audits, and procurement compliance Line-manage operational teams across facilities maintenance, front-office administration, IT, and catering Oversee estates infrastructure, capital improvement bids (CIF), campus security, and health and safety audits Manage school HR functions, including recruitment checks, single central record (SCR) oversight, and payroll sign-off Drive commercial venue lettings and external community grant funding opportunities Prepare and present financial management accounts and statutory operational reports to the Governing Body Role Overview & Specifications Start Date: Immediate (ASAP) or January Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract (52-week post, 37 hours/week) Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire Salary / Pay Rate: PO5–PO7 / Leadership Scale equivalent (Dependent on experience) Key Systems: Access Education / PSF / SIMS / Arbor / Every Compliance Candidate Requirements Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM / CSBM) or professional qualification in Finance, HR, or Operations (ACCA, CIPD, ILM) Proven track record of financial and operational leadership within an education or public sector setting Comprehensive knowledge of school funding models, ESFA guidance, and estates compliance Strong team leadership, supplier negotiation, and contract management abilities An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply) How to Apply: Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this School Business Manager position in Harrogate.