The posting
Schools Business Manager
Employed: Keyham Lodge School
Salary: Grade 11 Pay Points 27-30, approximate starting salary of £38,015
Hours: Monday to Friday: 37 hours per week and 42 weeks per year (INSET days and additional two weeks)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Maternity Cover whilst the Schools Business Partner is on Maternity Leave
Duration: November 2026 until 08 July 2027
The closing date for applications is 28th October 2026, please note this may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified.
🌟We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced school business management experience, to join our fantastic team at Keyham Lodge School on a Maternity Cover Contract.🌟
At Keyham Lodge School, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel valued, understood and empowered to succeed. We are looking for a dedicated and values driven School Business Manager who shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of our pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental (SEMH) needs. As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in ensuring our school runs smoothly and sustainably, allowing our colleagues to focu on what matters most: helping every pupil thrive, build confidence and achieve their full potential.
Why Work With Us?
- Influence and Innovation: You will play a vital role in driving forward-thinking initiatives and fostering positive change within the Trust.
- Supportive Environment: Keyham Lodge provides a professional and collaborative setting, where your expertise will be valued and your ideas encouraged.
- Wider support and collaboration with the central service function.
- Professional Development: We are committed to investing in your growth, offering opportunities for further training, networking, and advancement.
- Competitive Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a salary that recognises your experience and contribution.
About the Role
You’ll contribute to key strategic development of the school, taking a lead role in finances, premise management and administration as well as human resource areas, working directly with the Headteacher to manage budgets and procurement strategies as well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the school’s business functions.
Based at Keyham Lodge, you will be integral to the Trust’s business operations, working closely with both school and Trust senior leadership to support the development of office strategy, improve processes, and help us achieve our vision. Your professional skills and proactive approach will be crucial in supporting our mission and delivering excellence.
This is certainly not a "back office" role - as, by understanding how the school works from an operational level and seeing for yourself what is going to make a difference to children's learning, you will have invaluable insight on how to manage the school's resources effectively and drive efficiencies that really impact our children.
At Keyham Lodge School, the aim is to ensure the academic, personal and social development of all students so that they can develop their potential both in school and in the wider community. Students have individual talents and in order to ensure success for every child, it's essential that education goes beyond the core curriculum and out of the confines of the classroom and consequently, the school have adapted the curriculum offer to ensure students are prepared for the next stage of their life, whether that be within education or in the workplace.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain effective communication with staff, parents, local authority services, academy trust colleagues, contractors and users of school facilities.
- Liaise with local authority admissions and SEN services regarding pupil placements.
- Maintain and update school information systems including upgrades and year-end processes.
- Work with Central Services to implement best practice financial procedures.
- Ensure HR processes as delegated by the HR manager or Principal comply with Trust HR policies and statutory requirements.
- Ensure health and safety compliance, record keeping and risk assessment review.
- Attend management meetings, as required.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.
Qualifications:
What We're Looking For
- Level 2 Maths and English
- Certificate in School Business Management or equivalent experience
Who Should Apply?
If you are motivated, results-oriented, and passionate about making a difference, we would love to hear from you. This is an exceptional opportunity for business professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation.
Professional Growth & Support
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
- Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
- Highly committed and motivated team
- A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
- An established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
- Flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school
- Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
- Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
Additional Perks
- Free parking
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Gym discounts
- Eyecare vouchers
- Dental support
- Retail discounts
- Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale
- Free Childcare
- Annual flu vaccination
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact [email protected] for support.
More about Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places colleague development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.
AI
While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.
How to apply
Please refer to the attached job description to assist with your application via My New Term. Should you require any assistance or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Apply today and help shape the future of our Trust!
