School Business Manager in South Ockendon, Borough of Thurrock

Academy Business Manager | SEN

Location: South Ockendon, Essex (RM15)

Salary: £49,686 – £56,675 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time | 37 hours per week

Working Hours: Within school operating hours of 8:00am–4:00pm

Start Date: January 2027

CANDL Recruitment is working with an outstanding SEN academy in South Ockendon to recruit an experienced and forward-thinking Academy Business Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established School Business Manager, Academy Business Manager or experienced senior finance and operations professional looking to take on a strategic leadership role within a specialist educational setting.

Working closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in the academy's financial management, operational performance and long-term development, ensuring resources and services support the best possible outcomes for pupils.

The Role

As Academy Business Manager, you will oversee the academy's core business functions, providing both strategic direction and effective day-to-day leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial management, budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.

• Overseeing HR, estates, premises, health and safety, compliance and administration.

• Working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team and Governors to support strategic decision-making.

• Managing and developing administrative, site and IT support teams.

• Preparing financial reports, monitoring budgets and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and value for money.

• Ensuring the academy meets relevant statutory, regulatory, safeguarding and operational requirements.

• Developing long-term estates and facilities plans, including maintenance and improvements.

• Reviewing and improving business processes, systems and working practices.

• Supporting the academy's long-term financial sustainability and future development.

• Building effective relationships with external stakeholders, suppliers and relevant organisations.

About You

We are looking for a confident, organised and commercially aware professional who can balance strategic leadership with the practical demands of a busy school environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience in school or academy business management, finance, operations or a comparable senior leadership role.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial controls.

• Experience managing staff and overseeing multiple operational functions.

• A good understanding of HR, estates, health and safety, compliance and safeguarding responsibilities.

• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Confidence working with senior leaders, governors and external stakeholders.

• Strong IT skills and experience using financial, HR or management information systems.

• A relevant professional qualification in business management, finance, accountancy, HR or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience.

• A proactive, collaborative approach and a commitment to supporting children and young people.

Experience working within an SEN school or academy environment would be advantageous, although candidates with transferable experience are encouraged to apply.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £49,686–£56,675 per annum

• Permanent, full-time position.

• Opportunity to join an outstanding specialist academy.

• A key leadership role with genuine influence over the school's future development.

• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Access to ongoing professional development and training.

• Flexible working requests considered.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the education and development of young people with additional needs.

Interested?

If you're an experienced School Business Manager, Academy Business Manager or senior finance and operations professional looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV, or contact CANDL Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the position.

CANDL Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to the relevant safer recruitment and pre-employment checks.