Interim School Business Manager
- Decima Howard
- Business Manager
Interim School Business Manager
Contract: 6 months
Start: ASAP (or mutually agreed)
Working pattern: 3 days per week initially, increasing to 5 days per week from January 2027
Rate: Competitive day rate (DOE)
Location: South West (on-site requirement dependent on school need)
The Opportunity
Panoramic Associates are supporting a school in the South West to appoint an Interim School Business Manager for an initial 6-month assignment. This is a hands on interim role, ideal for an experienced SBM who can quickly stabilise and strengthen business operations, ensuring the school runs smoothly and compliantly while delivering value for money.
You will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, taking ownership of the non-teaching functions of the school including finance, HR, estates, procurement, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day to day school business operations, ensuring effective systems, processes and controls
- Oversee budget planning, monitoring and forecasting, including month-end reporting and variance analysis
- Manage/advise on HR processes (recruitment support, absence management, contracts, policies)
- Support procurement and contract management, ensuring best value and compliance
- Ensure robust health & safety, risk management and statutory compliance arrangements
- Manage premises/estates priorities (liaising with contractors, site team, service providers)
- Provide clear, timely reporting and recommendations to SLT and relevant governance as required
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience working as an SBM (or equivalent operational/business leadership role in a school or MAT)
- Strong school finance experience (budget setting/monitoring, reporting, audit readiness)
- Working knowledge of key school compliance areas (H&S, contracts, data, risk)
- Confident stakeholder management with SLT, governors/trust central teams, and external suppliers
- Comfortable stepping into a role quickly and delivering outcomes at pace
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to undergo one) and right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Familiarity with common school finance systems (e.g., SIMS/FMS, PS Financials, Bromcom, IRIS, etc.)
- Prior interim/contract experience
Working Pattern / Flexibility
This role is expected to run 3 days per week initially, increasing to full-time (5 days) from January 2027. There may be some flexibility on the initial days depending on school priorities and candidate availability.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced School Business Manager and you can start at short notice (or have a clear availability date), please apply with your CV. Suitable candidates will be contacted quickly due to the urgent nature of interim requirements.
Disclaimer: Any remuneration stated in this advertisement is indicative and will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience, skills and qualifications. Final remuneration will be agreed with the successful candidate and will be subject to the terms of the contract.
