School Business Manager
About This Role
School Business Manager — Kelsall Primary and Nursery School
Salary: Grade 8, FTE £35,570-£40,444 (NJC 2026); actual salary - £32,265
Hours: 37 hours per week, 41 weeks per year
Closing date: 13th October 2026, 12pm (interviews 20th October 2026)
Kelsall Primary and Nursery School, part of Cheshire Academies Trust, are seeking a School Business Manager following the promotion of the current post holder. Responsibilities including leading the day-to-day management of finance, HR, compliance and operations across the school. Kelsall is a warm, inclusive setting for around 250 children aged 2 to 11, judged Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2024, including for leadership and management and early years provision.
Reporting to Headteacher, the postholder will sit on the senior leadership team and take the lead on the school's finances (monitoring budgets, in-year positions and three-year forecasts using IMP, Xero and Planergy), HR (contracts, payroll and pensions via Civica HR), GDPR and cyber compliance, premises and health & safety, and pupil records and DfE returns. The role also covers line management of office and non-teaching staff, supplier liaison, and reporting to the governing body.
The trust offers a supportive network of SBMs across its schools, regular CPD including ISBL membership and at least two School Resource Management conferences a year, and flexible working by agreement with the Headteacher. It suits either an experienced SBM or someone moving into education with strong transferable skills in finance, HR or business management experience.
All applications must be made through the MyNewTerm portal. Informal enquiries about the role should be made to kierglover@cheshireacademiestrust.co.uk and visits can be arranged through the school office on 01829 752811.