School Business Manager

Job title:

School Business Manager

Company

York Steiner School

Job description

Permanent, full time position working all year round – Monday to Friday with additional hours on occasions to fulfil the requirements of the postSalary: £40,000 – £45,000.00 per annum – dependant on experienceClosing Date for this vacancy: Midnight, Wednesday, 9th July 2025Interview Dates: To Be ConfirmedStart Date: July/August 2025Please also complete the Schools alongside a cover letter and up to date CV.About York Steiner SchoolYork Steiner School is an independent, non-selective school providing Steiner Waldorf education to children aged 3 to 16. Rooted in Waldorf philosophy, we offer a holistic and creative learning environment that nurtures the whole child — head, heart, and hands. We are part of a network of successful UK and Irish Waldorf schools and enjoy strong community ties in the city of York.We are entering an exciting phase of development, including a rebranding and a new website, and are seeking a dynamic and capable School Business Manager to lead our non-teaching functions and support long-term sustainability.Role PurposeThe School Business Manager is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic and operational management of the school’s Finance, HR, Operations, Marketing, and compliance functions. Working closely with the Headteacher (who leads teaching and learning) the Business Manager enables the school to meet its strategic aims and delivers effective services to support high-quality education.This is a high-trust leadership position that reports directly to the Board of Trustees and manages the administrative and operational staff team.Line Management: Finance and HR Assistants, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager and other non-teaching staff as requiredKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic and Financial Leadership

• Lead and manage the school’s budget and financial strategy in collaboration with the Trustees
• Produce monthly and termly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial reports
• Ensure value for money and sound financial planning across all departments
• Oversee payroll, pensions, tax compliance, invoicing, and debt recovery
• Liaise with auditors and accountants to ensure regulatory compliance and statutory reporting
• Manage fee structures, including bursary assessments, invoicing, and debt collection
• Build and maintain professional relationships with parents/carer regarding their financial accounts at the school
• Maintain the school’s accounting systems and financial records to professional standards

Operational and Compliance Management

• Lead the school’s operational functions with the support of the Operations Manager, including premises, health and safety, and IT systems
• Line-manage and support the Operations Manager, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability
• Ensure legal compliance with all relevant statutory and independent school obligations (DfE, Companies House, Charity Commission, GDPR, KCSiE, etc.)
• Oversee maintenance of key statutory records including the Single Central Register and insurance documentation

Human Resources

• Provide strategic oversight of HR functions
• Ensure robust recruitment and induction processes
• Implement and review policies relating to staff wellbeing, training, contracts, and disciplinary matters
• Liaise with external HR advisors on complex or sensitive employment matters

Governance and Strategic Planning

• Support the Trustees with strategic planning, risk management and financial oversight
• Prepare and present reports at trustee and subcommittee meetings as required
• Actively participate in meetings with Waldorf UK and other partner organisations

Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Business and/or financial qualification (AAT Level 3 or equivalent)

• Significant experience in financial management, including budget planning and forecasting

• Experience of leading operational services in a school or similar organisation

• Experience of managing people and building effective teams

• Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, DEXT), MS Office, Google Workspace

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in an Independent School

• Familiarity with the Steiner Waldorf ethos

• Knowledge of charity accounting and regulations

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

• Strong analytical and financial reporting skills

• Strategic thinker with ability to lead and influence

• Highly effective communicator with a collaborative leadership style

• Discreet, trustworthy and committed to professional standards

Personal Attributes:

• Supportive of Waldorf educational values

• Calm, flexible, and solutions-focused

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community engagement

• Professional, positive and resilient

Safeguarding and legalYork Steiner School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required for this role.Annual Leave: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays) in the first year, 31 day in the second year before rising to 33 days after 3 years plus Bank Holidays. There will be a 6 month probationary period.We implement safeguarding protocols in all aspects of our working practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and this will include social media checks.York Steiner School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that every job applicant or employee receives equal treatment irrespective of sex, marital status, age, race, nationality, disability, sexuality or religious belief.Application process and timescalesApplication forms can be downloaded fromTo find out more about York Steiner School visit our websiteAll completed application forms to be emailed: to Sarah Heaton, HR/Admin Manager at alongside a cover letter and up to date CV.

Expected salary

£40000 – 45000 per year

Location

York

Job date

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:25:17 GMT

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