My Oasis is a Therapeutic Alternative Provision and Independent SEND school which supports young people aged 11-16 with a range of SEND and SEMH needs. Our approach is centred on providing a personalised, inclusive and aspirational curriculum within a compassionate and therapeutic environment, working closely with families, schools and external agencies to support positive outcomes for young people.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and strategic Business Manager to join our growing team to take responsibility for the leadership and management of the school’s business functions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop the operational infrastructure of a relatively new provision, ensuring that our financial, administrative and operational systems are robust, compliant and aligned with our vision for excellence.
Working closely with the Headteacher and staff at My Oasis, the successful candidate will play a key role in strategic planning, organisational development and sustainable growth, while ensuring that the school’s day-to-day business operations run effectively and support the delivery of high-quality outcomes for our students.
The successful candidate will bring strong business knowledge, sound judgement and a forward-thinking approach to organisational decision-making and development.
Key Responsibilities
Finance
· Lead on financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
· Monitor income, expenditure and cash flow.
· Prepare financial reports alongside external accountants when required and provide financial advice to the SLT, Headteacher and Governors.
· Maintain effective financial controls and procedures.
· Monitor funding arrangements and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
· Identify opportunities to improve financial efficiency and value for money.
· Support financial planning in line with the school’s development and growth.
· Ensure financial processes and records are accurate, timely and appropriately maintained.
· Monitor the school’s insurance arrangements and ensure appropriate cover is maintained.
Procurement & Contracts
· Manage procurement processes and supplier relationships.
· Oversee contracts and ensure appropriate performance, service delivery and value for money.
· Source and manage external services where required.
· Ensure procurement and contract arrangements are appropriately documented, monitored and reviewed.
· Monitor supplier performance and address issues where necessary.
· Ensure purchasing decisions support the school’s operational and financial priorities.
Operations, Administration & Systems
· Oversee the school’s business and administrative operations.
· Ensure effective systems and processes are in place to support the day-to-day running of the school.
· Oversee the effective use of finance, management information and other relevant business systems.
· Ensure records and documentation are accurate, secure and appropriately maintained.
· Review and improve administrative processes to support efficient working.
· Support admissions, funding administration and other business activities.
· Identify opportunities to streamline processes and make effective use of technology.
· Ensure relevant business policies and procedures are reviewed and maintained.
Data Protection
· Act as the school’s Data Protection Officer (DPO).
· Oversee compliance with applicable data protection legislation and requirements.
· Ensure appropriate data protection policies, procedures and records are maintained.
· Provide advice and guidance to staff on data protection and the secure handling of personal information.
· Monitor data protection practices and support the management of data breaches, information requests and other data protection matters.
· Promote a strong culture of data protection and information security across the school.
HR & Personnel
· Oversee HR and personnel administration.
· Support staffing and workforce planning with the Headteacher and leadership team.
· Ensure employment records, contracts and related documentation are maintained appropriately.
· Support the implementation and review of effective HR policies and procedures.
· Oversee teacher pension arrangements and associated administration.
· Support effective staff onboarding and relevant employment processes.
· Liaise with external HR advisors, payroll and pension providers (Including teacher pensions) where required.
· Support the development of staffing structures appropriate to the school’s needs.
Premises & Facilities
· Oversee the management and maintenance of the school premises and facilities.
· Ensure the site is safe, secure, well maintained and suitable for students, staff and visitors.
· Manage relationships with contractors and facilities providers.
· Oversee planned and reactive maintenance.
· Ensure required inspections, checks and records are completed.
· Monitor the condition and suitability of the school premises and identify areas requiring investment or improvement.
· Support longer-term planning for the school’s facilities.
Health & Safety
· Lead on health and safety arrangements across the school.
· Ensure appropriate health and safety policies, procedures and systems are in place.
· Ensure required inspections, checks and assessments are completed and appropriately recorded.
· Maintain effective risk management processes and ensure significant risks are identified, assessed and appropriately managed.
· Oversee business continuity and emergency planning arrangements.
· Monitor health and safety and organisational risks and ensure appropriate action is taken.
· Work with staff, contractors and external providers/advisors to maintain a safe working and learning environment.
Independent School Standards & Regulatory Compliance
· Ensure compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations and other relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
· Support oversight of the school’s compliance frameworks.
· Ensure required policies, procedures and records are in place and kept up to date.
· Monitor compliance and ensure actions arising from reviews, audits and inspections are followed through.
· Maintain appropriate evidence to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
· Keep up to date with relevant regulatory and legislative changes and advise the Headteacher and SLT of their implications.
· Support preparation for inspections, Quality Assurances, audits and regulatory reviews.
Strategic Development & Management
· Work closely with the Headteacher and SLT to support the development and implementation of the school’s strategic plans.
· Provide business and operational advice to inform organisational decision-making.
· Support organisational growth and the development of new provision and services.
· Lead or contribute to strategic and operational projects that support the school’s development.
· Assess financial, staffing, premises and operational requirements as the school develops.
· Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the organisation.
· Identify and support appropriate opportunities for income generation, business development and improved use of resources.
· Support organisational change and the implementation of new systems and processes.
· Monitor progress against agreed business and operational priorities and advise the Headteacher of emerging issues and opportunities.
Reporting & Governance
· Prepare clear and accurate financial, operational and compliance reports for the Headteacher, SLT and Governors.
· Provide relevant information and analysis to support effective decision-making and strategic oversight.
· Maintain appropriate records and documentation for governance and accountability purposes.
· Ensure actions arising from meetings, reviews, audits and inspections are recorded and followed through.
· Provide Governors with appropriate information to support effective oversight of the school’s business functions.
Person specification
Essential:
· Previous experience as a School Business Manager or similar senior business/operational leadership.
· Strong financial and project management skills and experience.
· Knowledge and experience of using school management information and finance systems, including Xero.
· Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
· Strong IT and administration skills with excellent attention to detail.
· Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
· Flexible, proactive and solution-focused, with sound judgement and a forward-thinking approach.
· Ability to support strategic planning, organisational development and sustainable growth.
· Knowledge of relevant regulatory, compliance and data protection requirements.
· Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable:
· Experience within an Ofsted-registered independent school, independent special school, SEND, SEMH or alternative provision.
· Knowledge of Independent School Standards and compliance requirements.
· Experience supporting organisational growth and change.
· School Business Management or relevant finance/business qualification.
· Experience of Data Protection Officer responsibilities.
This is a varied and rewarding role that requires someone highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a busy school environment.
Why Join My Oasis?
· Make a meaningful difference to the lives and outcomes of young people within a therapeutic, child-centred environment.
· Have the opportunity to lead and shape the school’s business and operational functions as the provision grows.
· Work closely with the Headteacher and wider senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making and organisational development.
· Access professional development and training, alongside an Employee Assistance Programme and wider wellbeing support.
· Join a supportive, ambitious and values-led team committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people.
Safeguarding
My Oasis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks.
Pay: £34,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee mentoring programme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Business management: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
