SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF PROVISION
Position: School Business Manager & Executive Assistant
Location: Solid Steps Learning Centre, West Dulwich, London
Salary: £46,365 - £52,741 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full Time, Monday–Friday, 8:15am–4:45pm (with flexibility to meet the needs of the organisation)
Reports to: Nicola Brown, Head of Provision
Member of: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
School Business Manager & Executive Assistant
Solid Steps is a small but growing independent specialist SEND provision based in West Dulwich, supporting over 40 children and young people aged 14–25 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Conditions, Learning Disabilities, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, anxiety-based school avoidance and other complex presentations.
Due to organisational growth and a recent restructure, we are seeking an exceptional School Business Manager & Executive Assistant to work directly alongside the Head of Provision, Nicola Brown. This newly shaped role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to influence and develop operational systems, bring structure and strategic leadership, and play a key role in the next stage of the organisation's development.
Role Purpose
The School Business Manager & Executive Assistant is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the business, operational and administrative functions of the organisation while providing high-level executive support to the Head of Provision.
Working closely with the head of provision the successful candidate will lead on finance, HR, payroll, compliance, admissions, premises management, health and safety, IT systems and organisational administration. They will also act as a trusted partner to the Head of Provision, supporting strategic priorities, projects, stakeholder engagement and organisational growth.
This is a broad and varied role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational management. The postholder will line manage key support staff, oversee budgets and financial planning, monitor compliance and reporting requirements, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, operationally effective and fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Ofsted expectations.
The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive and solution-focused, with the confidence to review existing systems, identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective change. They will enjoy the autonomy and responsibility the role offers and be motivated by the opportunity to shape and strengthen operational functions within a growing specialist provision.
Person Specification
To be successful in this role, you will:
· Have previous experience as a School Business Manager and Executive Assistant.
· Hold a CSBM, DSBM or equivalent School Business Management qualification.
· Demonstrate strong financial management skills, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting.
· Have practical experience of HR, payroll, workforce planning and staff management.
· Possess a strong understanding of compliance, governance, risk management and relevant education legislation.
· Have experience leading, coaching and motivating staff, supporting professional development and effectively managing performance.
· Demonstrate excellent IT, systems, administrative and organisational skills.
· Be able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, working effectively to deadlines.
· Have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
· Be confident analysing existing processes and implementing improvements that support organisational growth and efficiency.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative and collaborative leadership team and make a significant contribution to the future success of Solid Steps.
Executive Assistant to the Head of Provision
Daily Executive Support
- Provide dedicated day-to-day Executive Assistant support to Nicola Brown, Head of Provision.
- Manage a dynamic diary, appointments and priorities.
- Coordinate and have oversight of meetings, consultations, annual reviews, inspections and professional visits.
- Prepare agendas, reports, presentations and briefing papers.
- Draft professional correspondence, letters and reports on behalf of the CEO.
- Manage and prioritise incoming communications.
- Track actions arising from meetings and ensure completion.
- Conduct research and prepare information to support strategic decision-making.
- Act as a professional first point of contact for Local Authorities, commissioners, families and external stakeholders.
- Support the Head of Provision with project management and strategic initiatives.
School Business Management
Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of Solid Steps including Staff Management
- Develop and implement systems, processes and procedures that support organisational effectiveness.
- Oversee administrative functions and operational support services.
- Ensure operational readiness for Ofsted inspections and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor organisational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Strategic Planning and Business Development
- Support the head of provision in delivering the strategic vision for Solid Steps.
- Contribute to business planning and organisational growth strategies.
- Lead strategic projects and service development initiatives.
- Support the expansion of services, educational pathways and future premises.
- Identify opportunities for growth, partnership working and income generation.
- Build positive relationships with Local Authorities, commissioners and external partners.
Finance, Payroll and Resource Management
- Support budget planning and financial monitoring.
- Oversee purchasing, procurement and supplier management.
- Liaise with accountants, payroll providers and financial advisers.
- Monitor Local Authority funding arrangements and placement income.
- Prepare monthly financial reports and management information.
- Support cashflow monitoring and financial forecasting.
- Maintain oversight of payroll administration, pensions and staff expenses.
- Ensure accurate financial record keeping and audit compliance.
- Identify efficiencies and value-for-money opportunities.
Human Resources and Workforce Development
- Lead recruitment, onboarding and induction processes.
- Maintain personnel records and HR and employment documentation.
- Manage the Single Central Record and safer recruitment compliance.
- Coordinate appraisals, supervision and probation reviews.
- Monitor annual leave, sickness absence and workforce planning.
- Support employee relations processes.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Support staff development and succession planning.
Compliance, Governance and Quality Assurance
- Lead compliance across safeguarding, GDPR, employment law and health and safety.
- Maintain and review organisational policies and procedures.
- Coordinate quality assurance and audit activities.
- Support Independent School registration and Ofsted readiness.
- Monitor organisational risk and maintain compliance systems.
- Ensure mandatory training and regulatory requirements are met.
Estates, Facilities and Health & Safety
- Lead premises management and facilities oversight.
- Manage contractors, maintenance schedules and service agreements.
- Ensure statutory inspections and certifications are maintained.
- Oversee health and safety compliance across all sites.
- Lead risk assessment and emergency planning processes.
- Support future premises acquisition, lease negotiations and site development.
Admissions and Local Authority Liaison
- Coordinate consultation responses and admissions processes.
- Monitor placement agreements and funding arrangements.
- Support annual reviews and transition planning.
- Maintain positive relationships with Local Authorities and external agencies.
- Ensure admissions systems are efficient, responsive and compliant.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant experience in school business management, operations management, executive support or senior administration.
- Experience within education, SEND, social care or healthcare settings.
- Experience overseeing HR, payroll and financial administration.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance and health and safety.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- Strong IT and systems management skills.
- High levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
Desirable
- School Business Management qualification, CIPD, IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent.
- Knowledge of Ofsted, SEND legislation and Independent School Standards.
- Experience of Local Authority commissioning and admissions processes.
- Experience supporting organisational growth and change management.
Pay: £46,365.00-£52,741.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SE21 8LX
