Deputy School Business Manager


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Eastleigh, SO50 4FZ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	17 Sept 2026
Closing date:	2 Oct 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Deputy School Business Manager is a pivotal operational and business support role at Crestwood Community School. Working directly under the leadership and direction of the School Business Manager (SBM), the post-holder will oversee daily financial operations, line manage the Finance Officer, and help ensure our core non-teaching support functions run smoothly across both campuses.

This post represents an ideal development opportunity for an experienced finance or administration professional currently working within a school setting or similar environment who is looking to take the next step in their career. Operating within a friendly, busy office environment, you will work closely with the SBM to support continuous improvement and non-teaching operations, ensuring that teaching and learning can flourish at the school.

As our strategic financial and business leader, you will be accountable for:

Operational Financial Management and Team Leadership

• Line manage and support the Finance Officer, providing day-to-day guidance, workload management, and professional development.

• Oversee procurement, expenditure, internal trading, purchasing cards, payment processing, and expense reconciliations.

• Manage debt recovery, lettings administration, resource allocation, and school trip reservations.

• Maintain rigorous internal controls, financial accuracy, and compliance with financial regulations.

Strategic Financial Support and Income Generation

• Work closely alongside the School Business Manager to assist with comprehensive financial planning, setting long-term budgets, and monitoring a budget in excess of £12m.

• Help prepare regular financial reports and projections for the SBM, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and Governing Body.

Compliance, Governance & Data Protection

• Serve as the school’s designated Deputy Data Protection Officer, maintaining full compliance with statutory data protection regulations and UK GDPR.

• Ensure robust adherence to statutory requirements, advising the SBM, SLT, and Governors on operational and financial compliance matters as required.

Operational Support & Core Functions Oversight

• Assist the SBM in providing direction and oversight across the school's core support functions: HR, Site/Premises, Catering, and IT.

• Liaise collaboratively with the broader support leadership structure, including the three Bursars and the Catering Manager, to ensure cohesive operations across both school campuses.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in financial administration, business management, or operational support, preferably within a school setting, although training and ongoing mentoring will be provided by the School Business Manager, SLT, Governors, and office staff to support your progression and success in the role.

You will be an adept people manager with strong interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and engaging colleagues at all levels to implement school-wide strategic changes. Strong organisational skills, the ability to manage complex, concurrent strategic projects, and resilience under pressure are essential. Your passion for improving the life chances of our students and families, 36% of whom receive free school meals, is critical, as is a commitment to the cohesive ethos of the #Crestwoodfamily.

What the school offers its staff

We are committed to staff well-being and offer:

• Wellbeing weeks (no commitments scheduled after school)

• Free daily lunch

• Half termly cooked breakfasts

• One wellbeing day per year (during term-time, after a qualifying period)

• Weekly thank you bulletin

• Birthday cards

• Heads discretionary leaves of absence for family events

• Acts of random kindness

• Access to mental health first aiders

As a new member of staff, you will benefit from a comprehensive induction process and a professional coach to guide your journey in the role. You will join a close-knit team that values open debate and supportive working practices. Your commitment to raising standards, excellence for all learners, and contributing to the community’s wellbeing is fundamental to this role.

Further details about the role

Your application is a chance to outline your strategic experience, your reasons for being interested in this leadership post, and how you will directly contribute to and lead on Crestwood's improvement journey. It is essential that your application addresses the specific strategic issues and unique context of Crestwood Community School.

Tours can be booked by emailing justine.sayers@crestwood.hants.sch.uk.

Commitment to safeguarding

Crestwood Community School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

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