Job Description

School Business Manager (0.8 FTE)
Reports to: Headteacher
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £28,896 - £31,188 (Scale 7, Points 24-27, pro rata)
Position Start Date: 13 July 2026 or later by agreement, depending on notice period
Application Close: 11/06/2026 Midnight
Shortlisting: 12/06/2026
Date of Interviews: 16.06.2026
Hours
0.8 FTE (equivalent to 29 hours 36 minutes per week)
Working 40 weeks per year, including:
• Term time
• INSET days
• 5 additional days, which will be used for:
o Preparation of the year-end submission (to take place between 1st and 5th
April)
o Up to three working days during school closure periods
There is a possibility of the role increasing to full time after a year.

We are looking for a Business Manager who will play a vital role in supporting both the
operational and strategic leadership of the school, ensuring effective resource management to
secure the best outcomes for all pupils.
Fairways Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive and happy school, proudly judged to be
'Good' by Ofsted. We are committed to providing a high-quality education within a nurturing
and supportive environment, where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential both
academically and personally.

Our dedicated staff team works collaboratively to deliver a broad, engaging curriculum rooted in
our core values of respect, resilience, aspiration, and kindness. These values underpin all
aspects of school life and shape the positive attitudes and behaviours we promote in our pupils.
We place great importance on developing the whole child, ensuring that wellbeing sits alongside
academic success. Strong partnerships with parents, carers, and the wider community further
enrich pupils' experiences and contribute to our positive and caring school culture.
We are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards across all areas
of the school.
Purpose of the Role
To provide overall strategic leadership and management for all aspects of finance, HR, ICT,
community usage, administration, and operational support within the school.
To ensure that the school's resources are deployed effectively and efficiently to achieve its
educational aims.

Key Responsibilities
Overall
• Maintain a visible presence within the school
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making
• Lead staff training and task groups
• Attend Governing Body meetings
• Oversee:
o Finance
o HR
o ICT
o Administration
o Operations (including catering and premises)
• Support the school's educational vision
• Develop and maintain high-quality systems and services
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to and interest in education

Financial
• Be accountable to the Headteacher and Governing Body for all financial and accounting
procedures
• Maintain effective communication on financial matters
• Assist in preparing the annual budget and financial plan
Purchasing and Lettings
• Ensure value for money and compliance with procurement legislation
• Manage lettings of the school's facilities to maximise income and support the school
vision
Facilities Management and Security
• Oversee maintenance and cleaning through the Site Manager
• Manage the development of new facilities
• Ensure maintenance programmes are effective and within budget
• Maintain asset registers and monitoring systems
• Oversee site security, including CCTV
• Lead day-to-day Health and Safety, working with the relevant provider
• Support capital projects, including identifying funding sources and coordinating works

Catering
• Oversee the provision of high-quality, in-house catering across the school, including
hospitality
• Ensure food quality, nutritional standards, and cost-effectiveness meet expectations set
by the Senior Leadership Team
• Monitor catering performance, budgets, and compliance with relevant regulations

Other Duties
• Ensure monitoring and reporting systems are in place
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners
• Undertake additional reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher

School Ethos and Culture
• Support the Headteacher in fostering a strong sense of community among staff and
pupils
• Promote consistent implementation of school policies, including behaviour systems
• Build caring and respectful relationships with staff, pupils, parents, and visitors
• Act as a positive role model
• Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful
candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and pre-employment checks in line
with statutory guidance.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds,
ensuring that no applicant is treated less favourably on the basis of protected
characteristics.
How to Apply
For further information and an application pack, or to arrange a visit, please contact the school
office: clerical@fairways.southend.sch.uk telephone: 01702 525693

Information about the School

Fairways is a two form entry primary school set in extensive beautiful grounds in Leigh on Sea that celebrates individuality, champions potential, and works tirelessly to ensure every pupil feels seen, supported, and valued. Our pupils love coming to school; they are respectful and learn in a kind, and calm place where they flourish in their learning and their relationships. In addition to our fourteen classes we have a speech and language resource base which is an integral part of the school; the resource base children are included in all aspects of school life, with some fully included in mainstream classes.

The governors and staff at Fairways believe that the school should provide a stimulating and challenging environment where a lifelong passion for learning is nurtured.

Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references.