Business Manager

• Broad ranging Business Manager position with a school
• A values lead organisation making a real difference to young people
• Hybrid/Site based role in beautiful West Sussex at least 3 days per week

We don't just educate students – we transform lives. We're home to some of the most vulnerable young people in the country, with Outstanding-rated residential care and Good educational provision from Ofsted, proving that with the right support, every young person can flourish.

We need an exceptional Finance Manager who's ready to be the financial backbone of something truly meaningful. This isn't your typical number-crunching role – you'll be the operational support behind an organisation that turns challenging circumstances into bright futures.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

? Lead with Purpose

• Support finance operations alongside HR, ICT, estates, and support functions
• Be the right-hand to our principal and senior leadership team helping them focus on maintaining, improving and delivering exceptional residential care and educational provision
• Shape the financial strategy that keeps our doors open for the young people who need us most

?? Master Complex Operations

• Navigate the intricate world of SEND funding with multiple local authority relationships
• Lead budget processes that directly impact vulnerable lives
• Turn compliance requirements into systems that protect and empower our students

?? Build Something Extraordinary

• Oversee statutory reporting and financial management systems
• Implement innovative systems that maximise every pound for student support
• Create sustainable funding models that secure our future impact

?? Champion Team Excellence

• Support key department heads while fostering collaboration across the organisation
• Ensure our decades of heritage and excellence continues through robust financial support
• Support recruitment and development of professionals with values aligned with our mission

?? Drive Innovation & Growth

• Leverage technology and data analytics to demonstrate our value to commissioners
• Identify financial opportunities that enhance provision without compromising care standards
• Support strategic development that expands our capacity to help more young people

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

?? Competitive Reward

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• 25 days holiday plus statutory days
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Private medical insurance and death in service (two times salary)
• Professional development opportunities to keep your skills sharp

? Unique Working Environment

• Based in beautiful countryside setting with free parking, onsite gym and free lunches provided
• Be part of a compassionate organisation committed to being an exemplary employer
• A site-based role (our students and colleagues need consistent, present leadership), hybrid working of a minimum 3 days on site can be considered for suitable candidates within reasonable commuting distance

?? Career Impact & Growth

• Join an organisation with Outstanding-rated residential care and Good educational provision
• Gain experience across charity, education, and residential care sectors
• Work directly with the Board of Directors on strategic decisions
• Build expertise in SEND education – one of the most critical areas in education today

?? The Profound Satisfaction Factor

• Know that your financial stewardship directly enables life-changing education
• See the tangible impact of your work in young people's transitions to independence
• Be part of success stories that break cycles and create new possibilities
• Work for an organization with decades of heritage and a clear vision for the future

YOUR ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Strong educational background with excellent English and Maths results
• Proven experience in finance and operational management
• Track record of supporting teams and core functions in schools or commercial environments
• Experience managing complex projects within strict budgets and demanding timelines
• Financial and commercial acumen with strong ICT skills
• CIMA, ACA, ACCA (or working towards)

Highly Desirable Experience:

• Previous Finance Manager or Business Manager experience
• Background in charity or education environments
• Experience with Sage financial systems
• Understanding of school and charity governance
• Knowledge of charity accounting standards

READY TO JOIN OUR LIFE-CHANGING TEAM?

We need someone to help us write the next chapter of financial excellence while keeping our transformative mission at the heart of everything we do.
This is your chance to combine serious financial expertise with genuine social impact. You'll work in an environment where your financial leadership directly translates to improved life outcomes for young people who need it most.
Ready to make a difference that matters? Apply now.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds – after all, diverse teams create the strongest foundations for supporting diverse young people.

Please note: This role requires on-site presence to ensure effective operational leadership and support for our residential and educational provision, but hybrid working of at least 3 days on site can be considered if you live within a reasonable commuting distance. The role will adhere to safer recruitment practices and will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barred List search and a satisfactory section 128 direction check.