Trust Business Manager

Overview

In this role, you will support the strategic development of the Trust by partnering with the Headteacher and senior leaders to enable strong decision making across up to seven schools. You will lead high-quality financial planning to maximise resource use and pupil outcomes, while overseeing administration, HR, premises, and Health & Safety. You will ensure robust financial reporting, drive income generation through premises lets and grants, and support governance through timely information for boards and stakeholders. This position offers meaningful impact by shaping financial practice and school operations within a multi-site Trust.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management for a group of up to seven schools, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor accounting procedures, perform monthly reconciliations, maintain assets and risk registers, and manage supplier payments.
• Develop strategic staffing plans with senior leaders using Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning; prepare monthly management accounts and three-year/annual budgets.
• Lead capital purchase planning with the Trust and central team; coordinate funding opportunities and income generation activities.
• Produce financial returns and reports for Trust Board, CEO, CFO, LAB, DfE, Companies House and HMRC; ensure strong financial controls and value for money.
• Monitor rolling cash flow and coordinate inter-budget recharges; review management accounts with the Trust Finance & Operations Manager.
• Attend Trust and LAB meetings; support audits with internal/external auditors; address fraud risk awareness and fund procurement processes.
• HR and Payroll: implement equality and recruitment policies; oversee attendance management, staff development, and disciplinary procedures; coordinate recruitment, payroll reconciliation, and safeguarding records across the group.
• Leadership and Premises Management: contribute to trust culture, support induction, communicate with staff, manage site maintenance plans, health and safety compliance, and ensure GIAS and GDPR obligations are met.
• GDPR/Information Security: act as GDPR lead and ensure data protection training and policy compliance across the schools.

Key requirements

• Experience in financial management within a multi-site or trust environment (implied by duties).
• Ability to work with senior leaders and governance bodies; strong reporting and budgeting skills.

• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic thinking
• Attention to detail
• Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning
• Budgeting software
• Financial reporting and governance compliance

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