2 minute read
So, you want to be a school business manager/operations manager?
So you want to be a
school business manager/ operations manager?
Often called their “right hand”, our principals truly rely on the expertise of their school business managers/operations managers. As the expert in the school on all financial matters, you will help steer and guide decision making at a strategic level.
Operations managers take on an even wider remit, looking after functions outside of finance. These leadership positions are critical to the smooth and effective running of our schools.
Getting qualified. We have a 17-month Level 4 School Business Professional Programme for any existing school business professional or those aspiring to become a school business professional. During the programme you will gain a thorough understanding of how to carry out administer and manage the financial, site and support services within a school. Some other core skills that will be developed are finance and procurement, human resources, governance and risk, marketing/communications, project and change management, as well as relationship building.
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including professional discussion, assessment of your portfolio and a knowledge-based test.
By completing this programme candidates will be eligible to become a full member of the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL), formally known as National Association of School Business Management (NASBM)
Spotlight on…
Melanie Sherratt
Melanie Sherratt Packmoor Ormiston Academy School Business Manager
I have worked as a school business manager for the last nine years at Packmoor Ormiston Academy. Packmoor Primary became part of Ormiston Academies Trust in August 2016 and as a member of the senior leadership team and governing body, I had involvement in each step of the academy conversion process. I knew from the start that being part of the Ormiston Academies Trust family would provide the best education and enrichment opportunities for our pupils.
The role of a school business manager is key to setting the strategic direction of a school, as a non-teaching member of the senior leadership team, I bring a diverse set of skills including finance, premises, procurement, marketing, recruitment, health and safety and the management of nonteaching staff.
The biggest advantage I have noticed since joining Ormiston Academies Trust, is a better access to resources and provisions for both our pupils and staff, in many different areas, covering academic, extra-curricular and operational functions.
The Trust provides inclusive continued professional development opportunities across all of their academies, building staff confidence and credibility. I attend the termly forums for HR, finance, facilities and GDPR and utilise the opportunity to network and share best practice with other operational/school business managers. The specialist support and expertise provided by OAT head office has assisted in strengthening my own skill set and broadening my range of attributes. These skills have been recognised as transferable at a regional level, as in the last 12 months I have provided support and training to new employees in OAT schools within the north and west regions.
