Business Manager and PA to Director

Experience of education and/or childcare is essential. Experience of Ofsted or equivalent inspections is desirable. A clear and genuine interest and understanding of these sectors is important due to the nature of the businesses you will be representing at all times.

We are looking for a Business Manager and Personal Assistant to work for the holding company of which an independent school, alternative provision, and other related education services lie under.

The Business Manager will report to the Company Director and Proprietor, who is currently working part time due to maternity. 

Main duties include:

• Personal Assistant; responsible for liaising with and between Company Director and other Company employees, management of calendar, booking and organising appointments as required.
• Quality Assurance; responsibility for the full Company overview and ensuring compliance at all times, management and delegation, and administration of all aspects of Quality Assurance. This includes building management, document and policy/ procedure management, recruitment, and preparation for inspection.
• Staff Induction and Probation; work with line managers and HR to prepare new staff with training and induction schedules and meet regularly during the probation period.
• Staff Wellbeing; available as a Wellness Support to include providing all staff with regular Wellness drop-ins, management of any Wellbeing issues which arise, and working to improve and promote Wellness across the school and staff team.
• Student Referrals; working alongside the Executive Headteacher and Line Managers to support all aspects of student referrals into the setting.
• Finance; it would be desirable to recruit a candidate who has experience in finance to enable them to contribute and work alongside our accountant to streamline finances. Liaison with the accountant will be required within scope of this role.

The role is heavily administrative, but also involves regular face to face requirements on-site. The Business Manager will be required to liaise with, carry out audits, and visit various educational sites and bases in the North East and potentially beyond in line with the needs of the businesses. It is essential that the successful candidate has access to their own vehicle due to the location of the offices.

The role is a fast-paced and vast and varied role encompassing many different areas of business management. A proactive and professional personality is of the utmost importance as the Business Manager will be representing the business owner and businesses at all times. A sense of humour and friendly and open personality is required due to the nature of the role and the requirement to work alongside all members of staff, sometimes during particularly stressful or challenging periods. The successful candidate will understand the importance of quick response times, a professional manner, and open communication.

We are looking for an individual who has:

- Minimum 3 years experience in education, business, or administration

- Minimum qualifications of GCSE maths and English 9-4 (A* to C) above (or equivalent), plus relevant Teaching Assistant or Teaching Qualification OR Administration, Business, or HR Qualification

- Demonstrable exceptional time management and organisational skills

- An ability to stay on top of aspects of quality, auditing, finances, and recruitment among other things as requested by the Director

- An ability to act quickly and efficiently to ensure all quality assurance processes in relation to the businesses are adhered to at all times

- The ability to prioritise and multitask, whilst maintaining professionalism and keeping to strict deadlines

- A professional, friendly, and confident phone manner and an ability to construct emails and communicate via email and other means with speed and in a respectable and professional manner

- An ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding to staff who may require Wellness support

- An ability to manage grievances and minor complaints with advice, follow-up, and whilst following HR procedures

- An ability to hold challenging conversations regarding performance in an appropriate manner and in line with HR procedures

- A calm and confident demeanour with the ability to build strong professional relationships with all colleagues

Full job description with essential and desirable criteria to be provided on request and to shortlisted candidates.

Safeguarding is the highest priority, and we follow Safer Recruitment procedure. All staff must undergo an enhanced DBS. 

Safeguarding Notice: All staff are required to follow policies and other guidance relating to safeguarding and promotion of wellbeing of children and young people, in particular Keeping Children Safe in Education and School/Centre policies.

Location: Ashington, Stannington, Corbridge, other North East. Home-based on occasion. Own vehicle is essential.

Working days/hours: 40 hours/ week. 28 days holiday to be taken during school holidays. Flexibility to work from home during school holidays.