School business manager

In this job, you'll:

• advise the headteacher and governors on financial policy
•  manage the school budget
•  order goods and services and pay suppliers and contractors
•  keep accounts up to date for inspection
•  oversee the maintenance of school buildings
•  recruit, train and manage school support staff
•  make sure school security and health and safety policies are followed
•  develop the school's marketing and communications strategy
•  manage the school's administrative systems
•  report to the headteacher, governors, and local authority and government departments

• leadership skills
• business management skills 
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• maths skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

You could develop your career by moving to a larger school or college with a bigger budget. You could also move into financial or educational management with a local authority, or use your skills to work for an organisation like the NHS.