SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF PROVISION

SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF PROVISION

Position: School Business Manager & Executive Assistant

Location: Solid Steps Learning Centre, West Dulwich, London

Salary: £46,365 - £52,741 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full Time, Monday–Friday, 8:15am–4:45pm (with flexibility to meet the needs of the organisation)

Reports to: Nicola Brown, Head of Provision

Member of: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

School Business Manager & Executive Assistant

Solid Steps is a small but growing independent specialist SEND provision based in West Dulwich, supporting over 40 children and young people aged 14–25 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Conditions, Learning Disabilities, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, anxiety-based school avoidance and other complex presentations.

Due to organisational growth and a recent restructure, we are seeking an exceptional School Business Manager & Executive Assistant to work directly alongside the Head of Provision, Nicola Brown. This newly shaped role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to influence and develop operational systems, bring structure and strategic leadership, and play a key role in the next stage of the organisation’s development.

Role Purpose

The School Business Manager & Executive Assistant is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the business, operational and administrative functions of the organisation while providing high-level executive support to the Head of Provision.

Working closely with the head of provision the successful candidate will lead on finance, HR, payroll, compliance, admissions, premises management, health and safety, IT systems and organisational administration. They will also act as a trusted partner to the Head of Provision, supporting strategic priorities, projects, stakeholder engagement and organisational growth.

This is a broad and varied role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational management. The postholder will line manage key support staff, oversee budgets and financial planning, monitor compliance and reporting requirements, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, operationally effective and fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Ofsted expectations.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive and solution-focused, with the confidence to review existing systems, identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective change. They will enjoy the autonomy and responsibility the role offers and be motivated by the opportunity to shape and strengthen operational functions within a growing specialist provision.

Person Specification

To be successful in this role, you will:

· Have previous experience as a School Business Manager and Executive Assistant.

· Hold a CSBM, DSBM or equivalent School Business Management qualification.

· Demonstrate strong financial management skills, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting.

· Have practical experience of HR, payroll, workforce planning and staff management.

· Possess a strong understanding of compliance, governance, risk management and relevant education legislation.

· Have experience leading, coaching and motivating staff, supporting professional development and effectively managing performance.

· Demonstrate excellent IT, systems, administrative and organisational skills.

· Be able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, working effectively to deadlines.

· Have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

· Be confident analysing existing processes and implementing improvements that support organisational growth and efficiency.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative and collaborative leadership team and make a significant contribution to the future success of Solid Steps.

Executive Assistant to the Head of Provision

Daily Executive Support

• Provide dedicated day-to-day Executive Assistant support to Nicola Brown, Head of Provision.
• Manage a dynamic diary, appointments and priorities.
• Coordinate and have oversight of meetings, consultations, annual reviews, inspections and professional visits.
• Prepare agendas, reports, presentations and briefing papers.
• Draft professional correspondence, letters and reports on behalf of the CEO.
• Manage and prioritise incoming…