School Business Manager * Brand New School*

🌟 Join Aurora Ravensfield School as Our New School Business Manager! 🌟

Location: Stratford St Mary

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Annual Salary: £38,000 to £45,000 (depending on skills and experience)

Ideal Start Date:  March 2026  

As part of our growth strategy; we’re really pleased to be opening a brand new SEN School in Autumn 2026 – Aurora Ravensfield.  Based in Colchester this brand new school will have a proposed capacity of 82 students aged 5-19.

The “old School House” is situated in the picturesque village of Stratford St Mary and will service Essex and Suffolk local authorities.   The building will have a variety of classrooms and therapy spaces including a specialist Science and Cookery rooms. 

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and leadership? Do you thrive in a role where no two days are the same? Aurora Ravensfield School is looking for a dynamic School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our vibrant, inclusive learning environment.

🧭 About the Role

As School Business Manager, you’ll lead and manage our support services teams across Finance, HR, Facilities, ICT, Health & Safety, Housekeeping, and Catering.  Initially you’ll be supporting the Headteacher with the creation, planning and opening of this brand new school.  Once opened you’ll ensure our school runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently — creating an environment where children and young adults can thrive.

You’ll have autonomy to manage budgets, resources, and development plans, and play a key role in strategic decision-making. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact.

💼 Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop support teams to deliver high standards across all operational areas.
• Manage budgets and financial performance, ensuring value for money and compliance.
• Oversee site maintenance, health & safety, and facilities to create a safe, welcoming environment.
• Collaborate with central teams on IT, HR, and Estates projects.
• Ensure administrative systems are efficient, compliant, and future-ready.
• Act as Health & Safety Coordinator and Fire Officer.
• Be part of the SLT ‘senior on-call’ rota for emergencies.

🎯 What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in leading multi-functional teams.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and education sector standards.
• A relevant management or finance qualification is desirable.
• Ability to work independently, travel as needed, and contribute to strategic planning. 

It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.

🌟 What’s on Offer at Aurora?

We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:

📚 Grow with Us – Training & Development

Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.

💸 Save Money on Everyday Essentials

With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further:

• Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more
• Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme

💰 Competitive Pay & Reward

We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy:

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance

🩺 24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household

Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.

🦷 UK Health Cash Plan

Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!

🧠 Employee Assistance Programme

Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including:

• Freephone counselling (available 24/7)
• Online tools and resources

👯‍♀️ Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded!
(*Terms apply)

How to apply?

Please complete a full online application form.  If you need any assistance with completing your application form or for more information on this position please contact Karen in the Recruitment Team via email at karen.barnfield@the-aurora-group.com  

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children."

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. 

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.