School Business Leader

Millais School, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5HR

17 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  April 2026

• Closing date

  6 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  12 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
  • Catering, cleaning and site management
  • Other support roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Accounting
• Working pattern: Full time: 37 hours pw Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Between £55,057 - £56,358 pa (market supplement available to exceptional and experienced candidates)
• Pay scale: Hay A

What skills and experience we're looking for

About the Role:

This Senior Leadership position is responsible for all non-teaching operations, including finance, HR, estates, health and safety, administration, catering and compliance. You play a key role in shaping the school’s strategic direction, financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

You will:

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting
• Advise the Headteacher and Governors on strategy, efficiency savings, and income generation
• Oversee HR, payroll, contracts, and employment compliance
• Manage the school estate, facilities, health & safety, and risk management
• Develop policies and ensure compliance with legislation and best practice
• Drive marketing, communications, and external partnerships to strengthen our school’s profile
• Identify and manage opportunities for income generation and commercial activity.

Who we’re looking for:

• Significant experience in school business management or a senior operational role
• Strong financial, strategic, and commercial awareness
• Knowledge of NJC terms, school finance systems, and resource deployment
• Confidence advising senior leaders and Governors on sustainability and operational strategy
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and our school values.

What the school offers its staff

Why join us:

This is more than an operational role and is an opportunity to shape the future of our school, drive excellence and make a lasting impact. If you are a forward-thinking leader with a passion for efficiency, sustainability and innovation we want to hear from you.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

SBL Advert Feb 2026.pdf - 263 KB (opens in new tab)

SBL Feb 2026.pdf - 336 KB (opens in new tab)

About Millais School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1055 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Millais School website
• Email address: HRadmin@millais.org.uk
• Phone number: 01403 254932
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/millais-school

Millais is currently a secondary 11-16 girls’ comprehensive school in which students are eager to learn and expect to be challenged in all areas of the curriculum. We are looking forward to welcoming boys in September 2026 for the first intake in year 7.

Arranging a visit to Millais School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email HRadmin@millais.org.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in West Sussex