Job Description

• St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School
• Address: Portman Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2AX
• Salary: Grade 5, Point 15 - 18, £33,699 - £36,361 per annum pro rata
• Hours: 35 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent, required to start September 2026
• Reference: 5175

Are you a proactive School Business professional who is passionate about making a difference to children's education through excellent business leadership?

St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School are seeking to appoint a School Business Manager to play a key strategic role within our school. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose in a warm, inclusive school where every pupil is respected and encouraged to achieve.

St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School is a multicultural school in the centre of Ipswich. We are extremely proud of our school and have high ambitions for all pupils. We have a strong Christian ethos which underpins our approach to all aspects of teaching and learning. We are proud of our broad and balanced curriculum, which is enhanced with enrichment opportunities, enabling pupils to achieve their full potential, all of this is rooted strongly in our school values and Christian ethos.

As School Business Manager, you will work closely with the Headteacher Governors and MAT Finance Team to ensure the effective management of the school’s finances, resources, premises, health and safety and administrative functions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• supporting the school’s drive towards a balanced in-year budget and helping to align staffing and resources to pupil outcomes
• leading the school’s financial planning, monitoring and reporting
• preparing and managing the school budget
• ensuring compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements
• working with the MAT Estates Team on premises management, health and safety and site development
• supporting governors with strategic planning and financial oversight
• identifying opportunities to secure additional funding and maximise resources.

This post offers a high-impact, varied role where your work will directly influence pupil experience and school improvement.

We are seeking a confident, organised and collaborative professional who can lead business operations with integrity and vision.

You will be someone who:

• brings practical experience of school or public sector financial management and budget monitoring
• is skilled at analysing and presenting financial information clearly to senior leaders and governors and provides clear strategic advice. Has strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• demonstrates strong organisational and leadership abilities and can manage multiple priorities calmly
• has familiarity with school systems ( BromCom, PSF and IMP preferred)
• understands confidentiality and GDPR, and can lead on compliance and risk management
• has strong administrative and organisational skills
• shares our inclusive values and is committed to ensuring resources are used to support the best outcomes for every pupil.

We can offer you

• a diverse and welcoming, fully inclusive school
• a supportive Senior Leadership Team, Governing Body and MAT Finance Team
• a school where we are proud to have a team of dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic staff
• commitment to your professional development
• a school with well-developed resources
• a school, where we actively consider work-life balance and well-being.

For more information

Please read the (Word) and Person Specification (Word)

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged, please contact our school office by calling 01473 251614 to arrange an appointment.

To find out more about us, please visit our website

How to apply

Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by jobs@stmatthewscevap.uk

Closing date: 12pm, 3 July 2026

Interview date: 14 July 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

St Matthew’s 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 and all candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.