East Sussex County Council
Regional Primary Business Manager (The Kemnal Academies Trust)
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Regional Primary Business Manager (The Kemnal Academies Trust)
Job Title: Regional Primary Business Manager
Hours of Work: 32.5 per week Working Pattern: Full-time Closes for Applications: Midday Friday 10 July 2026
For more information and to apply, please contact:
- Email: joseph.lyons@tkat.org
- Website: TKAT Academies Trust
About the Role
Are you an experienced operational leader looking for an impactful regional role where you can shape the administrative and operational excellence of multiple schools?
At Kemnal Academies Trust (Kemnal), we know that excellent schools don’t just happen—they are powered by brilliant operational minds behind the scenes. If you thrive in leading regional teams and ensuring financial management, compliance, and seamless operations, this role is for you.
As our Regional Primary Business Manager, you will be the strategic engine room and key bridge between central trust strategy and local school execution across five Weald and City primary academies:
- Smarden Primary and Nursery School
- Pluckley Church of England Primary School
- Pebsham Primary Academy
- Ore Village Academy
- Napier Primary and Nursery Academy
Your role will ensure that our schools run smoothly, sustainably, and efficiently, allowing educators to focus fully on teaching.
Reporting directly to the Head of Finance Programme Delivery, you will:
- Bridge central and local execution
- Maximise resources for high-quality learning environments
- Partner with academy Headteachers and central teams
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Oversee budget planning, monitoring, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations
- Manage audits and income generation
- Drive cost-effective procurement
Premises & Facilities Strategy
- Lead strategic development of school facilities and estates
- Manage catering, cleaning, and ancillary services
- Ensure compliance and business continuity planning
- Promote energy conservation initiatives
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People & Operations
- Partner with Headteachers on staffing and recruitment
- Oversee employee lifecycle data and payroll accuracy
- Lead organisational change and restructuring
Operational Leadership
- Manage and support regional teams
- Foster high standards and effective delegation
- Ensure consistent service quality across academies
Governance & Compliance
- Uphold GDPR and data protections
- Support school and Trust policies with informative governance reporting
Safeguarding
- Actively promote statutory safeguarding and child welfare guidelines
Requirements
What You Will Need
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g., School Business Management – DSBM or Level 5 Diploma).
- Proven experience in:
- Complex financial management
- Budget preparation and forecasting
- Highly desirable (but not mandatory unless noted): Experience in a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).
- Open to charity/commercial sector leaders with *transferable compliance skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal abilities (negotiation skills, ability to communicate with Governors, contractors, and Headteachers).
- Advanced IT/MIS literacy (ability to manage systems tied to financial and operational tasks).
- Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle (to facilitate travel between academies).
- Deep commitment to:
- Safeguarding practices
- Safe recruitment
What We Offer
- Generous Pension Scheme with substantial employer contributions.
- Tailored CPD & Training to support professional growth.
- Wellbeing Support: Access to a mindfulness programme and tracking app.
- Retail and Lifestyle Discounts (online & in-store partnerships).
- Cycle to Work Scheme for sustainable commuting.
- Family-Friendly Policies to balance professional and personal commitments.
- 24/7 Employee & Family Counselling Support.
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Be Who You Are at Kemnal
We welcome diversity in skills and backgrounds. While you may not possess every technical skill immediately, we focus on financial acumen and leadership drive. Our supportive training and flexible structures will help you grow into the role—and excel at it.
Working with us also means participating in flexible working policies, including full-time (year-round) or term-time-only contracts + peak weeks.
About Kemnal
We are a collaborative, equity- and inclusion-driven employer committed to:
- Safeguarding, equality, and diversity considerations.
- Constant learning and growth through collaboration.
We value individual experiences and believe diversity strengthens us. Should you require adjustments for interview inclusivity, we encourage you to share your needs—we aim to make a space where everyone can thrive.
Closing date: Midday, Friday 10th July 2026 Deadline warning: We reserve the right to close early if sufficient applications are received. We recommend early application.
For Further Safeguarding & Recruitment Guidance:
- Government Guidance on DBS Checks
- TKAT DBS Policy (contact HR for full details).
To Apply: Click here to View/Submit Application (Direct link to TKAT Vacancies Page).
Note: Schools are committed to safeguarding all staff and children. Pre-employment processes include enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding checks, and protection of pupil well-being.
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