East Sussex County Council
Regional Primary Business Manager (The Kemnal Academies Trust)
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Regional Primary Business Manager – Vacancy at Kemnal Academies Trust
Hours of work: 32.5 Working pattern: Full-time Closing date: Midday Friday 10 July 2026
For further details and application instructions, please contact:
The Kemnal Academies Trust TKAT Corporate Services, East Sussex 📧 joseph.lyons@tkat.org 🌐 www.tkat.org
Important Notes
- Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018: This role is subject to compliance with these regulations. Successful candidates will self-declare their eligibility during pre-employment checks. If disqualified, an offer may depend on receiving an Ofsted waiver.
- No CVs accepted – follow application instructions via the TKAT careers portal.
🔍 The Opportunity
Are you an experienced operational leader seeking a regional impact-driven role? Kemnal Academies Trust seeks a Regional Primary Business Manager to drive administrative and operational excellence across five primary academies in Weald and City district:
📍 Led Academies:
- Smarden Primary and Nursery School
- Pluckley Church of England Primary School
- Pebsham Primary Academy
- Ore Village
- Napier Primary and Nursery Academy
Your role will bridge trust strategy and school execution, ensuring smooth, sustainable, and efficient school operations so teachers can focus on teaching.
Reporting to the Head of Finance Programme Delivery, you will:
- Act as the central coordination hub for financial and operational strategy across academies.
- Optimise resources to deliver high-quality learning environments.
🔹 Key Responsibilities
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💰 Financial Management
- Oversee academic financial functions, including budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations; manage audits and procurement.
- Maximise income and optimise cost-effectiveness.
🏛️ Premises & Facilities Strategy
- Develop long-term facilities strategy and estates planning.
- Manage ancillary services (catering, cleaning, maintenance).
- Ensure compliance and lead business continuity/energy conservation efforts.
♻️ People & Operations
- Partner with Headteachers on staffing needs, recruitment, payroll processes.
- Oversee employee lifecycle data, organisation restructures.
🏢 Operational Leadership
- Lead and support regional teams, promoting quality standards and effective delegation.
📋 Governance & Compliance
- Uphold GDPR data protection and school/trust policies.
- Provide informative reporting to Governors.
🛡️ Safeguarding
- Actively prioritise child safeguarding and compliance with statutory guidance.
🔄 Flexible Engagement
- While standard full-time (52 weeks/year) or term-time plus arrangements will be considered, job role flexibility will accommodate adaptable commitments.
🎯 Requirements
📚 Qualifications
✅ Essential: A relevant professional qualification, e.g., School Business Management (e.g., DSBM, Level 5 Diploma, or equivalent).
📈 Experience
- Proven track record in financial management, budgeting, forecasting.
- Desirable: Previous experience in a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Alternatively, senior roles in commercial/charity sectors with strong compliance skills are welcome.
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💼 Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills (Governor discussions, stakeholder relations).
- Advanced IT/MIS proficiency.
- A valid driving license + vehicle access (due to geographically dispersed teams).
⚖️ Ethos & Commitment
- Deep commitment to safeguarding and safe recruitment.
🌟 Why Kemnal?
At Kemnal, we value our specialist operational teams and invest in their growth. Lifelong colleague development begins Day 1.
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Tailored Continuous Professional Development (CPD) support
- Leading Wellbeing Scheme (mindfulness, meditation, fitness app access)
- Retail & Lifestyle Discounts (online + in-store)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Family-friendly leave and policies
- 24/7 Counselling Support for colleagues + immediate family
🌟 Applications & Equality Notes
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Apply via: TKAT Vacancy PAGE Contact: Joe Lyons (joseph.lyons@tkat.org)
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Flexible hiring practices offered – any adjustments required during recruitment to meet individual participation needs will be facilitated.
Through dedication to equity, inclusion, and diversity, Kemnal Academies celebrates varied backgrounds to foster a stronger collective.
We reserve the right to close this application early if significant interest in applications arises. Early submission is encouraged to prevent disappointment.
Critical reminder: all offers are subject to Safer Recruitment & DBS checks.
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