Joining Cheshire Academies Trust (CAT) as a Trust Business Manager is a chance to play a central role in improving outcomes for children by strengthening the leadership and operational effectiveness of our academies.

Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO), you will be a key member of the central team, working closely with School Business Managers, Headteachers and Governors across 5–7 schools. You will help ensure that every academy has the resources, systems and support it needs to deliver high-quality, inclusive education.

This is a hybrid role. It offers a high degree of flexibility, with mostly home-working (or office-based if preferred) and regular, planned visits to school sites in Cheshire, Wirral and Liverpool to build strong, consistent relationships.

You will act as the Trust’s lead contact for resource management, supporting schools to meet the CAT financial framework and Resource and Operations Strategy. Working alongside the CFOO, you will:

• Mentor and coach School Business Managers, supporting their wellbeing and professional growth.
• Guide financial and operational practice, including budget planning, monitoring and value-for-money decision making;
• Lead weekly SBM network meetings, strengthening collaboration and consistency across the Trust.
• Design and deliver training for school and Trust colleagues;
• Support recruitment to key business and support roles;
• Provide technical financial expertise and contribute to Trust-wide policies, processes and reporting;
• Strengthen compliance, including with the Academy Trust Handbook 2025 and Trust policies;
• Champion the effective use of Trust systems, including Civica, Xero for Education, Planergy and IMP.

As CAT begins its next phase of growth, this is an opportunity to shape how resource management and operations work at Trust level. We are seeking a motivated, forward-thinking professional with integrity, excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships. You will be confident in:

• Managing multiple priorities in a busy, changing environment;
• Analysing and presenting data to support decision making;
• Working autonomously while contributing to a wider central team.

You will bring proven financial management experience, ideally in a multi-site or complex organisation (education, public sector or not-for-profit experience is particularly welcome). You will be proficient in Microsoft 365 applications and familiar with MIS and business systems (or keen and able to learn quickly). We will also consider candidates with an equivalent blend of qualifications and substantial relevant experience in school business leadership or finance, HR or operations in a similar role.

This is a 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year role. We actively support flexible working and will welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates who wish to job share or work on a term time only basis.

Please state clearly in your application if you are seeking a flexible or alternative working pattern. Our usual central team hours are 9:00–17:00, Monday to Friday, but you will be expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Trust. For example, the majority of our Governing Body meetings take place in the evening, so you would adjust your hours in order to attend.

We offer:
• Permanent contract (after 6-month probation)
• Annual pay increases on a national scale
• 26 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 31 days after 5 years)
• Funded, personalised training plan
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership
• Annual flu jab
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, White Goods)

We are proud of our collaborative, values-led culture and you will join a central team that works closely with schools, is approachable and supportive, and is committed to staff wellbeing as well as pupil outcomes.

If you believe you are the ideal candidate for our Trust School Business Manager position or would like more information, please email our CFOO, Luci Jones to arrange an informal discussion lucijones@cheshireacademiestrust.co.uk. 

Application Process:
Please submit your application via the View My New Term website. The closing date is Friday 9^th January at 9am. We aim to interview week beginning 19 January for an early as possible start in 2026.

Cheshire Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.