Job Description

About Us
York Steiner School is a thriving independent school for children aged 3-16, offering an inspiring Steiner-Waldorf education. We are looking for a collaborative and strategic Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team.
The Role
You will lead HR, finance, admissions, marketing and operations to support a thriving school environment. You will work closely with the Headteacher to ensure operations actively support teaching and learning, that marketing reflects our ethos, and that strategic development aligns with our vision.
What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership and line management experience.
• Strong HR, finance, and operational knowledge.
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder.
• Respect for and willingness to learn about Steiner-Waldorf education.
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively, not in isolation.

For further detail please see the full job description below.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to make a real difference in a values-led school. You'll join a warm, committed community and play a key role in shaping the future of our school.
Apply
Please send a CV and covering letter (explaining how you meet the person specification) to the School Office. Applications close Friday 12th September 2025. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.
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Lead and develop all aspects of administration and operations to support a thriving school environment. Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and teaching staff to ensure that all operational functions actively support Teaching & Learning (T&L), reflect the ethos of York Steiner School, and enable strategic development and marketing to embody Steiner-Waldorf education values.
Direct Reports

• HR Administrator
• Finance Manager
• Operations Officer
• Admissions
• Marketing/alumni executive

Key Responsibilities
Human Resources & People Management

• Oversee HR processes including recruitment, induction, performance management, and staff welfare.
• Manage payroll liaison, contracts, training, policies, and disciplinary processes.
• Ensure compliance with HR-related statutory requirements (e.g., safeguarding, staff wellbeing).
• Build positive relationships with teaching staff, respecting and supporting their professional practice and the Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy.

Operational Management

• Oversee site, premises, IT systems, health & safety in collaboration with the Operations Officer.
• Ensure operations are planned and delivered in ways that are education-friendly and minimise disruption to teaching and learning.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations (DfE, Charity Commission, GDPR, KCSiE).
• Maintain records, including the Single Central Register and insurance.

Financial Management

• Oversee financial management processes, ensuring that finance and cashflow management is strong and statutory reporting is delivered as per company law.
• Deliver regular finance reports to trustees and provide appropriate narrative at board meetings.

Leadership & Governance

• Act as a senior leader and member of the SLT, working collaboratively with the Headteacher to achieve the school's vision and goals.
• Provide HR, Finance and Operations input to Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Support policy development related to staff and operations.
• Engage regularly with the Headteacher and other SLT members to ensure joined-up strategic development.

Marketing and Admissions

• Oversee and provide strategic direction into all areas of marketing the school, ensuring all communications reflect the school's ethos and Steiner-Waldorf values.
• Ensure processes around admissions are strong and result in a steady stream of new pupils.

Culture & Community

• Promote a positive staff culture aligned with Steiner-Waldorf values.
• Model respect for teaching staff and the Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Provide HR support and guidance to all staff, fostering their development and wellbeing.
• Represent the school in relevant external HR/operations forums.

Essential Qualifications/Experience

• Proven line management experience.
• Working knowledge of HR legislation, best practice, and policies.
• Working knowledge of premises management, H&S and operational services.
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder, with a collaborative approach.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Steiner-Waldorf education and ethos.
• Ability to work strategically, not in isolation, and to support T&L priorities.

Skills Required