Full-time | 12-month contract | Starting July

A Multi-Academy Trust in Cumbria is seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Business Manager to provide maternity cover within its Northern cluster of schools. This is a senior operational leadership role supporting several specialist schools and plays a key part in ensuring the Trust continues to deliver high-quality provision for pupils with special educational needs.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with Headteachers, you will lead the operational functions across multiple school sites. The role is primarily based at Carlisle, with regular travel required across schools in the region and some flexibility for remote working (1-2 days per week). Please note this role is full time, full year.

Your new role

You will take strategic and operational responsibility for:

• Financial management - budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and ensuring value for money
• Estates and facilities management - ensuring safe, compliant, well-maintained learning environments
• Health & safety compliance - maintaining robust systems and meeting statutory requirements
• Contracts and procurement - overseeing tendering processes and contract management
• Line management - supporting and developing operational staff
• Strategic leadership - contributing to planning and decision-making at senior level

What you'll need to succeed

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant leadership experience in business, finance, or operations (education or public sector desirable)
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets
• Knowledge of HR processes, compliance, and staff management
• Ability to manage multi-site operations effectively
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A flexible, solutions-focused approach

Experience within a school or MAT environment, would be highly advantageous, though not essential for the right candidate.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role and are an experienced business manager, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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