Finance and Operations Manager - Gateway School

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Finance and Operations Manager to join our school. We are seeking to recruit an inspiring and committed individual to work with a fantastic and caring team of staff who put our children at the centre of what they do.

Salary Type: Competitive and dependent upon experience

Salary details: Competitive and dependent upon experience

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, all year round role. Monday to Friday, typically 7.30am – 4.30pm. 25 days holiday

Closing date: 29/08/2025 00:00

Interviews to be held: w/c 15/9/2025

About us

Gateway School is a thriving, vibrant and nurturing independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, located in the heart of the Chiltern Hills in the village of Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
Ages: 2–11
Pupils on roll: Approx. 270
Small class sizes ensuring every child is known and supported
Broad and creative curriculum
Specialist teaching ISI Rated: Excellent in all areas
Part of the Bellevue Education Group – offering high-quality professional development, shared expertise, and a family of schools united by a shared commitment to excellence in education. – offering global collaboration and rich CPD opportunities

Website: https://gatewayschool-bucks.co.uk/

About the role

September term 2025 start date 40 hours per week, all year round role. Monday to Friday, typically 7.30am – 4.30pm. 25 days holiday. Competitive salary and dependent on qualifications and experience.

Overview
- To support the Bellevue Finance Business Partner in managing the finances of the School, including fee invoices, payroll, monthly accounts and budgets.
- To manage the internal aspects of school life including transport and facilities.
- To manage matters of Compliance, including Health & Safety.
- To manage the Groundsman on the overall care of the school buildings and grounds.
- To manage the catering arrangements for Gateway School, including working with the school caterers for both day-to-day planning and hospitality events.
- To manage external lets and the use of the school by outside individuals and groups.
- To assist with any other reasonable request from the Senior Leadership Team and to be available to cover in the Main Office, where needed. This job description should be seen as indicative of the type of responsibilities included within the role and not as a comprehensive list

About you

Qualifications
Educated to degree level in relevant subject
Commercial background
Extensive experience and success in senior management Experience of budget management, financial planning and income generation
Experience of working in a school environment is desirable.
Transport Manager (CPC ) licence is desirable

Skills/Knowledge
Strong Financial Management Skills – budget planning, forecasting, cost control, and resource allocation within an educational setting.
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge – familiarity with education legislation, health and safety standards, data protection (GDPR), and safeguarding requirements.
Risk Management and Problem-Solving Skills – ability to assess risks, plan contingencies, and resolve operational challenges quickly.
IT and Systems Knowledge – experience with school management information systems (MIS), finance software, and reporting tools.
Facilities and Premises Management – overseeing maintenance, site safety, security, and ensuring the learning environment meets regulatory standards.
Transport Management Expertise – knowledge of school transport operations, route planning, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Stakeholder Relationship Management – ability to engage effectively with parents, governors, local authorities, suppliers, and contractors.
Strategic Thinking and Change Management – supporting long-term planning, improving processes, and delivering on whole-school priorities.

Other information

An application form can be found at www.gatewaysch.co.uk. Please send the completed application form to Mrs Brown at [email protected] by Friday 29 August 2025. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Gateway School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

Gateway School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to references and a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and convictions cautions
• All adult cautions and spent convictions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) guidance or Ministry of Justice (MOJ) guidance (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.