Business Manager

Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all business operations including finance, ICT, HR, enrolments, risk, facilities, compliance, and support services.....

Southern Highlands Christian School is a co-educational day school committed to providing a Christ-centred, Biblically grounded education. All staff are expected to support and uphold the Christian ethos of the School, in alignment with its Statement of Faith, Vision Statement and Core Values.

The Business Manager holds the most senior non-academic leadership role within the School and is a key member of the Executive team. Reporting directly to the Principal, this role provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all business operations including finance, ICT, HR, enrolments, risk, facilities, compliance, and support services. The Director plays a crucial role in ensuring that the School operates with financial integrity, operational excellence, and mission-aligned governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Leadership

• Actively model Christian values and foster a Christ-centred culture among all staff

• Support the Principal in maintaining the Christian foundations and vision of the School.

• Contribute to the growth of a Christ-honouring community involving staff, parents,

and the wider School community.

2. Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Principal to support the School’s vision and strategic direction.

• Monitor and advise on external economic and social trends affecting School operations.

• Oversee the development and implementation of the School’s Strategic Financial Plan.

• Ensure resource allocation aligns with the School’s mission and future growth needs.

• Lead the support staff encouraging a culture of servant-heartedness and dedication to the school’s vision and mission.

3. Financial Management

• Ensure financial sustainability through long-term planning, budgeting, and reporting.

• Oversee financial operations including accounting, forecasting, audit and compliance.

• Provide accurate, timely reports to the Principal, Board, and regulatory authorities.

• Liaise with auditors and financial institutions to ensure transparency and best- practice governance.

4. Governance & Compliance

• Act as Company Secretary, ensuring that the Board receives accurate governance and compliance reporting.

• Maintain up-to-date corporate policies and regulatory compliance systems.

• Support the Principal and Board with policy development and implementation.

• Maintain comprehensive governance and statutory records.

5. Business Operations

• Oversee all non-teaching operations, ensuring they align with strategic and operational objectives.

• Lead the preparation and management of the annual School budget.

• Ensure efficient management of associated School entities.

6. Business Development

• Contribute to the development of long-term business and marketing strategies.

• Support the Principal in identifying and assessing new commercial opportunities.

7. Information & Communication Technology

• Oversee ICT planning and implementation in collaboration with the ICT Manager.

• Develop and maintain an ICT Strategic Plan that supports education, administration, and operations.

• Promote a service-focused, learning-enabling ICT culture.

8. Facilities & Property Management

• Oversee the long-term master planning and development of School facilities.

• Collaborate with architects and stakeholders to ensure functional, future-focused learning spaces.

• Ensure maintenance programs are appropriately resourced, implemented and aligned with curriculum priorities.

• Lead the development of grant applications, and oversee for capital works.

9. Human Resources & Staff Management

• Oversee the performance, development, and wellbeing of General Staff.

• Address staffing concerns professionally and in accordance with School values and policies.

• Manage payroll, employment contracts, and staff onboarding/offboarding

• Oversee policies relating to workplace wellbeing, performance, grievances and industrial obligations

• Support leadership development and Christian staff culture

10. Community Engagement

• Support the Principal in nurturing strong relationships with parents, alumni, and the broader community.

• Oversee systems to monitor and report on community sentiment.

• Ensure enrolment, communication, and marketing strategies are effective and user-friendly.

• Coordinate annual marketing plans, publications, and strategies

• Collaborate with the Principal to promote enrolments and uphold the school’s public witness

• Align communications with Christian values and educational priorities.

• Supervise enrolments and admissions processes through the Registrar

• Ensure accurate student records, compliance with funding requirements, and enrolment process

• Monitor enrolment trends, capacity planning, and student retention strategies.

11. Trading Operations

• Manage outsourced and internal trading services to ensure alignment with the School’s values and financial sustainability.

• Monitor profitability and operational effectiveness of all trading entities.

12. Workplace Health & Safety (WHS)

• Champion a culture of safety, respect, and responsibility.• Ensure compliance with WHS regulations and support integration with operational systems.

• Participate in risk management, WHS audits, and ongoing training.

13. Partnerships and External Advocacy

• Explore business opportunities and partnerships that support the work of the school

• Write, speak and participate in external forums that promote the school’s broader Christian mission.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 3 years in senior financial or operational leadership.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term planning.

• Experience in governance, compliance, and risk management.

Desirable

• Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, or Management.

• Significant governance experience, particularly in a not for profit/school context.

• Experience within the education sector, particularly in mid to medium size schools.

• Project management experience in large-scale developments.

• ASBA membership or similar professional affiliations.

Personal Attributes

• A committed Christian with active church involvement.

• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Southern Highlands Christian School.

• Commercially astute with a heart for Christian education.

• Strategic thinker and creative problem solver.

• Resilient, adaptable, and highly organised.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.

• Inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

What We Offer

• Collegial support within the CEN Business Managers network.

• Support package of programs and mentoring for those new to the profession, and mentoring for all new staff.

• A supportive, caring Christian environment.

• Onsite gym and Fitness Passport.

• Access to our Employee Assistance program (EAP).

• Salary sacrifice packaging.