Business Director

Business Director

£55,000 to £65,000 depending on qualifications, skills and experience, reviewed annually

Stratford, Newham, London

Type of position Full time, 25 days of holiday

Hours 40 hours per week – some flexibility is required during term time to enable the duties to be carried out

Job description:

Please see the detailed job description but in summary, the role involves: strategy and leadership; finance, resource, ICT and estate management; and oversight of health and safety and human resources.

LAE will support the successful applicant to pursue Continued Professional Development courses and training, particularly if there are any areas above where an individual has less experience.

The successful applicant will take part in the appraisal cycle.

Business Director: Personal specification

Personal specification

Qualifications

Relevant professional qualification, ideally in finance. Good grades in English and Maths at a recognised level.

Prior experience

Senior management position in similar sized organisation (or larger)

Oversight of a financial function or team

Influenced strategy with demonstrable use of analysis and judgement

Communicated effectively with wide range of people both orally and in writing

Led and/or motivated staff and managed performance

Managed projects or contracts, including selection and negotiation of contractors/suppliers

Additional experience with academies or free schools or education generally or in H&S, HR, IT and/or building maintenance would be useful

Technical skills

Can present information clearly, tailoring the delivery to the audience

Can prioritise and manage their time efficiently and effectively and delegate

Thinks strategically

Has strong analytical skills and can anticipate and determine what to do and how

Is IT literate and used to using information systems

Can prepare budgets and prepare and interpret management information

Understands how to implement and maintain the systems and control environment needed to provide financial information, safeguard assets and handle cash

Understands good governance practices and issues

Soft skills

Integrity

Confidentiality

Loyalty

Excellent interpersonal skills

Persuasiveness

Sensitivity to alternative viewpoints and cultures

Initiative and proactivity

Accuracy and sound judgement, even under pressure

Collaborative

Drive and stamina

Prepared to roll up sleeves/team player

The Senior Leadership Team is the Head Master’s advisory group, is chaired by the Head Master, and includes Deputy Heads and the Business Director. The team is the driving force behind the Academy and is the steward of LAE’s vision.

All members of the Senior Leadership Team promote the vision and contribute to the life of the Academy through their behaviour and attitude and by attendance at those functions determined as necessary by the Head Master.

Reports to: The Head Master and to the Board of Governors via the Chair of the Finance Committee.

Prime Functions

To have lead responsibility to the Head Master and Board for the overall financial management of the Academy and its resources in line with the development plans and objectives of the Academy.

To ensure that the facilities and buildings meet the academic needs of the Academy and to have responsibility for the management of the non-teaching staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This describes the tasks which will be carried out by the Business Director and non-teaching staff, under his/her leadership. Certain parts of the job description will of necessity be carried out by the Business Director.

Main functions

• Produce timely, relevant and accurate financial information; monitor financial performance; provide sound financial advice and an effective financial management service to the Board, the Senior Leadership Team and staff regarding the Academy bringing key areas to others’ attention as required. Liaising in advance of meetings with the participants to ensure that the meetings are properly prepared for and fully resourced

• Oversee financial planning, budget preparation and financial management in consultation with the Head Master, within guidelines set by the government and as interpreted by the Board (through the Finance Committee). To evaluate and communicate effectively the implications of changes in circumstances or proposed future developments.

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, play a key and proactive role in strategy, management and development (including policy development).

• To safeguard and optimise the value and use of the Academy’s assets and ensure they are used to best effect in pursuing the Academy’s aims and objectives.

• To have overall managerial responsibility for the provision, operation and monitoring of support services provided by the Academy, including administration, IT and AV, catering, cleaning, buildings management, Health and Safety and security. To lead, manage, motivate and develop the staff providing all these services to the Academy and facilitate harmonious working between these and other members of staff.

• To ensure that the Academy complies with its legal, regulatory, constitutional and statutory obligations, as appropriate, including the identification and management of risk of the Academy, together with the Head Master.

• Other duties as may be reasonably agreed with the Head Master or Board from time to time.

The Business Director meets regularly during term time with the Head Master and the Senior Leadership Team. He/she also has access to and liaises with the Chairman of the Finance Committee. He/she prepares documentation for and attends meetings of the Board and the Finance Committee.

Specific Responsibilities

Within the framework of responsibilities set out below, the post holder will be expected to agree objectives for achievement based on a biennial appraisal conducted by the Head Master.

1. Financial Management

• Analyse and advise on the financial implications of changes in circumstances and proposed developments. Ensure that appropriate financial evaluation is carried out and any relevant forecasts are included in the development plans and long term strategy, prepared in conjunction with the Head Master and Senior Leadership Team and that suitable information is available to guide financial decision making. Develop performance indicators and other management information, and implement methods to enhance planning and optimum use of resources.

• Working closely with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, prepare and present for approval: three year plans, annual budgets and forecasts and cash flow statements which support the Academy’s Development Plan including any medium term capital plans needed to support the Development Plan.

• Manage the operation of the capital/building programme including assessing tenders, monitoring contracts and ensuring suitable controls are in place for managing these projects. Provide constructive support in managing the continuing use of existing facilities during any construction or refurbishment periods.

• Prepare monthly management accounts and present termly management accounts to the Finance Committee, including variance analyses, statements of cash position, net current assets/liabilities, donations received and any other agreed information, keeping a close eye as to whether key assumptions are still appropriate. Investigate variances to budget monthly and communicate overruns to budget holders promptly so that any appropriate action can be taken swiftly.

• Provide regular updates of the actual and projected financial performance position of the Academy with clear and meaningful commentary to assist the Senior Leadership Team and Finance Committee to understand the financial position of Academy so that they can make wise and cost effective decisions.

• Prepare and present staff and financial and other information as agreed to be used as a basis for discussions about pay and other employment matters.

• Liaise regularly with budget holders and support them in monitoring their performance against budgets and objectives.

• Maintain financial records in accordance with best accounting practice to meet regulatory requirements and to measure both income and expenditure of the Academy’s operations and its financial position.

• Prepare statutory accounts in accordance with government regulations and all government required submissions including those in support of continued government funding.

• Ensure the Academy’s accounting system is kept secure and up-to-date, and that the system and all associated procedures for finance and non-finance staff are fully documented and understood by all relevant members of staff.

• Manage, within the Academy’s agreed authority schedule, the administration of incoming and outgoing finances including receipt of income and payment of salaries and other expenditure.

• Identify opportunities for income generation and liaise as necessary with other members of staff ensuring opportunities for new income are crystallised without exposing the Academy to unacceptable risk or breaching current lease terms.

• Draft proposals for inclusion in Development, Capital and Building Plans and, where appropriate, oversee and monitor implementation.

• Oversee the relationship with external parties such as the Auditor, HMRC and other regulatory bodies.

• Oversee the year end accounting processes and management letter response.

• Oversee the proper payment and reclamation of VAT and any other taxes.

• Prepare, implement and monitor policies concerning the buying and ordering of all LAE supplies and services and creditor payment arrangements.

• Be responsible for negotiating, drawing up, monitoring and enforcing all Service Level Agreements and Contracts operated by the Academy, including cleaning, catering etc

2. Gifts and legacies

• Ensure procedures for recording and managing gifts and legacies are suitable. Liaise with and support those involved with the Academy’s fundraising activities.

3. Bursaries

• Manage policies and procedures for the awarding of and remittance of bursaries.

4. Staff

Overall responsibility for the appointment and professional development of all non-teaching staff. Responsible for the systems around the recruitment of teaching staff.

• Manage all aspects of non-teaching staff appointments including: recruitment, induction, deployment and allocation of duties, dismissing, suspending and disciplining staff in accordance with laid down procedures, supervising, appraising and ensuring suitable training and providing guidelines and procedures relating to their work.

• Manage, in conjunction with the Assistant Head (Teaching staff), recruitment and induction of teaching staff appointments

• Ensure suitable contracts of employment are in place for all staff.

• Contribute to the development of staff policies, contracts and other personnel matters.

• Manage the payroll, producing necessary reports and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations relating to payroll including tax, national insurance and pensions responding to any queries from HMRC or other bodies as appropriate.

• Operate an appraisal scheme for non-teaching staff and ensure there is an appropriate strategy to enable professional development.

• Liaise with HR specialists and advise the Head Master and Board on employment law as necessary

• Ensure that the Academy has a comprehensive suite of HR policies and procedures that are understood and followed by all staff

• Ensure the Single Central Register is correct and up to date at all times

5. Risk Assessment, Health and Safety and Financial Control Framework

• With the Head Master, identify key risks to the Academy’s educational, staff, financial, physical and information resources, including Academy trips and visits and monitor and as necessary, update the written policies, procedures and standards by which those resources are to be managed securely and effectively. Be responsible, with the Head Master and Board for the management of risk.

• Ensure that risk assessments are written, implemented and regularly reviewed for all relevant areas and aspects of LAE’s site, grounds and buildings.

• Manage the administration of the Academy’s insurance policies.

• Develop and deliver an agreed disaster recovery and business continuity plan.

• Lead on the preparation, implementation and annual review of LAE’s Accessibility Plan.

• Provide Health and Safety advice to the Academy and its employees and ensure compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation. With the Head Master report to the Chairman of the Board (or the Board’s designated Health and Safety Governor if different) on Health and Safety matters.

• Implement, monitor and document the Academy’s financial control framework, reporting periodically to the Finance Committee on the operation and effectiveness of the control framework, recommending changes where appropriate and reporting any deviations from policies, procedures or standards.

6. IT and Audio Visual Support Services

• In consultation with Senior Leadership Team, develop, implement and monitor an IT and AV resource strategy for the Academy and update the strategy in the light of changing needs and circumstances.

• Ensure that the Academy’s IT and AV systems work efficiently and effectively in support of the Academy’s activities.

• Arrange appropriate licensing e.g. ICT and copyright licences

• Manage in house ICT staff and contracts with external ICT contractors

7. Legal and other matters

• Ensure that the Academy meets its legal obligations in all areas of activity including employment, health and safety, freedom of information and data protection, and report potential difficulties to the Head Master.

• Ensure the completion and submission of statutory and other returns as required by any relevant governmental bodies and ensure all statutory registers are kept up to date.

• Be responsible for contracts and deal with the legal actions of the Academy.

• Keep abreast of legislation and best practice in financial, personnel and administrative matters by attending suitable training sessions and conferences and reading recommended literature and advise the Head Master, Senior Leadership Team and Board (if necessary) on appropriate changes in policy and practice in these areas.

8. Estates and Assets

• Manage the Academy’s estates and assets and in-house or subcontract estates staff with particular reference to the development of Academy facilities, routine and planned maintenance and Health and Safety and security.

• If relevant in due course, draw up outline specifications for new buildings in conjunction with the Head Master and Management Committee, evaluate alternatives and financial resource implications, obtain tenders, planning permission and liaise with Academy architects and manage the projects.

9. General Leadership and Management

• As a member of Senior Leadership Team, share in the general direction and management of the Academy, reporting to the Board and taking the lead on matters to do with finance, investments and support functions.

• Contribute to the overall strategic development of the Academy. Prepare relevant documentation and strategy options with the Senior Leadership Team for the Board including long term financial plans and objectives. Contribute to the preparation and subsequent evaluation of the Academy’s development plan, and advise the Senior Leadership Team on the likely consequences of all proposed courses of action, where material. Provide advice and guidance on the practical and financial aspects of projects during the planning stage and during implementation.

• Provide oral or written reports to the Head Master as and when required, and advise the Head Master in matters regarding the areas of responsibility set out in this document

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Job descriptions are regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post and over time and in discussion with the Head Master, further responsibilities may be added to this job description.

Please submit with a covering letter of no more than one side of A4 together with a CV and the LAE application form. Only applications on the official form are able to be considered.

Applications will be considered as they arrive. The deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 7 October 2016