Some school business managers work at both a strategic and an operational level in their school. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the primary sector, and mirrors the nature of the primary headteacher role, which often requires a significant teaching commitment.

Some highly skilled school business managers are now responsible for aspects of the strategic leadership of large and complex school organisations, including directing the work of other managerial and operational support staff.

The job profile of a school business manager will vary depending on a school's specific needs. It is up to you and your school to decide exactly what is required. To help with this we have produced job profiling material. The content of the job profile is solely advisory – the functions should not be seen as restrictive, as other tasks specific to your school could be added. These tables and a list of key competencies needed can be found in the "Discover the benefits of school business managers" booklet.

The sample job profile is divided into six sections. Section 1 describes the core strategic functions that every school business manager should fulfil. Sections 2–6 describe the functions that will vary according to the individual school's needs. The functions listed in each section are not in order of importance, but have been numbered for easy reference.

Core functions for every school business manager

1. Strategic leadership and management  

Variable functions according to a school’s needs

2. Finance and managing resources  
3. Human resources  
4. Estate management  
5. Whole school administration  
6. Marketing and liaison  

To give effective strategic support to headteachers, a school business manager cannot be expected to carry out all the management and administration aspects of the profile. If the job profile involves all the functions outlined then adequate administrative support will be needed.