Business Manager – British School Tenerife
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Business Manager will be responsible for leading all financial, operational and resource management of the school, enabling the senior leadership team and teaching staff to focus on academic excellence and student learning.
Will report directly to the Board of Governors (Association), providing analysis, proposals and data to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability of the school.
REPORTING & KEY RELATIONSHIPS
• Reports to the Board of Governors, presenting budgets, progress reports, investment plans and risk analysis.
• Member of the Senior Leadership Team and works in close collaboration with the academic leadership.
• Leads and coordinates all teams: academic, administration, finance, HR, maintenance, ICT, cleaning, security, admissions and communications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Strategy and governance: Participate in defining the strategic plan, aligning financial and resource planning with academic excellence objectives.
• Budgets and reporting: Prepare annual budgets, progress reports, scenario analysis and improvement proposals for the Board.
• Financial management: Oversee accounting, invoicing, collections, payments, banking relationships and audits, ensuring fiscal compliance.
• BSO accreditation: Ensure the school maintains its British Schools Overseas status, coordinating BSO inspections every three years.
• Improvement plans: Oversee implementation of improvement plans from inspection reports in coordination with academic leadership.
• Operations: Manage facilities comprehensively (maintenance, building works, safety, cleaning and external services).
• Health and safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, emergency procedures and occupational risk management.
• Suppliers: Negotiate and optimise supplier contracts, ensuring quality and value for money.
• Human resources: Lead management of staff, including recruitment, onboarding, appraisal and professional development.
• Employment compliance: Ensure compliance with employment legislation, equality, positive workplace culture and occupational risk prevention.
• Admissions: Collaborate with academic leadership to maintain healthy enrollment and strengthen positioning as a benchmark for quality.
• Data analysis: Analyse admissions, retention and family satisfaction data, proposing improvements in processes.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (data protection, insurance, educational and health regulations, licensing).
• Risk management: Develop risk management framework and internal controls, reporting regularly to the Board.
• Systems: Oversee management information systems (finance, HR, family communications), ensuring data reliability.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Experience
• 7–10 years or more in senior management positions in international, private or independent schools.
• Demonstrated track record in financial and operational leadership: budgeting, reporting to governing bodies, team management and project leadership.
• Valued experience: Schools subject to BSO, ISI, COBIS or other international accreditation frameworks.
Education
• University degree.
• Valued: MBA, postgraduate in educational management or specific training in non-profit organisations.
Competencies and Leadership Style
• Strategic vision with strong orientation towards execution and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership, able to work with academic leadership and boards composed of parent governors.
• Strong orientation towards service, quality and results, understanding that every decision supports student learning and wellbeing.
• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Languages
• Fluent professional English (spoken and written), essential to work in an international environment with diverse teaching staff and families.
• Spanish valued for liaison with local authorities, suppliers and families. Candidates without Spanish will be considered if they have exceptional experience and demonstrate genuine commitment to learning it.