Business Manager, Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula, SA

Once in a while in the regional areas, there is a key leadership position that will open up within the education sector for an astute Business Manager (BM) to join the Senior Management team within this growing College. This role is very diversified with all the exciting challenges of a commercial business, yet it will provide excellent work/life balance, and rewards.

This reputable Christian Secondary College situated in Port Lincoln with 70 staff members, 465 students, and 30 ELC children, offers educational services from ELC to Secondary level. Due to the current BM’s impending retirement, the College will need a Business Manager who is a visionary in leadership and management, with foresight for the future to read emerging changes and trends, prepare and navigate the growth and expansion of the College.

A leader with integrity, a great attitude, community-minded, relational, transparent, and inspirational. This individual possesses emotional intelligence to foster a collaborative team that will strengthen the College’s growth and influence in the Eyre Peninsula. Also, a great representative of the College, an outstanding manager, a valued member of the School Team, and a contributor in the Local Community. In return, the applicant can be confident the College will offer a happy, caring, and encouraging environment that values the joy of learning and the development of students and staff.

Assisting a well-respected Principal, advisory to the College Council, and Senior Management in the long-term operational growth of the College, the BM role is also responsible for 25 non-teaching personnel. Delivering dynamic leadership of the department Line-Managers in Support Services. This College delivers excellent learning programs and is a member of the International Baccalaureate world school.

The Business Manager provides oversight and mentorship of the Finance Manager, Office Manager within Finance/ Business team, and Line-Managers in ICT, Facilities Maintenance, Grounds & Gardens, and Learning Support Officers. Other responsibilities include Project Management (Facilities Renovations and upcoming New Building expansion), HR responsibilities, Risks & Compliance Management, EBA, WHS, Contracted Services, and supervision of the Marketing within the College.

It is absolutely crucial that the BM must be an effective communicator and people developer, to strengthen communication channels and develop Line-Managers in the succession plan.  Equally vital is the ability to build strong ties with governing entities, local businesses and communities, and families, to secure ongoing funding support and ‘work experience’ opportunities for students.

Reporting to the Principal, here are some key responsibilities:

• Assist the Principal and support College Council to develop and implement a 10-year strategic Business Plan, fostering the culture and values of the College, within the College and external to the local communities.
• Prepare monthly business and financial reporting to the College Board; prepare data analysis and interpretation; budget setting, preparation, forecasting, and cash flow reporting.
• Evaluate the College’s business/financial systems and processes, streamline, reduce cost, increase operational standards and performance, and ensure systemic growth.
• Provide oversight management and development of non-teaching Line-Managers, increase performance, set measurable goals, and achieve the desired outcomes of the College.
• Streamline the College's business/finance systems by collaborating with Line-Managers to improve business performance and efficiency.
• Ensure systems and processes, and data management is secure, transparent, and compliant to legislative and audit standards.
• Implement Risk & Compliance Management measures to reduce risks and meet statutory requirements.
• Provide personnel development of staff, conflict resolutions, training, recruiting, and employment contracts.
• Research, deliver cost viability projections on future projects and project management to completion.
• Build great relationships with key stakeholders and increase sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Assist the Principal in EBA negotiations.
• Keep abreast of emerging trends and changes, and source funding opportunities.
• Interpret future enrolment trends, using available data to reach new markets in the geographic regions, and increase new student enrolments.
• Ensure all departments are compliant with the Work, Health & Safety standards.
• Build close working relationships with students, families, local businesses, local council, local and federal government bodies
• Attend occasional after-hours meetings or functions.

As a member of a group of national educators, this role offers additional support from Head Office, with a Business Director and Business Analyst available, and networking with other brilliant minds with peers from other Colleges and Schools, to bounce ideas, contribute, glean and develop innovation within this affiliated national network. The group meets bi-monthly.

This is a 5-year contract tenure, which is further renewable thereafter. Also, 4% of the annual cash salary component is available for professional learning development. An attractive remuneration package including 6 weeks annual leave, is on offer. As part of the large national network, all employment accrued benefits are transferable to other jobs within the national network. 

Candidates with proven business/finance and operational management experience are crucial, and relevant finance and business qualifications or CA/CPA would be an advantage. Experience within the commercial, education and not-for-profit industry sector is ideal. 

The applicant must be computer proficient in MS Office, PowerPoint, and ICT knowledge. 

The College is located in Port Lincoln, the Eyre Peninsula.

The position is for immediate commencement but for the right candidate, our client is willing to delay the start date. Please submit your Covering Letter and Resume in Word files, Ref: TB6384BM.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Theresa at Bunyon Recruitment - Reception 08 8238 3490