Business Manager

Walton Academy has an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to join our academy as Business Manager.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in the leadership and success of a thriving academy. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across a wide range of business and operational functions, ensuring that our resources, systems and support services enable the very best outcomes for our students and staff.

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated and forward-thinking individual with excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across the academy and wider Trust to drive continuous improvement, operational excellence and the effective delivery of key business services.

This is a full-time, all year-round position; however, applications from candidates seeking term-time only or other flexible working arrangements will be considered.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a member of the academy Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning and academy improvement.
• Lead and manage business, operational and administrative services across the academy.
• Oversee and develop business support and educational support teams, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.
• Lead on business planning and contribute to the achievement of academy and Trust strategic objectives.
• Manage recruitment processes for business and support staff.
• Monitor staff wellbeing, attendance and performance within business support functions.
• Lead on academy risk management and support health and safety compliance.
• Work closely with Trust colleagues to ensure consistency, compliance and continuous improvement across business functions.
• Lead on GDPR compliance and ensure adherence to relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Develop positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and external partners to support academy operations.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience in delivering and managing business support services.
• Experience of leading and developing teams.
• A proven ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Experience of strategic planning and delivering organisational improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of resolving complex operational issues and implementing effective solutions.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality of opportunity and continuous professional development.

A full job description and person specification are attached, providing further detail on the responsibilities of the role and the skills, experience and attributes required for this position.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented professional to make a significant contribution to the continued success and development of Walton Academy.

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the academy to gain a better understanding of the role and our school community. To arrange a visit, please contact Katie Bagnall at kbagnall@walton-ac.org.uk

Why join Walton Academy?

We are a large secondary academy for students aged 11-18 years based in Grantham with over 800 students. In our latest Ofsted inspection, we were rated ‘good’ overall with praise of ‘Pupils enjoy coming to school and value the education they receive. They benefit from the dedication of staff and leaders. Pupils know that their teachers want them to do well and they feel well supported.’

Our employee benefits

At Diverse Academies, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.

In return you will benefit from:           

• Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 21.8%
• Operational support holidays of 32 days + 8 bank holidays
• Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning
• Employee Assistance Programme
• GP helpline
• Health and wellbeing advice and support
• Eyecare vouchers
• Salary sacrifice schemes - car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics
• Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc
• Health cash plan (personal or family) - where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc)
• Childcare - breakfast and after school provision

Take a look at our rewards and benefits online

Applications

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement should we identify an appropriate candidate. Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate within their application how their skills, experience and personal qualities meet the requirements of the role, and the contribution they would make to Walton Academy.

Closing date: 27 September 2026            

Interview date: 7 October 2026

Start date: November 2026               

If you have any initial questions or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Katie Bagnall at kbagnall@walton-ac.org.uk

About Diverse Academies Trust

Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.  

We empower. We respect. We care.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care. We expect everybody volunteering for the organisation to share this commitment. Any offer will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances. View our safeguarding and child protection policy.