Business Support Manager

About The Role

Lead with purpose. Deliver precision. Support excellence.

At Avanti Gardens, we are looking for a skilled School Business Support Manager who can bring structure, clarity and confidence to our operational leadership. You will work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that all business, compliance and administrative functions run efficiently, effectively, and in line with statutory requirements and Trust expectations.

You will also be responsible for line managing administrative staff and overseeing key operational functions across the school. This includes ensuring office systems run smoothly, staff are effectively supported and developed, and day-to-day operational processes are well coordinated and consistently delivered to a high standard.

From HR processes, safeguarding and GDPR compliance to resources, premises oversight and data management, your leadership will be central to the smooth running of the school. You will ensure robust systems are in place, well maintained, and continuously improved to support high standards across the organisation.

This role is pivotal in enabling leaders and staff to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional education and outcomes for pupils.

It is well suited to someone who takes pride in precision, thrives on responsibility, and understands the importance of strong operational foundations in a successful school community.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Avanti Gardens is a primary school situated in Fishponds, Bristol. The school is housed in a beautiful campus, that was previously an all-through school, and before that part of Bristol University, which means it has many facilities that primary schools don’t, like a full-size auditorium and sports hall. “We’re really fortunate, even though we are in the middle of Bristol, there’s lot of outdoor areas that we can use.” - Mrs Rogers, Inclusion Lead.

Avanti Gardens was graded “Good” in all areas in 2024. Our school is a non-faith, community school that embraces inclusion and diversity. The school is inspiring place to be that places value on pupil wellbeing, “pupils know how to care for their minds and bodies through weekly singing and yoga” - (OFSTED).

“I think what makes Avanti unique, is the focus on the whole child, giving pupils opportunities to show compassion, show kindness, as well as understanding their place as citizens of the world.” - Matt Newman, Assistant Principal

Our staff are inspired and passionate about their roles, the vision of the school, and providing the most fulfilling learning experience for pupils. Learning is a quest to discover each student’s unique gifts and potential, and to lay the foundation for their lifelong journey of learning.

Principal: Mr Harry Penny

OFSTED Rating: Good

Opened: 1st November 2019

“At Avanti Gardens, we underpin everything we do, with our values and ethos, which looks to develop children in a more holistic way, preparing them to be able to contribute to the wider community.” - Harry Penny, Principal.

What will you do?

• Lead the strategic and operational management of school business functions, ensuring efficient systems, compliance with Trust guidance, and effective support for school improvement priorities.
• Line manage, support, and performance manage administrative and office staff, including recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Oversee financial, HR, and administrative processes including Arbor data management, attendance monitoring, single central record maintenance, and reporting to senior leaders and governors.
• Ensure full compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, health and safety, and statutory requirements across all operational and administrative functions.
• Manage key operational areas including resources, site and premises oversight, extended schools provision, school trips, ICT systems, and effective communication with stakeholders and external agencies.

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• LGPS pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Relevant Management Qualification or significant experience
• Experience of managing and leading staff
• Ability to analyse, interpret, collate and present management information through reports and plans
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels e.g. Governors, leadership team, teaching staff, contractors, caretakers
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

​Further information

Pre-employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.