Business Manager

Papanui High School is a leading co-educational secondary school in Christchurch, established in 1936 and renamed in 1949.

With a roll of approximately 1,600 pupils, the school is committed to lifelong learning, inclusivity, and empowering students to lead culturally rich and fulfilling lives.

Our campus is located at 30 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This role provides leadership and strategic oversight of all non-teaching functions, including finance, administration, human resources, payroll, property, resources, systems, processes, and health and safety compliance.

You will contribute to strategic, operational, and administrative oversight for the Board and the wider school community.

What We Offer You

We offer a competitive package for 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, under the NZEI Support Staff in Schools Executive Agreement.

The salary range is $80k–$120k per annum.

We are committed to supporting staff growth within a diverse learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

As Business Manager, you will lead and manage key operational areas to ensure efficiency, compliance, and strategic impact :

Oversee all school financial systems, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, cashflow management, and financial strategy.

This includes preparing the annual budget, managing fundraising, and reporting to the Principal and Board.

Lead HR and Payroll operations, including payroll systems, employment documentation, support staff liaison, annual appraisals, and recruitment processes.

Foster a positive environment for support staff.

Manage school property and resources, including maintenance, asset management, facilities oversight, security, and capital projects in liaison with external consultants and the Ministry of Education.

Champion system improvements, identifying enhancements, implementing new systems, and maximising efficiency and value across school processes.

Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, manage risk, and oversee emergency management systems.

Reporting & Team Dynamics

This role reports to the Principal and works closely with the Associate Principal as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

You will provide administrative leadership to the administration team and foster collegial relationships with support staff.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential attributes and experience include :

Proven experience in a senior leadership role contributing to strategic direction, ideally within an education provider.

Sound knowledge of financial systems, reporting, business planning, and operating budgets.

Strong leadership and collaborative management style, with the ability to set clear expectations.

Demonstrated IT skills, including knowledge of Xero, MS Office, and Google suites.

Understanding of developing and implementing processes to ensure organisational compliance with legislative requirements.

Tenacity, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to make timely, insightful decisions in complex situations with broad impact.

Ability to meet strict deadlines.

Papanui High School is committed to an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Attributes

Leadership skills with a collaborative management style and the ability to provide clear direction.

Sound knowledge of financial systems and reporting.

Strong IT skills with MS Office and Google suites.

Experience in business planning and operational budgeting, with rolling forecasting as an advantage.

Understanding of developing and implementing processes to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Professionalism, credibility, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Timeline

8 September 2025 : Job Advertised

3 October 2025, 3pm : Applications Close

6 – 10 October 2025 : Shortlisting

13 – 17 October 2025 : Interviews

We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate the values and behaviours outlined above and are excited to contribute to a positive school culture.

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