POSITION OVERVIEW

The Business Manager (Range 5) is a key member of Brighton Primary School's Leadership Team, responsible for leading all non-teaching aspects of school operations. This includes the effective management of finance, human resources, facilities, compliance, procurement, administration, and risk.

Working closely with the Principal, Assistant Principal, other members of the Leadership Team and School Council, the Business Manager ensures that Brighton Primary School operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with Department of Education (DET) policy and legislative requirements.

This position requires strong leadership, independence, and strategic foresight, with an emphasis on proactive problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead diverse teams towards operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage all school financial operations in accordance with the DET Finance Manual for Victorian Government Schools.

Prepare, monitor, and report on the annual budget in consultation with the Principal and School Council Finance Subcommittee

Provide authoritative financial modelling and long-term forecast advice to support sustainable planning and capital prioritisation.

Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting through CASES21, SRP, and other departmental systems.

Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting through CASES21, SRP, and other departmental systems

Oversee cash flow, payroll reconciliations, procurement, and expenditure approvals

Develop long-term financial forecasts and asset management plans to support sustainability.

Liaise with auditors, DET financial advisers, and external service providers as required

Lead the development of the annual Parent Payments process to ensure maximised financial viability of the school in line with the DE Policy.

Negotiate and manage school contracts (eg. photocopiers, computers, Compass, etc).

Lead and manage the school's fundraising endeavours in accordance with the ATO and DET policy.

Prepare documentation for School Council and external audit requirements; liaise with auditors, DET finance advisers and external providers.

Human Resources Management

Lead end-to-end HR administration including recruitment, onboarding, contract, payroll and leave through Edupay and Recruitment Online

Maintain professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all interactions with staff, parents, and external stakeholders

Research, plan and prepare for professional learning and the performance and development process for the Education Support team.

Partner with the Parents Group (PFC) to plan and deliver annual fundraising events and initiatives, supporting communications and community engagement.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Demonstrated capacity to manage the financial and administrative functions of a large and complex school environment in line with DET policies and on platforms such as CASES21, School Jobs Victoria, eduPay, Workers Compensation, and Student Resource Package.

Proven ability to analyse, itemise, and break down system-generated data into clear and relevant school-based information to support informed decision-making.

Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and accountability.

High-level analytical, planning, and decision-making skills, with the capacity to align financial and operational processes with school strategic priorities.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships with staff, parents, and external partners.

Demonstrated capacity to manage facilities, assets, and risk with a proactive and strategic approach to compliance and safety.

Please note: the written response for each of the key selection criteria above should be no more than one A4 page each.

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES

Essential:

● Demonstrated expertise in financial management, HR, and compliance in a school or comparable organisation.

● Strong knowledge of DET systems and policies (CASES21, EduPay, SRP).

● Proven leadership and team management skills.

● Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organisational abilities.

● Effective communication and relationship-building across diverse stakeholders.

● Understanding of risk management and audit processes.

● High-level digital literacy, including Excel and MS Office.

Desirable:

● Prior experience as a Business Manager in a Victorian government school.

● Qualifications in accounting, business administration, or a related discipline.

● Experience in facilities or project management.

Reports To

● Principal

OUR MISSION & VISION

At Brighton Primary School, our reputation rests on honouring our history, focusing on the present, and preparing for the future. The growth of our children is at the heart of our community. By nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically—we foster a sense of belonging and achievement through meaningful relationships and rich learning experiences.

Our vision is to build a community of active learners who can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world and become responsible global citizens. Brighton Primary School develops the attributes of the IB learner profile while ensuring all students acquire deep knowledge and strong foundational skills.

We value our colleagues as reflective educators who embrace evidence-based practice, who are open to new ideas, and who are committed to preparing students as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

OUR APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

At Brighton Primary School, explicit teaching is central to our practice. Approximately 80% of instructional time is dedicated to structured, evidence-based teaching that builds strong foundational knowledge and skills across literacy, numeracy, and other curriculum areas. This approach ensures students master essential content and can apply their learning with confidence.

In addition, around 20% of learning time is dedicated to guided inquiry, where students apply and extend their knowledge in meaningful contexts. As an IB Primary Years Program (PYP) school, our approach blends the strengths of explicit instruction with the opportunities for guided inquiry to ensure all students thrive. Through inquiry, they explore concepts, ask questions, and develop higher-order thinking skills, fostering curiosity, creativity, and deep understanding.

Our unique blend of explicit instruction and guided inquiry provides a powerful balance: students gain the solid knowledge base they need while developing the independence, problem-solving abilities, and global outlook that prepare them for the future.

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Brighton Primary School, established in 1875, is located in the bayside suburb of Brighton, 12 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD. With deep generational ties, our school is strongly supported by the School Council and parent community.

The school caters for approximately 550 students across 24–26 classes, including 18–20 students with moderate to profound hearing loss enrolled in our regional Deaf Facility. Our inclusive culture ensures all students learn in an environment of shared responsibility and collaboration.

Facilities include purpose-built specialist learning spaces for Science, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Performing Arts, alongside a modern library and collaborative learning spaces. Our spacious grounds feature landscaped play areas, adventure playgrounds, fitness circuits, and a student-designed Wonder Garden, reflecting the school community's strong investment in our facilities.

EEO AND OHS COMMITMENT

The Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces.

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the Department's exemplar available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DET VALUES

The Department's employees commit to upholding DET's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the DET values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-values-schools/overview

OTHER INFORMATION

● All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements

● Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.

● A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.

● Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is