Business Manager

JOB PURPOSE

The Business Manager at Hamelin International School of Barcelona plays a pivotal role in integrating the core business functions — Finance and Operations — into a unified, strategic support system for the school’s educational mission. Although this role does not include direct line management responsibilities, it requires high-level collaboration, influence, and coordination with key department leads.

The Business Manager acts as a strategic business partner to the Principal and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), overseeing planning cycles, aligning departmental goals, ensuring sound budgetary management, and driving operational efficiencies. This individual is responsible for consolidating business intelligence and providing structured, data-driven insights to guide school-wide decisions and priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Business Coordination

• Align Finance and Operations under a cohesive business strategy that supports the school’s educational objectives.
• Partner with SLT in defining annual business goals, budgets, and operational plans.
• Ensure that non-academic departments contribute meaningfully and efficiently to the overall vision and priorities of the school.

2. Budget Management and Financial Support

• Coordinate all budgeting processes across functions, ensuring all department inputs are accurate and aligned with business needs and expected targets.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to develop forecasts, financial models, and risk assessments.
• Support the Principal in preparing and presenting budget justifications and resource plans to regional stakeholders.

3. Process Integration and Continuous Improvement

• Map, review, and optimise business processes across Finance and Operations to eliminate silos and inefficiencies.
• Promote consistent standards and calendar alignment across departments.
• Drive the use of business systems and data to support decision-making and accountability.

4. Risk, Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with group policies, local legislation, and sector-specific requirements across operational domains.
• Coordinate risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies across departments.
• Ensure continuity plans and compliance measures are regularly reviewed and implemented.

5. Operational Support and Vendor Oversight

• Collaborate with department leads to oversee facility, service, and vendor management activities.
• Monitor SLAs, procurement processes, and contractual compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness and service quality through consolidated planning.

6. HR and Workforce Planning Support

• Partner with the HR Manager to ensure that staffing plans, payroll projections, and recruitment needs align with budget forecasts.
• Support role structuring and workforce analysis to improve team performance and cost-efficiency.
• Contribute to initiatives that enhance development and compliance.

7. Reporting and Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare and present clear, insightful business reports and dashboards to the Principal and SLT.
• Serve as a liaison with regional business units, ensuring local reporting aligns with group requirements.
• Communicate business decisions and processes clearly to stakeholders across functions.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications & Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, or related field (mandatory)

• Postgraduate business qualification (MBA or equivalent) preferred
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in business planning, financial oversight, or operations coordination
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and/or Operations
• Background in education, services, or regulated environments is desirable
• Knowledge of local and regional regulations

Skills & Knowledge

• High-level proficiency in budgeting, financial modelling, and operational planning
• Strong project and process management skills
• Confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Competent in ERP, financial planning tools, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Right to work in Spain
• Spanish / Catalan / English at advanced level.
• Successful completion of safeguarding and criminal background checks
• Commitment to the wellbeing and safety of students