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.
Role
POSITION OVERVIEWThe 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.
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIESEssential:
- 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
Responsibilities
Financial Management- 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.
- 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, contracts, payroll, and leave through Edupay and Recruitment Online.
- Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance with industrial agreements and DET HR policies.
- Support workforce planning and prepare staffing projections and employment contracts.
- Provide HR advice and administrative support to the Principal and leadership team with sound judgement and confidentiality.
- Assist in the management of employee relations issues.
- Manage DE and local payroll.
- Develop and maintain the annual Workforce Plan in the SRP Portal to support staff planning and credit budget allocation forecasting.
- Lead and develop the ES workforce including performance and development planning and role clarity.
Facilities and Asset Management- Oversee the maintenance, safety, presentation, and compliance of all buildings, grounds, and infrastructure.
- Coordinate capital works, VSBA projects, and maintenance programs with the Facilities Manager.
- Develop and monitor the school¿s Asset Management Plan and Maintenance Schedule.
- Manage contracts, service agreements, and procurement processes for facilities-related works.
- Ensure adherence to and documentation of OHS, Emergency Management, and environmental sustainability standards
- Coordinate the use and maintenance of school buildings and equipment
- Oversee the school¿s property insurance, facilities hire, and maintenance programs, ensuring all repairs, grounds upkeep, and insurance claims comply with the DE and VSBA requirements
- Liaise and negotiate with service providers in respect to the cost and quality of services.
- Manage the school cleaning service plan (CSP) with the cleaning provider (ISS), providing regular feedback, communicating school events, and overseeing periodical cleans.
- Provide support and advice to the Leadership Team in meeting Occupational Health and Safety commitments.
Governance, Compliance, and Risk- Provide high-level financial, operational, and administrative advice to the School Council and subcommittees (Finance, Facilities, PFC liaison).
- Ensure compliance with DET, VSBA, and legislative requirements in finance, privacy, procurement, and risk.
- Lead internal control processes to ensure probity and audit readiness.
- Maintain the school¿s Risk Register and oversee insurance, asset protection, and contractor compliance.
- Contribute to the development of policies and procedures aligned with DET frameworks.
Leadership and Administration- Lead, support, and develop the administration and facilities teams to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.
- Support school-wide initiatives including enrolment management, communications, events, facility hire and strategic projects.
- Act as Principal¿s delegate for financial and administrative operations when required.
- 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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
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
DE Values
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department'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 department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Conditions of Employment
- 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 available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Location Profile
SCHOOL OVERVIEWBrighton 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.