School Business Manager
PERMANENT FULL TIME POST – 2025
The Vine School is an independent, Christian primary school based in Lansdowne, Cape Town, offering an Ambleside education, a curriculum and method based on the principles of Charlotte Mason. The school requires a Business Manager to oversee all non-academic operations. This is a varied and rewarding position, requiring versatility, flexibility, initiative and a proven capacity for problem solving. The successful applicant will become a key member of the executive team, serve on the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and report directly to the Principal.
He or she will be a confident, energetic person who can lead the support staff effectively. The role will suit someone who is happy to be “hands-on” but can also step back and take a strategic view.
In joining our school you will become responsible for:
- Supporting the Principal by delivering on all non-academic operations of the school
- Leading the Admin Team, including the Bursar, Debtors Clerk, Communications Coordinator and Facilities Manager
- Promoting a high standard of business ethics, informed by Christian principles
- Strategic use of resources to support the school’s educational objectives
Minimum requirements include:
- A testimony of mature faith in Jesus Christ and a desire to serve Him in the workplace
- A successful background of financial, human resource and project management, with at least 5 years’ work experience in a management or entrepreneurial role in a school, small business or NPO
- A relevant qualification of at least diploma level.
The ideal candidate for this job will have:
- Experience of school operations and administration, including HR
- Strong financial accounting skills including budget management and financial controls
- Good relational skills with the ability to lead and manage a team
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills
- Good organizational, planning and time management skills
- Understanding of the legal and regulatory framework in which schools operate
- A good grasp of effectively using IT in the workplace
- Confidence to plan strategically and make decisions
- General good health, both physically and mentally
- Capacity to work hard, to cope with pressure and to manage stress well
I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. John 15:5
Duties include:
- Overall responsibility for office and business administration, including fi nances, HR admin and payroll, marketing, fundraising, IT solutions, contract compliance, POPIA compliance, and facilities management including OHS and security
- Sound financial management, including financial reporting, expenditure control, oversight of debtors and creditors, cash flow management and investment of surplus funds
- Budgeting, including recommending school fees and salaries
- Liaison with auditors, SARS, UIF, WCED, CIPC, Dept of Social Development, Dept of Labour, Dept of Justice, affiliation bodies and any others to whom the school renders reports
- Administration of the school’s financial assistance program
- Responsibility for all procedural, legal and regulatory aspects of HR administration
- Insurance and risk management
- Oversight of repairs, maintenance and development of the school’s premises and fixed and movable assets
- Involvement in strategic planning
In return for your hard work, we’ll offer you:
- a salary and benefits package appropriate for a small Non Profit Organisation
- discounted application and school fees if your children are enrolled at our school
- total annual leave of 6 weeks (30 working days)
- supportive Christian work colleagues
- the opportunity to be involved at ground level in a transformational educational movement
Please request an application form or direct any queries via email to recruit@thevineschool.org.za. Do not telephone the school.
Closing date for application forms to be returned: 30 April 2025.
This position is available from 1 July 2025.
The Vine School is an equal opportunities employer. Submission of an application form and CV does not automatically entitle the applicant to an interview. The School reserves the right not to make an appointment.
POPIA Disclaimer: In keeping with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), The Vine School will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information which will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you recognise and accept this disclaimer.