Business Manager
Christchurch
- Make a real difference in the lives of students and staff
- Work in a role that blends purpose, challenge, and variety
- Enjoy a supportive and collaborative environment as part of a forward-thinking leadership team
- Christchurch based
Proud of their diversity, and with a commitment to fostering personal excellence, Te Kura o Waimairi-iri Burnside High School is a state coeducational secondary school situated in the northwest of Christchurch City.
Opened in 1960, the school’s catchment area includes parts of the Avonhead, Russley, Burnside, Fendalton and Ilam residential areas and reflects a wide range of socio-economic groups.
Burnside High School, one of New Zealand’s largest and most respected secondary schools, is seeking a strategic, experienced and financially savvy Business Manager to lead all non-teaching operations. This is a pivotal senior leadership role offering variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
About the Role
As Business Manager, you will lead key operational areas including:
- Finance and Administration – Budgeting, reporting, compliance, and financial strategy
- HR and Payroll – Recruitment, employment documentation, and payroll oversight
- Property and Resources – Maintenance, planning, and asset management
- Systems and Processes – Identifying improvements, implementing systems and maximising their efficiency and value. A champion of system improvements and implementing new systems
- Health and Safety – Compliance, emergency systems, and risk management
You’ll work closely with the Principal and Associate Principal, contribute to strategic planning, and provide regular reporting to the Board.
We are seeking a professional who is:
- A Chartered Accountant (NZICA or equivalent) – preferred
- Experienced in financial and operational leadership, ideally within education
- Skilled in HR, payroll systems, and employment legislation
- Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Strong HR knowledge and people management skills
- A confident communicator with strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- Tech-savvy with advanced Excel and financial systems expertise
- A strategic thinker with commercial acumen
- An experienced people leader with a collaborative style
- Professional, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement and best practice
- Highly motivated and can work accurately under pressure, to specified deadlines, and delegates tasks as necessary
Te Kura o Waimairi-iri Burnside High School Mission and Values:
To provide a safe, positive inclusive learning environment where students attain the knowledge, skills and personal qualities to choose the right pathway in life.
- Manaakitanga – bring respect
- Mana - have pride
- Rangatiratanga – seek excellence.
If you are ready to lead with purpose and bring your expertise to a role that matters, we’d love to hear from you.