Benchmark Role Profile for School Manager (APML6)
Version 2.0
Last amended: March 2015
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
School Manager
School/Department:
Salary:
Job Family and Level:
Administrative, Professional and Managerial Level 6
Contract Status:
Hours of Work:
Location:
Reporting to:
The Purpose of the Role:
The purpose of the role is to provide business, financial and administrative management to enable
the Head of School’s leadership of a successful and diverse academic School. To lead and direct
the administration of the School of XXXX, with responsibility for the strategic management of
financial and administrative staff resources. To work with senior colleagues across the School of
XXXX and University to take forward School/University strategy. This is a large, complex, multisite, complex and research intensive School.
Main Responsibilities:
1.
2.
As a member of the School’s Management Team, contribute to discussions and
decisions on all major School issues. As such to have an awareness of and
contribute to issues relating to the courses being developed at the University of
Nottingham Malaysia Campus and China campus. Work closely with all
members of the School’s Management Team.
 To work in partnership with the Head of School (HoS) in developing the
School’s strategic vision, including managing the School Plan and budget
setting processes. To be responsible for developing an operational plan by
which the School Plan is implemented, thus enabling the School to meet its
aspirations.
 Deputise for HoS on non-academic matters within the School and the
University, when necessary.
 From a thorough knowledge and understanding of the background to key
issues, and a detailed analysis and assessment of the implications for or
impact on the School, brief the HoS with options, options analysis and
recommendations.
 Responsible for writing business cases and other supporting documentation for
the PVC and University Management Board in support of School policies, for
example additional academic and Chair posts.
 Responsible for producing advertisements, further particulars etc for senior
% time
per year
20%
20%
Benchmark Role Profile for School Manager (APML6)
Version 2.0
Last amended: March 2015
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
vacancies, including Chair posts. Responsible for ensuring that recruitment is
conducted within the HR legislative framework. Negotiating with and
influencing staff to ensure this.
 To manage the School’s financial processes. To provide long-term business
planning and financial direction for the School to realise its strategic aims in all
areas of its activity. To ensure that the School’s financial processes and
procedures minimise risk to the School.
 To agree and provide systems for monitoring school and divisional budgets
and research income, margins and overheads; negotiating and allocation of
research group non-pay budgets.
 To sign-off pFACT and JeS costings at School level.
To provide leadership to administrative staff of the School and directly to a team
of administrative and managerial staff, enabling them to function effectively
both individually and as a team. To manage the performance of administrative
staff through the setting of agreed objectives, both for them personally and for
the functional areas and teams for which they are responsible. Liaise with
Information Services in the management of the IS support staff.
Responsible for leading and directing the marketing and promotional activities of
the School. Supporting School aims thought this, such as increasing
Postgraduate student numbers. Lead the School’s web presence.
To identify where there is a need for change and development of the School’s
policies and procedures, and implement such changes.
Any other duties appropriate to the grade and role.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Qualifications/
A good first degree, or equivalent.
Education
Skills/Training
Strong interpersonal skills,
particularly negotiating and
influencing skills.
Strong people management skills,
including change management and
the ability to motivate staff.
Experience
Extensive management experience.
Breadth of vision to identify
opportunities for strategic
developments to bring about major
benefits to the School, and ability to
effect change.
Awareness and understanding of the
activities, objectives and strategic
direction of the HE sector and the
University and an understanding of
the impact of developments on a
School.
20%
20%
10%
10%
Desirable
A good first degree, or equivalent; in
an associated field would be an
advantage.
Knowledge of the working processes
and systems of the University of
Nottingham, such as Agresso, pFACT
and e-works.
Experience of working in central and
School administration within Higher
Education.
Proven ability to work with senior
staff, both within the School and
across the University.
Benchmark Role Profile for School Manager (APML6)
Version 2.0
Last amended: March 2015
Successful track record in a similar
environment.
Experience in managing and
controlling a substantial budget
together with a clear understanding
of financial management procedures
and long-term business planning.
Experience of influencing, negotiating
and advising senior staff.
Statutory/Legal
Decision Making
i) Taken independently by the role holder;
 Identification of relevant issues which need consideration, creation of policy or procedure to
address/resolve, and/or for impact on School.
 Identification of matters where the HoS might request additional information.
 Draft of School Plan, budget and analysis.
 Management of administrative support staff, including performance review.
 Marketing and publicity needs.
ii) Taken in collaboration with others;
With HoS:
 Options consideration for School-level strategic and policy decisions.
 Own performance targets and review.
With SMT members:
 Consideration of School Plan and budget.
 Consideration of all major School issues.
 Confirmation of new School policies and significant procedural changes.
With Heads of Research Groups:
 Secretarial support staff needs.
 Performance review of administrative staff.
 Monitoring research groups’ annual non-pay allocation spend and research budget spend.
With Director of studies:
 Confirmation of student load and budget adjustments.
With Administrative Staff:
 Personal, professional and welfare issues.
 Activity/Performance targets and review.
 The individual will also collaborate with colleagues across the University, such as the Finance
Adviser and Human Resources Adviser.
iii) Referred to the appropriate line manager by the role holder;
 Final decisions on School-level strategy, policy and budgeting.
 Signing off School Plan, budgets and other documentation for submission to the University.
 Issues with senior academics.
Additional Information
Benchmark Role Profile for School Manager (APML6)
Version 2.0
Last amended: March 2015
The University of Nottingham strongly endorses Athena SWAN principles,
with commitment from all levels of the organisation in furthering women’s
careers. It is our mission to ensure equal opportunity, best working
practices and fair policies for all.