I have an interview for a school business manager

[InstitutionCode]

in a small infant school which doesn't have an SBM ATM.

As part of the interview, I am required to do a 5 minute presentation "How will you as School Business Manager impact on the business function and the quality of teaching in the school?"

IME, there are vast differences in what SMBs actually do. In some schools they are effectively HT's PA, dealing with the finance and other paperwork but only acting on HT's instructions, in others they are running all aspects of Finance, HR, Risk and Office Services (most usually somewhere in between).

So, I was thinking of starting by setting out how I see the role and then adding specific things I can bring to it. Does that sound OK? Do I need to include specific actions - difficult when I don't know what needs doing yet? Or best to focus on how my strengths fit with the role?

Would you expect me to do something on powerpoint?

[MrsUltracrepidarian]

Strange that you are asked to impact on the quality of teaching in the school when your role is as business manager... Looks like someone has cut & pasted.
So very likely that type of environment they will expect to see powerpoints.

[DrownedGirl]

Each of the main areas of responsibility impacts on teaching, from hr/receuitment And retention to facilities, building, it

Definitely bring in what you can contribute

There isn't a right or wrong answer, they want to see who you are!

[InstitutionCode]

Ah, see that, I think, is the point of the question Mrs U. Why does a school want/need an SBM if the role doesn't impact on teaching? If it's done properly, it absolutely should contribute to the teaching aims of the school but lots of people in the role don't understand that IME.

[InstitutionCode]

Do you think they'll be expecting a "presentation" as in powerpoint slides etc, or just to go and talk for 5 mins?

Just talking would be my preference as I think too many Powerpoint presentations are all about the clever effects and not enough about the content, but the PP can be impressive, if you like that kind of thing.....