Business Manager

Deutsche Schule Melbourne, a recognised German School Abroad, is looking for a Business Manager to join our independent bilingual primary school in Fitzroy North, Victoria. Become part of our passionate team of teachers and education support staff and help shape the growth of our school by applying your excellent skills and experience.

About the school:
Deutsche Schule Melbourne delivers German-English bilingual education for families, who value the benefits it offers. The vision for children at DSM is to grow up learning two languages at the same time, preparing them to become involved citizens of the world. Established 15 years ago, DSM offers bilingual primary school education from Foundation Year to Grade 6 with classes taught both in English and German. The school currently has 160 students and employs a fantastic team of 25 teachers and educators and 5 education support staff, which is continuously growing. Working at our school means working at a bilingual, bi-curricular and multi-cultural school with an international atmosphere, a recognised school concept and a committed school community. Our aim for the future is to continue the strong growth and ultimately extend our educational offer to a secondary school program based on the International Baccalaureate in German and English (GIB).

About this position:
● Commencement date: as soon as possible
● Full-time position
● Permanent
● Occasional local and international travel required

The opportunity
A key role within the school: You help shape and execute the strategy and contribute to the school's overall success, including building and maintaining the relationship with German Government authorities in Germany and Canberra and with the network of other German Schools Abroad.
Financial Stewardship: You play a pivotal role in long-term financial planning, reporting, managing budgets and capital works projects, and implementing cost-effective measures.
Impact on Education Quality: You contribute directly to the improvement of educational quality by ensuring efficient allocation of resources, which allows teachers to focus on providing the best possible academic outcomes.

Reporting directly to the principal and in close collaboration with the board of directors, you will lead a small administrative team with priority areas that include facilitating efficient business operations by ensuring that the business administration, finance, accounting, risk & compliance, ICT, and property and facility management are run smoothly and sustainably.

Your profile:
After completing your tertiary studies in finance, commerce, business administration or a related discipline, you have gained several years of experience in similar roles. Working for a not-for-profit organisation is an asset; ideally, you are familiar with the independent school sector in Victoria and the German Schools Abroad network.

You are passionate about providing and maintaining a safe and productive workplace for all employees. You are a team player with an excellent ability to establish trusted relationships with internal stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, external stakeholders and government agencies.

As the Business Manager, you commit to a cooperative leadership style, you enjoy being part of a dynamic and complex work environment and you are motivated by the opportunity to play an active role in the development and growth of Deutsche Schule Melbourne.


Selection criteria
● Tertiary qualifications in Business / Commerce / Accounting / Finance (CA/CPA preferred), or Law
● Strong business acumen and understanding of legal frameworks, risk and compliance
● Analytical thinking, communication and negotiation skills
● Experience as a business manager or in a related role
● Fluent in German and English
● Willingness to contribute actively and positively to the development of the school
● Experience working in similar settings where interpersonal and intercultural understanding are critical

Our offer:

● A unique opportunity to work in a genuinely bilingual and intercultural setting in Melbourne
● Excellent professional development opportunities
● Ability to have an inspiring role in shaping the future of the school
● Attractive benefits such as EAP, free parking, free coffee and tea, cash expense reimbursement, etc.

How do I apply?
Please send your complete application including a cover letter and detailed CV to apply@dsm.org.au.

The Position Description can be obtained on request.


Deutsche Schule Melbourne is committed to promoting a culture of child safety and wellbeing. As such, the successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening, and adhere to the School’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct. We encourage all applicants to familiarise themselves with the School’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct available on our website.

DSM is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families. DSM is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children, including those under the care and supervision of the School. The School recognises the importance of, and its responsibility for, ensuring a safe and supportive environment which respects the rights of children and fosters their enrichment and wellbeing.

Our teaching staff are expected to hold current training encompassing Child Protection, National Disability Standards, Asthma, Anaphylaxis and First Aid/CPR. All teaching staff are expected to foster a child safe environment at all times including during excursions, camps