Join the Executive Leadership Team at Good Shepherd Lutheran School and provide strategic leadership across the business, financial and operational functions that underpin a thriving school community.
The School
Valuable Shepherd Lutheran School is an Early Learning to Year 6 school located in Adelaide's northeastern suburbs, with a thriving community of approximately 500 students. With a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to excellence, growth, respect, safety and support, the School provides an environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow and thrive.
The School's vision is to inspire and empower students to continually develop their capabilities through exceptional learning experiences, while fostering empathy, purpose and a desire to make a meaningful and positive impact on the world around them.
Grounded in the values of Love, Optimism and Creativity, Good Shepherd is a nurturing and future-focused community where every milestone and transition is approached with purpose, care and a clear vision for each child's future.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Principal and forming a key part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Business Director is responsible for the strategic leadership of Good Shepherd's business, financial and operational functions.
This is a broad and influential role encompassing finance, people and culture, property, capital projects, IT, risk, compliance and governance. Working closely with the Principal, Executive Leadership Team and School Board, you will ensure the School has the strong commercial foundations, contemporary systems and sustainable resources required to deliver on its strategic vision.
Key responsibilities will include:
Providing strategic and commercial leadership, contributing to the School's vision, Strategic Plan, Business Plan and long-term priorities
Leading financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and long-range financial planning to support sustainable performance
Delivering meaningful financial reporting, analysis and insights to support decision-making across the Executive and School Board
Maintaining strong financial governance, internal controls, audit processes and compliance with relevant Australian Accounting Standards




Driving continuous improvement across business, financial and administrative systems, processes and controls
Leading, mentoring and developing Finance, Administration and support teams, fostering capability, accountability and a positive culture
Overseeing People & Culture matters including employment contracts, remuneration, industrial relations, workforce planning and employee entitlements
Leading the School's WHS, risk and broader compliance responsibilities, ensuring legislative and governance obligations are effectively managed
Overseeing payroll, procurement, contracts, insurance, IT and key third-party supplier relationships
Leading the financial and operational delivery of capital works and infrastructure projects aligned with the School's Building Master Plan
Overseeing property, facilities, maintenance and asset management to ensure a safe, contemporary and fit-for-purpose environment
Acting as Public Officer and Person with Management Control (PMC) for the ELC and OSHC services, ensuring relevant legislative and funding obligations are met
Partnering with the Principal and Executive team to identify future growth opportunities, including funding, grants, partnerships and initiatives that support enrolment and the School's long-term vision

About You
You will be a commercially astute and values-led corporate services leader who is equally comfortable contributing at a strategic level and rolling up your sleeves when required. Importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to apply your commercial expertise in an environment where your contribution has a tangible impact on students, families and the broader school community.
While previous experience within education would be advantageous, it is not essential.



Applications are strongly encouraged from accomplished leaders across sectors such as not-for-profit, healthcare, government and commercial organisations who can bring transferable expertise and fresh thinking to the School.
You will ideally bring:
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related discipline
Proven senior leadership experience within a complex, multidisciplinary setting
Strong expertise across financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, governance and risk
Experience leading a broad corporate services portfolio encompassing areas such as finance, HR, risk, governance, projects, property and/or IT
A track record of improving systems, processes and operational efficiencies
Strong commercial judgement combined with the ability to operate effectively in a purpose and values-led environment
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across the School community, Board and external partners
A leadership style that is team-oriented, pragmatic and empowering
Genuine alignment with the vision, mission and values of Good Shepherd Lutheran School

In Return
A senior leadership position with genuine influence over the future direction of the School
The opportunity to join a welcoming, values-led and highly engaged community
A broad portfolio offering variety across strategy, finance, people, operations, infrastructure and governance
The prospect to lead meaningful strategic initiatives and capital projects that will help shape the School's future
Professional development and ongoing connection with LESNW and the broader school business community
The opportunity to use your commercial and leadership expertise in a role with genuine purpose and community impact

Next Steps
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key requirements of the role via the advert by 5:00pm Monday, 7 December ****. For a confidential discussion, please contact Megan Kivell at ****** . A Position Description is available on request.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including a current Working with Children Check.

📌 Business Director (Adelaide)
🏢 Perks People Solutions
📍 Adelaide