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- Tasks: Lead finance and operations for a new Multi Academy Trust, ensuring educational excellence.
- Company: Chester Diocesan Learning Trust is a newly established MAT focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to shape the future of education in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven finance and operational leadership experience, preferably in education.
- Other info: Confidential discussions with the CEO are encouraged before applying.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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Saint Paul teaches, ‘the body is not made up of one part but of many.’
Chester Diocesan Learning Trust recognises and nurtures the unique gifts, skills and talents within our whole community.
We will empower adults and children to grow in character and mind, shaping a better future.
Shaping better futures; one body, many parts.
Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO) – Chester Diocesan Learning Trust
You will have the expertise to be a force for improvement, the personal attributes to secure buy-in from others and a deep-rooted belief that collaboration is the cornerstone of a strong Trust.
Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) is to be newly established from 1st October 2025 and will be a MAT consisting of 7 Church of England primary schools in Wirral and Cheshire West.
This will be the second Multi Academy Trust established by Chester Diocesan Board of Education (CDBE).
CDLT will fit into the CDBE family of schools and Trusts as a new Multi-Academy Trust on ‘majority’ Articles of Association, offering an additional choice to the Diocesan schools and community schools mainly in the Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester area.
We are seeking to appoint our new Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO) and are looking for a highly credible Trust leader, with deep knowledge and experience of finance & operations, who wants the challenge of helping to take our Trust forward. This will be achieved by ensuring that our children and young people receive the very best education & care, so that they achieve everything they possibly can as they move through their education into independent adult lives. We believe our Trust is at an exciting development point and has all the ingredients to be an exceptional Trust.
Our CFOO will work as part of the Trust Central Team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, providing support and advice to Headteachers who lead their school teams. At the outset, the central team will be small, and the CFOO will play a pivotal role in its development as the Trust grows.
The Trust believes that its staff and leaders are its most important asset and that valuing them and utilising their many talents will deliver the best experiences for pupils. Alongside this, maintaining a long-term financial stable footing, coupled with strategic delivery of operational capacity and capability, will enable this Trust to deliver on its ambitions for children and its staff. The strategic role of CFOO involves drawing out and developing all that is best within our very different schools, as we build a shared culture of excellence. Our Trust’s educational priorities are rooted in commitment to inclusive, accessible education, but they can only be delivered through highly effective collaboration.
The CFOO will work with Headteachers and leaders in our schools and across our Trust, with external business partners, and other stakeholders to drive financial efficiency and operational excellence, supporting our educational practices, in pursuit of our mission and strategic aims.
You will be empowered to make decisions and to be creative, within the framework of regulation and compliance. You will lead supportive and well-established collaborative networks in our Trust, where colleagues work together, and we learn from each other. The Trust will have a real interest in your future and will be keen to explore ways that you can develop personally and professionally.
Our Trust Board, although new in its formation, is very supportive, with many passionate and committed Trustees from various backgrounds, supporting Executive and school leaders to achieve their very best.
The successful candidate will be an exemplary finance professional and operational leader, a role model with broad leadership experience, which may include working in education.
We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of implementing sustained finance & operational improvement across several settings. You must have the ability to initiate and lead change positively, making a real difference to learning and ensuring pupils are safe, happy, and achieve their full potential. Working in a supportive Trust environment must be central to your thinking, helping school leaders to receive and give capacity across the wider network of schools.
In this establishment stage, the Trust currently has an interim CFO, so the appointee will participate in a transitional change process but will be able to shape the operational and management activities of the Trust with the CEO.
We encourage you to have a confidential discussion with our CEO.
Applications are to be completed only via sue.noakes@chester.anglican.org .
Closing date: 15th July 2025
Interviews: Week beginning 21st July 2025
CDLT values equality and diversity and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Applications will be subject to safer recruitment practices, including satisfactory references, and the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Seniority level
- Executive
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Finance and Sales
Industries
- Education
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Locations
Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Daresbury) employer: Chester Diocesan Board of Education official page
Contact Detail:
Chester Diocesan Board of Education official page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Daresbury)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved with Multi Academy Trusts. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the Trust's vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust. Understanding their unique context will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it fosters collaboration and improvement. The role requires a strong emphasis on teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out for an informal chat with the current interim CFO or the CEO. This can provide you with valuable insights into the Trust's culture and expectations, and demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Daresbury)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Finance and Operations Officer role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the Trust's mission and values.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in finance and operations. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles in educational settings, as well as your ability to drive financial efficiency and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for education and collaboration. Discuss how you can contribute to the Trust's goals and support its development during this exciting time.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior role like CFOO.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Diocesan Board of Education official page
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Before your interview, take time to research Chester Diocesan Learning Trust and its mission. Understanding their commitment to inclusive education and collaboration will help you align your responses with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a CFOO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in finance and operations within educational settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to implement change or improve financial efficiency, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders, including school leaders and external partners, to achieve common goals and drive operational excellence.
