Chief Finance and Operations Officer in Billingham

One Excellence Multi Academy Trust is an ambitious and inclusive family of four schools, an English Hub and Durham SCITT. Since forming in 2017, we have grown into a vibrant organisation with a strong reputation for collaboration, innovation and high standards. Our vision—to be an ambitious, inclusive and collaborative family of schools, ensuring fullness of life and excellence in education—underpins everything we do.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional finance leader to join our Executive Leadership Team and shape the strategic direction of a growing, values‑driven Trust. The CFO will lead all financial and business operations across the Trust, including Finance, HR, Governance Support, Estates, IT, Marketing and Business Planning. You will ensure that our resources are used effectively, sustainably and creatively to deliver the best possible outcomes for children. This role is central to our future growth.

You will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop long‑term financial strategy, strengthen operational excellence, and support the Trust’s ambition to expand its regional impact.

The CFO will provide visible, forward‑thinking leadership across all financial and business operations. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors and school leaders, you will ensure the Trust’s resources are used effectively to deliver the very best outcomes for children. You will lead on long‑term financial planning, risk management, estates strategy, income generation and continuous improvement across the Trust.

• A strong financial background, ideally with a recognised accounting qualification
• Experience operating at senior leadership level within a complex organisation
• A track record of delivering financial sustainability, innovation and improvement
• Expertise in multi‑year financial planning, risk management and compliance
• Understanding of academy finance, funding and regulatory frameworks
• Experience of estates strategy, income generation and business development
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• A commitment to our values of ambition, inclusion and collaboration

We are committed to investing in our people. As part of our Trust, you will benefit from:

• A comprehensive health and wellbeing programme, including physiotherapy, counselling, GP consultations and private medical procedures where required
• A strong culture of professional development, leadership growth and career progression
• The opportunity to shape a Trust with a clear vision, strong values and significant regional influence
• A supportive, collaborative Executive Team and Board
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to children, families and communities

You will join a Trust that values individuality, celebrates diversity and empowers its staff to make a meaningful difference.

Disclosure: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met. Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.