At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations for a growing multi-academy trust, driving excellence and innovation.
- Company: Join a dynamic family of Church of England schools committed to nurturing every child.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to inclusivity and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in education while shaping the future of our schools.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in finance and operations within an academy trust environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The SDBE Multi Academy Trust is a growing family of Church of England schools, rooted in strong values and a shared commitment to excellence. We currently serve 14 schools across London and the South-East, supporting over 3,000 children and more than 500 staff, with more schools due to join us in the years ahead.
Following the launch of our new five-year strategic plan, we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Chief Finance and Operations Officer to deliver on our ambitious plans. This is a key leadership role in a stable, high performing Trust with a clear sense of direction and purpose.
You will be responsible for leading functions including finance, estates, ICT, compliance and risk, procurement, and payroll, ensuring that each is forward thinking, responsive and strategically aligned to our mission. In our Trust, we see our central teams as an extension of our school leadership teams, true partners in the work of school and business improvement. Our role is to empower our heads and their teams to be the very best they can be.
We are committed to building capacity through thoughtful, well-designed and proactive support that removes barriers, enabling leaders to focus their energy where it matters most: on teaching, learning and nurturing every child in our care. For these reasons, we will be expecting you to get to know our schools well, so that you can help them to determine the very best in financial performance.
You will be inheriting a finance function that has already been through a period of significant change and is now well positioned to provide high quality support. You will help shape the next stage, creating collaborative hubs, embedding excellence, and growing a culture of professional trust. You will bring strong academy trust experience, alongside a proven ability to lead impactful business operations and build high performing teams.
Most importantly, you will share our ambition to be dynamic and forward thinking in all areas of our work, shaping a Trust that is continually learning, developing and delivering for its schools and communities. If you are excited by this challenge and ready to make a meaningful contribution, we would love to hear from you.
The duties may be amended from time to time, in consultation with the postholder, to reflect changing needs and circumstances. The SDBE Multi-Academy Trust is committed to actively addressing discrimination in all its forms. We strive to ensure that everyone in our community has fair and equal access to opportunities and an inclusive experience within employment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are respectful and supportive of all individuals, regardless of race, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, disabilities, or cultural background.
The SDBE MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and references.
Type of Position: Chief Finance & Operations Officer in London employer: St Leonard’s C.E. Primary School
The SDBE Multi Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers its staff to excel in their roles. With a strong commitment to professional development and a focus on nurturing talent, employees can expect meaningful growth opportunities while contributing to the educational success of over 3,000 children across London and the South-East. The Trust's inclusive environment and strategic vision make it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in the education sector.
Contact Detail:
St Leonard’s C.E. Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Type of Position: Chief Finance & Operations Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with academy trusts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SDBE Multi Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand their values and strategic plans so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for education and finance!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; proactively reach out! If you think you’d be a great fit for the CFOO role, drop us a message through our website. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to our ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and improved operations in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and empower others, so let that shine through in your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Type of Position: Chief Finance & Operations Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at SDBE Multi Academy Trust. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our commitment to excellence in education.
Be Clear and Concise:When detailing your experience, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your achievements in finance and operations. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar organisations or projects. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in our schools.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Leonard’s C.E. Primary School
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research the SDBE Multi Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and the specific challenges it faces. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Finance & Operations Officer, you'll need to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, and improved financial performance in similar settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about your strategic vision for the finance and operations functions. Think about how you would align these areas with the Trust's goals. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for creating collaborative hubs and fostering a culture of professional trust within the organisation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the Trust's future plans, the current challenges faced by the finance team, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your proactive approach and eagerness to contribute meaningfully.
