At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive organisational success in education.
- Company: Join Eastern Education Group, a leading education organisation in the East of England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and opportunity for strategic influence.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team making a difference in communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while driving transformation and investment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior financial leadership experience and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Eastern Education Group is one of the largest and most ambitious education organisations in the East of England, bringing together colleges, schools, specialist provision and training organisations to create life-changing opportunities for learners of all ages. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join our Senior Executive Team and help shape the future of our organisation.
A CFO Role with Broader Impact
Whilst financial stewardship remains central to the role, we are looking for a strategic executive leader who can drive organisational success across a broad portfolio including finance, estates, procurement, capital projects and funding opportunities. Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the group remains financially resilient whilst delivering the infrastructure, resources and investment required to achieve our ambitious strategic objectives. You will lead major capital developments, identify and secure funding opportunities, shape our estates strategy and ensure our procurement approach delivers maximum value across a complex and diverse organisation.
About the Role
As Chief Financial Officer, you will:
- provide strategic financial leadership across Eastern Education Group
- develop and deliver a sustainable long-term financial strategy
- lead the group's estates, capital projects and procurement functions
- identify and secure capital funding and investment opportunities
- support organisational growth, innovation and transformation
- work collaboratively with the Board and Executive Team to shape strategic decision-making
- ensure robust governance, compliance and risk management arrangements are in place
- drive value for money and operational excellence across the organisation.
About You
We are seeking an experienced executive leader with:
- a strong track record of senior financial leadership within a large and complex organisation
- significant experience operating at Board and Executive level
- the ability to lead beyond finance and contribute to wider organisational strategy
- experience of estates, capital programmes, procurement or major infrastructure projects
- strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills
- outstanding leadership, influencing and stakeholder management capabilities
- a passion for delivering positive outcomes through education and public service.
Experience within education, the public sector, regulated environments or similarly complex organisations would be highly advantageous.
Why Join Eastern Education Group?
This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation at a pivotal point in its development. You will have the opportunity to influence strategy at the highest level, lead significant transformation and investment programmes, and help shape the future of education across the communities we serve. If you are an ambitious executive leader looking for a role that extends far beyond traditional finance responsibilities, we would welcome your application.
This role will initially operate on a split-contract basis with our sponsored Eastern Education Group Trust.
How to apply
To apply, please visit our website. Closing date: 22 June 2026.
Chief Financial Officer in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Eastern Education Group is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, where you can make a meaningful impact on the future of education. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for strategic leadership and innovation, ensuring that our team members are empowered to drive organisational success. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in shaping life-changing opportunities for learners across our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a CFO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial strategies, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping their future.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven organisational success in previous roles, especially in finance and procurement. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with executive teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Eastern Education Group and making a difference in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CFO role. Highlight your strategic financial leadership and any relevant experience in estates or procurement to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about education and how your background makes you an ideal candidate for this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success and show us how you can drive value for our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role requires a broader impact beyond finance. Think about examples where you've contributed to organisational strategy or led major projects. Be ready to articulate how your leadership has driven innovation and transformation in past positions.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Eastern Education Group’s goals and values. During the interview, connect your experience and vision to their mission of creating life-changing opportunities for learners. This shows you’re not just about numbers but also about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you’ve managed relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare specific examples that highlight your influencing skills and how you’ve navigated complex environments to achieve buy-in for financial strategies.
