At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a mission-driven education partnership.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets Education Partnership, focused on improving local education outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, a local government pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education while shaping the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 73266 - 78090 € per year.
A senior leadership opportunity to shape the operational strength, financial sustainability, and future growth of a mission-led education partnership. Ideal for a commercially astute, values-driven leader with strong finance expertise and the confidence to lead operations, governance, and organisational development in a collaborative, community-focused environment.
Our Client
Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) is a locally rooted, values-led organisation supporting schools and education leaders across Tower Hamlets. The partnership brings schools together to improve outcomes for children through collaboration, innovation, and locally driven solutions.
The Role
This is a pivotal Executive Team role combining finance, operations, and business development, with responsibility to:
- Provide strategic financial leadership and long-term financial planning
- Lead and strengthen organisational operations and infrastructure
- Support income diversification, new services, and sustainable growth
- Act as a key advisor to the CEO, Board, and senior stakeholders
Main Duties
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance across the organisation
- Drive long-term financial planning, scenario modelling, and sustainability
- Oversee core operational functions including HR, communications, events, IT, and administration
- Strengthen governance, systems, and processes to improve efficiency and impact
- Support business development, funding bids, and new partnerships through robust financial insight
The Successful Candidate
- A qualified accountant. Full member of ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent.
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance financial rigour with organisational mission
- Confident leader with experience improving systems, processes, and team performance
- Excellent communicator able to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
- Ideally experienced in education, public sector, charity, or membership-based organisations and with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Tower Hamlets’ children.
What’s on Offer?
- Salary: £73,266 - £78,090 per annum
- Location: Shoreditch, London (with flexible working)
- Benefits: 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, local government pension scheme
- Culture: Values-led, collaborative, community-focused organisation with high trust and autonomy
- Impact & Progression: Opportunity to shape the next phase of THEP’s growth, influence education outcomes locally, and work closely with schools, leaders, and partners
Application Process
Mackie Myers are leading on the recruitment of this role. The recruitment will be managed by our charity, finance recruitment specialist Felicity Akins. All applicants will need to upload their CV to the job, posted on the Mackie Myers website. Mackie Myers will screen candidates through telephone and Teams calls. Mackie Myers will then conduct a longlisting and shortlisting exercise for the vacancy. All shortlisted candidates will be expected to come to the Mackie Myers office for a face-to-face meeting.
Timelines
- Shortlisting 1st of June
- 1st stage interviews (Teams) 4th and 5th June
- 2nd stage interviews (in-person) 12th June
If you have any specific questions regarding the role, feel free to reach out to Felicity from Mackie Myers - contact details are on the website or LinkedIn.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success. That's why we're committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and strive to reflect the rich diversity of the global workforce in every role we recruit for.
Director of Finance and Operations in London employer: Tower Hamlets Education Partnership
Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead in a values-driven, community-focused environment. With a commitment to employee growth and collaboration, THEP provides generous benefits including 31 days of annual leave, a local government pension scheme, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on education outcomes in Tower Hamlets. Located in Shoreditch, London, the organisation fosters a culture of trust and autonomy, empowering leaders to shape the future of education while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
Contact Detail:
Tower Hamlets Education Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Operations in London
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research THEP and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your finance expertise can help shape their future growth and improve outcomes for children in Tower Hamlets.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved systems in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to drive organisational development in a collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a values-led organisation like THEP.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance and Operations role. Highlight your financial expertise and leadership experience, especially in education or community-focused environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the mission-led approach of THEP and how your values align with theirs. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven financial sustainability and operational efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to think strategically about finance and operations. Share examples of how you've successfully led budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning in past positions, and how these experiences can benefit THEP.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through the Mackie Myers website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps streamline the process. Don’t forget to double-check your documents before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Education Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Director of Finance and Operations, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial metrics and reporting. Brush up on budgeting, forecasting, and compliance specifics relevant to the education sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a confident leader who can improve systems and team performance. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams through change. Think about times when you’ve fostered collaboration and innovation within your organisation.
✨Understand the Mission
Since this position is with a mission-led organisation, it’s essential to align your values with theirs. Research Tower Hamlets Education Partnership and be prepared to discuss how your personal and professional values resonate with their mission to improve educational outcomes for children in the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges THEP might face in financial sustainability or operational efficiency, and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your ability to navigate these issues effectively.
