At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, ensuring smooth daily running of the Academy.
- Company: Join The Littlehampton Academy, a supportive environment focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, rising to 33 after 5 years, plus a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial and operational management is essential; strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: 37 hours per week with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
- Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations
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Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations
The Littlehampton Academy is looking to appoint an experienced and highly organised Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations to join our well-established and supportive Senior Leadership Team.
This is a key role focused on leading and coordinating the Academy’s business operations, including finance, premises, health and safety, catering, administration, IT, marketing, and compliance. You will play a vital part in ensuring that all non-teaching functions run smoothly, efficiently, and in line with the Academy’s strategic goals.
The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a wide range of responsibilities with professionalism and discretion. A background in financial and operational management, along with a commitment to supporting the educational environment, is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the Academy’s financial operations, including budget planning, monthly reporting, and ensuring compliance with statutory and Trust-wide financial requirements.
Act as the Academy’s Finance Business Partner, providing professional financial guidance to the Principal, SLT, and Academy Councillors.
Oversee core operational functions including estates, health and safety, IT, administration, catering, and facilities management to ensure smooth daily running of the Academy.
Support strategic planning and business development, contributing to the Academy Improvement Plan and developing sustainable long-term financial and operational strategies.
Manage and develop support staff teams, ensuring high-quality performance, effective deployment, and opportunities for professional development.
Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, including data protection, health and safety, food hygiene, and emergency procedures.
Lead the delivery of capital and premises projects, from planning through to completion, ensuring value for money and minimal disruption to Academy life.
Drive income generation initiatives, including grant applications, lettings, and external funding bids to support financial sustainability.
Act as Educational Visits Coordinator, ensuring all trips are planned, risk-assessed, and managed in line with policy and financial regulations.
Promote and enhance the Academy’s reputation, supporting communications, marketing, admissions, and community partnerships.
This position is 37 hours per week (0800-1600 Monday-Thursday, 0800-1530 Friday) and 52 weeks with 28 days holiday rising to 33 days holiday after 5 years service.
The initial rate of pay is £65,302 to £70,260 per annum ( Central Pay Range 33-38) depending on experience .
Closing Date: midday Friday 8 August 2025. We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the closing date so please apply early.
Safer Recruitment Declaration
Schools are now required, as part of their shortlisting process, to carry out an online search as part of their due diligence. If shortlisted for the role, an appropriate online search will be undertaken on your name(s). Any information highlighted will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo full safeguarding and vetting checks, including references, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and will be subject to a period of probation.
The Littlehampton Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Our child protection policies and recruitment procedures follow local and national guidelines.
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Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations employer: Woodardacademies
Contact Detail:
Woodardacademies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial and operational challenges faced by educational institutions. Understanding the unique environment of an academy will help you demonstrate your ability to navigate these complexities during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at The Littlehampton Academy or similar institutions. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the culture and expectations, which can be invaluable in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance and statutory requirements in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've developed support staff teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster professional development will resonate well with the Senior Leadership Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner & Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial and operational management. Emphasise your organisational skills and any previous roles that involved leading teams or managing budgets.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with the Academy's strategic goals and your commitment to supporting the educational environment.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage finances, oversee operations, and drive income generation initiatives. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Woodardacademies
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Finance Business Partner, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget planning, monthly reporting, and compliance with financial regulations. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Highlight Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills to manage various operational functions. During the interview, share instances where you've successfully coordinated multiple projects or teams, ensuring smooth operations. Emphasise your attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
✨Discuss Strategic Planning Experience
The Academy is looking for someone who can contribute to strategic planning and business development. Be ready to talk about your experience in developing long-term financial and operational strategies. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that align with an organisation's strategic goals.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Education
Since this position supports the educational environment, it's important to convey your passion for education. Share your understanding of how finance and operations impact the learning experience. Discuss any previous roles where you contributed to enhancing educational outcomes through effective management.