Director of Operations

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of a growing Multi-Academy Trust? Following a strategic review of our operations, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team.

This is a newly redefined role designed to integrate high-level financial strategy with robust operational and estates management.

You will be the architect of our transition to a fully centralised “Finance Business Partner” model by 2030, ensuring our Trust remains financially sustainable and operationally elite

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking and innovative financial leader. The ideal candidate will be strategically astute and bring a strong sense of empathy to their leadership style - someone who can balance commercial insight with emotional intelligence to drive sustainable growth and inspire those around them.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold strategic oversight for:

Financial Sustainability: Establishing 3-year rolling plans, managing consolidated budgets, and ensuring total compliance with The Academy Trust Handbook and SORP.

Strategic Operations: Leading Trust-wide administration, risk management, and the implementation of our new cloud-based technology strategy (SAGE Intacct).

Estates & Growth: Managing large-scale capital projects—including the RAAC rebuilding programme—and leading due diligence for future Trust expansion.

People Leadership: Mentoring a multi-disciplinary central team and working alongside the HR Director to drive efficiency and professional development.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a candidate who combines technical mastery with human-centric leadership.

You will have:

A Finance degree or CCAB qualification (or equivalent).

Extensive experience in senior financial leadership within an Academy Trust or school setting.

A proven track record of managing complex budgets and large-scale estate projects.

The ability to simplify complex financial data for various stakeholders, from Headteachers to the Board of Trustees.

A commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life and the resilience to lead through change.

We encourage a visit to the Trust, and we are holding two open sessions on Wednesday, 25 March at 9:30 am and 1 pm. If you are unable to attend on this date, Karen Salmons will also be available over the Easter break from 30 March to 10 April 2026.

Please call 02083254547 and ask for Tammy Eaton or Jenny Gevertz to book a slot.