Chief Finance & Operations Officer

Farrer Barnes is delighted to be partnering with an education trust to recruit an exceptional Chief Finance & Operations Officer, a pivotal executive leadership role at the heart of the Trust’s strategic direction and long-term development.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior leaders, the CF&OO will provide strategic leadership across finance, estates, governance, compliance, risk, HR and operational services.

This is a rare opportunity to influence and shape the infrastructure that underpins high-quality education across the Trust’s academies.

As Isle Education Trust continues to grow, the successful candidate will play a critical role in designing, strengthening and embedding the financial and operational frameworks that will support sustainable expansion and organisational excellence.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the Trust’s financial strategy, ensuring robust planning, strong financial stewardship and alignment with educational priorities
• Overseeing operational systems and services to ensure they are efficient, compliant and enable high-quality teaching and learning
• Strengthening governance and assurance frameworks, working closely with Trustees and executive leaders
• Embedding a proactive and effective risk management culture across the organisation
• Ensuring that the Trust’s core values of Respect, Resilience and Inspiration are reflected throughout its operations and culture

This role will be based at the Trust’s Head Office, with regular engagement across all Trust academies and sites.

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