Chief Finance and Operating Officer

Stamford is a leading HMC independent co-educational day and boarding school located within a Georgian market town known for its historic buildings, independent retailers, proximity to the countryside and excellent transport links. Founded in 1532 as a school for boys, Stamford completed the move to full co-education in September 2023 and now educates some 1,500 children aged 2 to 18 across three excellently resourced sites.

The Governors and Head seek to appoint a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO). Acting as the School’s strategic and commercial adviser, this is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with a new Head and the Governing Body on the next stage of Stamford’s development. The CFOO will help shape the School’s strategy, and with responsibility for the financial, operational and professional services, candidates will be able to demonstrate proven ability in senior leadership and financial control, strategic planning and operational delivery within large, complex organisations.

Reporting to the Head, the CFOO will lead a team of 110 staff and, as a key member of the Core Executive Team, will deliver and manage change to ensure the School’s financial and commercial success. While a formal accounting qualification is not required, they will be a collaborative senior leader and a strategic thinker with strong financial and commercial acumen, coupled with first-rate analytical and business skills. An outstanding communicator, the CFOO will strive for excellence and operate at pace.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite, and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate will, however, demonstrate empathy with independent education and a commitment to Stamford’s ethos and values.

A highly attractive remuneration package, including fee remission, will be available for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

Nina Lambert, Head of Commercial Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com

For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 9th September 2024.

Stamford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.