Chief Finance and Operations 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 finance, 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, 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 encouraged, and applications are welcomed from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate empathy with independent education and commitment to Stamford’s ethos and values.

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

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 9th September 2024.

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

Stamford Schools are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).