Director of Finance & Operations

About the role Are you an ambitious and strategic finance professional looking for the opportunity to shape the future of a growing Multi-Academy Trust? HEMAT is an established and highly regarded Multi-Academy Trust based in Bishop's Stortford, comprising two successful schools that are firmly rooted in their local communities. With exciting plans for future growth, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Finance and Operations to join our Executive Team and play a pivotal role in the next stage of our development. Rooted in our local community and driven by a commitment to inclusion, our mission is to unlock the extraordinary potential of every child. We believe every child should be known, valued, cared for and challenged to achieve their very best. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we are building a Trust that provides exceptional opportunities for all children while serving the needs of our local communities. The role: The Director of Finance and Operations role is central to the future success of HEMAT. Working alongside the CEO and Executive Team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening and developing the Trust's finance, estates and operational functions, ensuring the organisation is financially sustainable, operationally effective and well positioned for future growth. This is a particularly exciting opportunity because you will be joining the Trust at a key point in its journey. As HEMAT grows, there is clear potential for the role to evolve into a Chief Financial Officer position, leading an expanding finance function across a larger family of schools. You will therefore have the opportunity to help shape not only the organisation's future but also the future scope of the role itself. What we are looking for: We are looking to appoint a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience in finance. You will bring strong strategic planning skills, expertise in governance, audit and risk management, and a track record of leading teams and delivering organisational improvement. Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust or education setting would be advantageous but is not essential. We offer: - The opportunity to join an ambitious and growing Trust at a formative stage of its development. - A key strategic leadership role with genuine influence over the future direction of the organisation. - The chance to work alongside committed Trustees and senior leaders who are passionate about education and community impact. - Excellent professional development opportunities as the Trust grows. - A collaborative and supportive working environment. - Flexibility - whilst the role will be based at Herts & Essex High School, we are happy to discuss working from home some days and/ or part time arrangements (min 0.8FTE). If you are excited by the opportunity to help build the operational and financial foundations of a growing Trust and want to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Executive Headteacher, Richard Paul: E. Richard.Paul@hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk T. 01279 654 127.

Up to £80,000 dependent upon qualifications and experience