Chief Finance and Operating Officer – Stamford School

The Governors and Head seek to appoint a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO).

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.

Acting as the School’s strategic and commercial adviser, the CFOO position 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. Whilst 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 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 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

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

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. 

You should submit:   

• A completed application form
• A covering letter addressed to the Interim Principal, Mr Mark Steed. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.  

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments), at applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.    

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. 

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