Director of Finance and Operations – Lincoln Minster School

The School is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and commercially minded individual to become the new Director of Finance and Operations (DFO).

Lincoln Minster School is a co-educational independent day school for around 400 pupils aged 4-18. Set across two sites, both the Prep and Senior Schools are located in the heart of Lincoln’s cathedral quarter. The School is fortunate to be able to offer small class sizes, modern facilities in a historic setting, and a dynamic education from Reception to Year 13 that brings out the very best of pupils both inside and outside the classroom. Lincoln Minster School is a member of United Learning, and benefits significantly from the Group’s resources and expertise.

This is a pivotal position at a forward-thinking School, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader to shape and implement the School’s financial and operational strategy and work with the Head and Governors to develop and deliver the School’s wider strategic plan.

Reporting to the Head and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the DFO will lead a diverse team of finance and operations staff and areas of responsibility include finance, estates and facilities, HR, catering, IT and commercial activities. Candidates will be able to demonstrate proven ability in senior leadership, project management and financial control in complex environments.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Whilst a formal accounting qualification is not required, exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential, as will an ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with the Head, Governors and colleagues both within the School and the wider United Learning group. 

Prior education experience is not a prerequisite, but candidates must, however, demonstrate empathy with independent education and a genuine commitment to Lincoln Minster School and United Learning’s ethos and values.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with:

Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Thursday 12 March 2026.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and follow the instructions provided.

As part of your online application you will be asked to upload a PDF version of your covering letter addressed to Mr Aaron Smith, Director of Finance – Independent Schools, United Learning. 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 Laura Cave, Project Coordinator (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

Lincoln Minster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

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 this post are detailed 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.