Chief Finance and Operations Officer

---

Job description

Pioneer Educational Trust is a nationally recognised Multi-Academy Trust driving an innovative approach to education and learning. Following an executive restructure, the Trust is seeking a Chief Finance and Operations Officer to drive the central services and harness the talent in our Trust.

Location: Hybrid/Slough (Homeworking)

About Pioneer Educational Trust

Pioneer Educational Trust is a Multi-academy Trust that is home to four schools -Desborough College, Foxborough Primary School, Trevelyan Middle School, and Upton Court Grammar School.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to invest intelligently, inspire collaboration, and pioneer new approaches so that all of our learners have equal access to an exceptional education.

We believe in education that consciously liberates - preparing young people not just for academic success but for thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.

At the heart of Pioneer is our unwavering commitment to the well-being, development, and success of both students and staff. Our leadership prioritises ethical and relational practices, building an environment where high expectations and trust empower staff and students alike.

Our culture is guided by principles of inclusion, diversity, and belonging, creating a cohesive, supportive environment for all.

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Our WorkWell Promises demonstrate this commitment, providing opportunities for professional growth and flexible working practices that support work-life balance. Through continuous consultation and engagement with staff and stakeholders, we have developed a culture of innovation and evidence-led practices that help us meet the needs of our communities and beyond.

About the role

This is a newly shaped role, offering you the chance to influence the future of our Trust by leading key functions, including finance, estates, procurement, IT, and operations.

By leading financial strategies, you will ensure that resources are used optimally to support educational excellence and foster an inclusive, thriving learning environment.

You will manage our estates and capital strategy, ensuring our schools are sustainable and inspiring places to learn.

You will lead on procurement, resource management, and digital innovation, working closely with school leaders to address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

As Pioneer continues to expand, you will oversee the integration of new schools ensuring they align with our vision and culture. This role will also involve developing and implementing risk management policies to safeguard our Trust's assets and reputation.

Who we are looking for

We see the CFOO as the driving force behind the development of our central service team, so the successful candidate must be a competent leader with innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong business acumen.

You will be passionate about education, adept at navigating complex financial landscapes and committed to ethical leadership. You will bring a strategic mindset, strong management experience, and a desire to make a positive, lasting impact on our Trust and the communities we serve.

It is not essential for you to be a qualified accountant, though, the ideal candidate will be highly skilled in financial and operational management.

You will have a proven track record of senior financial leadership, ideally in the education or public sector, and a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance, risk management, and resource optimisation.

Your commitment to the development of those around you and your own professional growth will be vital to your success in this role.

Beyond technical expertise, we seek someone who embodies Pioneer's values of ethical leadership, inclusion and collaboration.

Please click 'Apply on website' to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Sunday 27 th October 2024.

<!– job description page –>