Director of Finance and Operations

The Manor is a thriving independent co-educational day school for 380 pupils aged 2–11 years. The School is situated on a nine-acre site in Shippon, on the outskirts of Abingdon, about nine miles south of Oxford. Highly regarded locally, the warm, family-centred School serves a wide catchment area, and the pupil roll currently stands higher than ever.

The Governors and Head are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, financially astute and commercially driven individual to become the new Director of Finance and Operations (DFO). The post holder will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors. With a new Head starting in September 2024, this is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the continued success and development of a vibrant independent school.

Reporting to the Head on day-to-day operations, the DFO is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and will help shape and deliver The Manor’s strategic vision. The DFO will lead a diverse team of finance and operations staff and ensure the effective and efficient delivery of support services at The Manor. Areas of responsibility include finance, buildings and facilities, health and safety, IT, and commercial operations.

The successful candidate will be a visible and agile leader; a strategic thinker who possesses excellent relationship-building and communication skills as well as exceptional financial and commercial acumen. A strong skill set, including finance, strategic planning and execution and operational delivery, is required. Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite, and applications are welcomed from candidates with commercial, charitable and private-sector backgrounds.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

Nina Lambert, Head of Bursar Search: ninalambert@rsacademics.com

For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit: www.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 3rd June 2024.

The Manor Preparatory School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and 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 the role are indicated in the candidate information brochure.