Chief Financial and Operations Officer

LIFE Education Trust has grown to ten schools in November 2023 and with strong Ofsted Outcomes in five Inspections in twelve months, our trajectory is one of upward growth and financial robustness. On the cusp of an exciting new chapter, we are looking for a Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) to join the Trust’s central senior leadership team who’s eager to be a part of our story.

Our Way of LIFE: There is a tangible, positive ethos at LIFE which has been purposefully crafted and we hold fiercely onto it. The words we use to describe our beliefs are “courageous optimism”, “boundless creativity” and “heartfelt compassion” and these beliefs resonate so deeply that eight of our schools have chosen to use them as their values. They serve us as we seek to build great learning communities where children flourish. And it is crucial that all of our employees and volunteers understand them and can embody them.

The Role - A Catalyst for Change: As our CFOO, you will embrace the challenge of transforming the operational functions of our Trust with a team of motivated, dedicated and passionate leaders who show humility, bravery and teamwork as they strive to create a better future for our children. Your role is pivotal – a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management, working closely with the Chief People Officer and the Chief Executive Officer to ensure our strategic priorities of Great People, Great Pupil Outcomes and Sustainable Systems are met. You will also work with our regional operational hub managers who are ready to serve locally and collaboratively.

Your Impact - Building Futures: Alongside having the aptitude and qualifications to oversee the finance and operational functions of our growing Trust, we know that you are going to need energy, drive, and various skills. For you, understanding and managing systems need to be second nature; they are the tools that enable our people – especially our pupils – to flourish. In the coming years, you will be at the forefront of constructing the frameworks that support our growth. This is not just a job; it is a chance to shape the future of education and make a lasting difference.

If you would like to discover more about this exciting opportunity, need any further information or wish to arrange an informal discussion with the CEO Julian Dutnall, please contact our retained consultant at Academicis: Rebecca Beach – rbeach@academicis.co.uk or 07733628155.

The Trust reserves the right to interview prior to the deadline date. We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all parts of the community, particularly people from ethnic minorities who are currently under-represented. LIFE Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.