Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO)

HANLEY CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL; Worcester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Worcestershire is seeking a Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO) to oversee strategic finance and operations. The ideal candidate will be a highly qualified financial professional with leadership experience, specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and HR management. This full-time role offers competitive remuneration with potential flexibility for exceptional candidates. The trust emphasizes safeguarding and welfare of students, requiring all staff to share this commitment.

Benefits

Secure and competitive pension

Commitment to professional development

Free on-site parking with EV charging

Access to health benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record in strategic financial leadership.
• Extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.
• Experience in overseeing HR, IT, and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the CEO, Board of Trustees, and headteachers.
• Provide strategic oversight of Finance, HR, GDPR compliance, estates, and IT.
• Directly manage Finance, HR, Data Protection Officer, and Operations Manager.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Financial management

Education

Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, or CIPFA)

Job description

Employer: The Hanley and Upton Educational Trust

Location: Hanley Castle High School, Church End Hanley Castle WR8 0BL

Salary: £75,049 - £91,158 per annum. Salary Scale negotiable for exceptional candidates.

Full-time, Permanent.

We are seeking a Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO) to join the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust from 1 September 2026 (or earlier by negotiation).

As a key member of the executive team, the CFOO will support the CEO, Board of Trustees, and headteachers in ensuring the trust’s financial health and operational efficiency. The role provides strategic oversight of Finance, HR, GDPR compliance, estates and IT. The CFOO directly manages Finance, HR, the Data Protection Officer, and the Operations Manager.

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced and qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, or CIPFA) with a proven track record in strategic financial leadership. They will have extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and delivering value-for-money initiatives, alongside strong leadership and team management skills. They will also have experience overseeing HR, IT, and facilities, influencing strategic decision-making, and building collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to prioritise effectively, drive operational efficiencies, and maintain a clear strategic vision.

Whilst this is advertised as a full-time position, the Trust would consider flexible working and negotiation on salary for an exceptional candidate.

Further details about the Trust and the role, including the person specification and responsibilities, can be found in the application pack (attached).

To apply:

To apply, please complete our application form (attached) and email to [e-mail] . If you have any queries, please email or contact HR on 01684 595673. The closing date is 9.00am on Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 26 January 2026.

About the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust

The HUET is a family of four schools serving the beautiful rural and semi-rural communities of Southwest Worcestershire including the villages of Hanley Castle, Kempsey, Welland, and Hanley Swan. Our schools are rated highly by Ofsted, and Hanley Castle High School has again been recognised in The Times School League Tables; an accolade that reflects its longstanding reputation for academic excellence.

Our mission is clear for our schools: we aspire for a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a positive contribution to the world. We are proud to be an anchor institution in our community committed to inclusion, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits of working with us

• Secure and competitive pension
• Access to a Blue Light Card
• Commitment to professional development for all, including 8 training days per annum
• Access to a cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking with EV charging points
• Free access to Westfield Health, Healthy Extras providing:
  • 24/7 telephone access to a practising UK GP
  • 24 Hour Advice & Information Line (including structured counselling sessions)
  • Eldercare Advice
  • Discounts and offers at hundreds of retailers, restaurants and destinations
  • Gym discounts

Safeguarding Statement

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake pre-employment checks including an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Online searches are now undertaken on all shortlisted candidates, for safeguarding suitability, as part of the due diligence.

References are obtained, before interview wherever possible, which include specific enquiries about the applicant's background in relation to safeguarding.