Director of Finance & Operations

Caldicott School; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Caldicott School, a leading independent school, seeks a Director of Finance and Operations to join its Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role involves leading business operations and finance, ensuring resilience and strength, while supporting the school's strategic vision. Candidates must demonstrate experience in financial leadership and the ability to inspire teams within a community-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior financial and operational leadership.
• Strong business and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School’s business and support operations.
• Oversee finance, estates, and compliance.
• Provide critical insight for operational resilience and sustainability.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Job description

Caldicott is a leading independent boarding and day prep school for 250 boys aged 7 to 13, with a strong academic reputation, a distinctive values-led ethos and a deep sense of community. Located in beautiful South Buckinghamshire within easy reach of central London, the School is flourishing, with full pupil numbers and ambitious estate development plans, supported by strong governance and fundraising. The building of a new £5.4m sports pavilion commences on site in August.

The Head and Governors seek to appoint a commercially astute, strategic and dynamic Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to join the Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal appointment for a highly capable and engaging professional who will lead the School’s business and support operations and play a key role in shaping and executing the School’s future strategy.

With responsibility for finance, estates and facilities, compliance, catering, housekeeping, transport, and commercial activities the DFO will have oversight of over 90 support staff. They will provide critical insight and leadership to ensure Caldicott’s operational resilience, financial strength and long-term sustainability.

Candidates will have a proven track record in senior financial and operational leadership, with strong business and strategic planning skills, and the ability to inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams. Experience in an education setting is not essential, but candidates must understand and support the distinctive ethos of a high-performing independent school. A collaborative style and the ability to build trusted relationships across a warm, engaged school community are essential.

To arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:

• Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant – [e-mail]
• Nina Lambert, Head of Commercial Appointments – [e-mail]

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

Closing date: 10.00am, Monday 4^th August 2025

• Caldicott 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.