We are seeking applications from accomplished and strategic leaders within the GDST to join Northwood College for Girls as Director of Finance and Operations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term development of a well-established school in the GDST network, and to contribute at the heart of a purposeful and high-performing senior leadership team.
This is a key senior leadership post, reporting directly to the Head and forming part of the School’s Senior Leadership Team. The DFO is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all non-teaching operations, including finance and accounting, estates and facilities, IT, HR, administration, health and safety, catering, cleaning, and school transport.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted strategic partner to the Head, with a key role in driving operational excellence, inspection readiness, and long-term planning. With oversight of finance, compliance, infrastructure and services, the DFO will ensure that the school’s resources and support functions are aligned with its strategic objectives and educational vision.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading all aspects of school finance, including budget preparation, management accounts, payroll, and financial planning in collaboration with the GDST Finance team
- Managing the estates and facilities function, including site operations, capital projects, compliance, and sustainability initiatives
- Line managing the IT team and overseeing the delivery of robust, secure and future-facing digital infrastructure in partnership with the Trust’s central IT function
- Leading on inspection readiness, health and safety, compliance and business continuity planning
- Overseeing administration, HR, catering, cleaning, and school transport operations
- Supporting the Head in the development of business cases and income generation opportunities
- Building strong relationships with staff, pupils, parents and the wider community, and contributing to major events and school life
We are looking for someone who:
- Has proven senior leadership experience as a GDST DFO or equivalent, with strong working knowledge of Trust policies, compliance frameworks, and school operations
- Brings sound financial and commercial judgement, with the ability to lead business planning and deliver services effectively in a complex educational setting
- Can confidently lead and develop high-performing teams across multiple operational functions
- Is solutions-focused and collaborative, with the ability to work closely with the Head to deliver the school’s strategic priorities
- Has an understanding of how operational functions underpin outstanding teaching, learning and pupil experience
This is an excellent opportunity for a current DFO seeking a new challenge within the Trust—whether to broaden your professional remit, lead in a new school context, or take on more strategic responsibility within a highly collegiate leadership team.
How to Apply
To express interest in the role, please submit your CV and a short covering letter outlining your suitability.
Interviews to be held: 24th July
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion, and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected, and included.
We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for children, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This process includes checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We welcome applications exclusively from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK, as we aim to maintain compliance with legal requirements and create a diverse and inclusive workforce.