Integrity Education Solutions are supporting an SEN Trust in South London with the appointment of a strategic and experienced Director of Operations and Finance from June 2026 on permanent basis.
This is a newly created senior leadership role within a well regarded trust dedicated to providing high-quality education for autistic children and young people. The Director of Operations and Finance will play a pivotal role in ensuring that robust financial and operational systems underpin outstanding educational provision.
Reporting directly to the Executive Headteacher and working closely with Trustees, the post-holder will provide both strategic oversight and hands-on operational leadership across finance, HR, estates, compliance, IT, and business services.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially astute and values-driven leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by making a meaningful difference in specialist education.
Key requirements:
The Director of Operations and Finance will:
* Provide strategic leadership across all operational and financial functions of the Trust.
* Lead financial planning, budgeting, audit, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
* Oversee estates, health & safety, and capital development projects.
* Lead HR, IT, procurement, contracts, and administrative services.
* Support Trustees with statutory responsibilities, reporting and governance.
* Drive continuous improvement and change management across business systems.
* Identify new funding opportunities and maximise resource efficiency.
* Lead and develop a small, high-performing business support team.
* Ensure robust risk management processes are embedded across the Trust.
As a key member of the central leadership team, the post-holder will contribute to organisational strategy while ensuring operational excellence across multiple school sites.
Key experience:
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Significant senior leadership experience in finance and business operations.
* A recognised accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
* Strong understanding of financial planning, audit, and governance within education or a comparable sector.
* Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across finance, HR, estates, or operations.
* A proven track record of delivering complex projects and successful change management.
* Knowledge of procurement, best value tendering, and compliance frameworks.
* High-level analytical, communication, and commercial skills.
* Emotional intelligence, integrity, and a commitment to inclusive special education.
Experience within a school, trust, public sector, or third-sector environment is highly desirable.
What’s On Offer
* Senior strategic leadership position within a growing specialist trust.
* Opportunity to shape operational systems at a key stage of organisational development.
* Direct influence at Executive and Board level.
* Competitive salary package.
* The chance to contribute to life-changing education for autistic children and young people.
Integrity Education Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references