Director of Finance and Operations

About this Role
Welcome to Inspiring Primaries Academy Trust and thank you for your interest in this rare opportunity to join the Trust’s Executive Leadership Team as Director of Finance and Operations (DFO). 

This vacancy arises due to the retirement of the existing DFO and comes at an exciting time in the development of the Trust. We are seeking to appoint an innovative, qualified & resourceful DFO to join our team based in Sapcote, South Leicestershire. 

As DFO, you will work across all business functions and will be the CEO’s strategic partner in maximizing value creation. You will help shape strategy, undertaking financial decisions and communicating with key stakeholders whilst leading a talented and dedicated finance and operations team. You will be responsible for building credibility for the strategic direction of the Trust. The DFO and business support team will model good financial , operations and team-building practices for teams across the Trust.

About us
Inspiring Primaries Academy Trust is a Trust of nine primary schools in South and West Leicestershire. These schools, seven of which have been inspected in the past five terms and all found to be “good”, are:

• All Saints CE Primary School, Sapcote
• Claybrooke Primary School
• Dunton Bassett Primary School
• Gilmorton Chandler CE Primary School
• John Wycliffe Primary School
• Sharnford CE Primary School
• St Margaret’s CE Primary School, Stoke Golding
• St Mary’s CE Primary School, Bitteswell
• Ullesthorpe CE Primary School

The Trust’s vision is to enable all to flourish and succeed. Our guiding principles are:

• we will appreciate the trust placed in us in educating children, promoting their personal development and well-being.
• we will promote excellence, personal achievement and the realisation of each and every child’s potential, irrespective of their gender, race, faith, ability or background
• we will promote the pursuit of excellence by every person every day, celebrating performance inside schools and the wider world
• we are committed to ensuring well disciplined, caring environments
• we are committed to ensuring every school is a hub for the community it serves and is a source of immense pride
• we are committed to providing high quality buildings and engaging classrooms with up to date technologies.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and qualified finance leader to join the executive leadership team of IPAT. The successful candidate will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and the executive leadership team (ELT), bringing financial and commercial insight, strategic thinking, and operational oversight to ensure the Trust’s stability and growth. The DFO will be a team player working effectively with the Board, ELT and senior leaders. As an ELT member, the DFO should be a role model for the Trust, exemplifying all of the Trust’s values.

Who we are looking for

To be successful in this role, you will be a qualified accountant with significant financial leadership and operations experience—ideally within education or a complex, publicly funded organisation. We also welcome applications from senior finance professionals from other sectors who can demonstrate the ability to quickly navigate the education funding and regulatory landscape. You will lead on the Trust’s financial growth, stability, and resilience, ensuring robust business planning, compliance, and strategic resource management aligned with the Trust’s ambitions.

As a collaborative and visible leader, you will provide expert financial advice, oversee risk management, procurement, insurance, estates and IT and ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements. You will work closely with senior colleagues, funding bodies, and regulators, while contributing actively to the Trust and executive leadership team.

Added benefits

• High quality continuous professional development
• Staff  wellbeing support
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme

If you are excited by the opportunity to make a difference to children’s lives and feel that you have the skills and qualities for this role, please get in touch with Andrew Riches (CEO) or Chris Hall (DFO) on 01455 272973 (option 3) to arrange a visit and/or informal conversation. We look forward to receiving your application. Please see the candidate pack for further details of the job description  and more information about IPAT.

This post is a permanent contract for 29.6 hours per week / 52 weeks per year/ Grade 16 

Safeguarding Statement; Inspiring Primaries Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s welfare.  All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.  The Trust follows the safer recruitment guidance and references will be requested prior to interview.  Inspiring Primaries Academy Trust Website