Director of Finance and Operations

Required from: November 2025

We are seeking applications from accomplished and strategic leaders 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 leadership experience in financial and/or operational leadership, preferably with strong working knowledge of school 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 the pupil experience

This is an excellent opportunity for a current finance and operations professional seeking a new challenge - whether to broaden your professional remit, lead in a new school context, or take on more strategic responsibility within a highly collegiate leadership team.

About the School:

Northwood College for Girls is an independent, academically selective day school for approximately 880 girls aged 3-18.

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

Competitive salaries and pay progression
Access to extensive professional development opportunities
Training grants for qualifications
Generous pension scheme
Free life assurance benefit
Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Interest-free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
A Cycle to Work scheme
Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Access to the school gym and swimming pool
Free school lunches during term time
Retail and lifestyle discounts via Pluxee
Financial guidance and support

For further details and an application form please click the apply button.

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented ethnicities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single aspect of a job description and person specification. At NWC we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so we encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification or experience in the information provided.

Applications must be received by 9am on Monday 10 November 2025.

First stage interviews will take place the following week.

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 are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.