Overview

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Employer
The Kite Academy Trust

Location
Ash Vale, Aldershot

Salary
£86,000-£106,000

Closing date
29 Sep 2025

Contract
Permanent

Hours
Full time

Sector
Business leadership & executive, Education, schools, Chief finance officer (CFO), Chief operations officer (COO)

Employee benefits & values
Hybrid working

The Kite Academy Trust is a family of nine primary schools across Surrey and Hampshire. The Trust is committed to working as one team, sharing expertise to ensure every pupil receives an excellent education and an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed in life. The Trust formed in October 2015 with five schools and has recently been on a journey of improvement, with most schools now rated Good or Outstanding. Our teams are aligned to the Trust vision for pupils to be happy and healthy, contribute positively to their communities, and achieve academic excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and reinvigorate the Trust’s business service functions—HR, Finance, Estates and IT—to deliver consistently great outcomes for the schools.
• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to set strategic objectives and ensure delivery against them.
• Provide clear, balanced expert advice and reporting to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
• Develop systems and processes for successful growth while enhancing current operational practices.
• Inspire and manage cross-functional teams with strong technical ability and strategic thinking.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders; ensure governance and financial stewardship across the Trust.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experienced and proactive strategic leader with a track record of delivering projects and managing teams.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of the education sector and MAT context is desirable; passion for improving outcomes for children.

Application details

• Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025, 12pm
• Interviews: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October

Equality, safeguarding and notices

The Kite Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants are subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, satisfactory employment references, identity verification, and enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

\#s1-Gen