Chief Financial and Operations Officer - Orchard Hill College
| Company: | Orchard Hill College |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | SM1 1DA |
| Working pattern: | On-site |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Closing date: | 22 Nov 2026 |
Summary
This is an exciting chapter for the organisation as we begin to establish a separate governance and executive structure. Within this Senior Executive team, we are seeking an exceptional and values-driven Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) to join Orchard Hill College at a pivotal stage in our development. Reporting to the CEO, the CFOO will provide strategic leadership across finance, operations, estates, IT, procurement and risk, ensuring the long-term sustainability, resilience and effectiveness of the College. This is a unique opportunity to lead significant organisational transformation, shape Orchard Hill College's future operating model and develop the infrastructure, systems and capability required to support outstanding specialist SEND provision. The successful candidate will combine strong financial and operational leadership with a commitment to improving outcomes for learners with SEND.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic leadership across finance, operations, estates, IT, procurement and risk, ensuring effective stewardship of College resources and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and assurance processes, providing robust advice and challenge to the CEO, Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
• Lead organisational transformation and governance separation activities, helping to shape Orchard Hill College's future operating model and operational capability.
• Oversee estates, facilities and digital infrastructure strategies, ensuring high-quality, safe and inclusive environments that support learners with SEND.
• Lead organisational risk management, business continuity and compliance frameworks, ensuring the College meets all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements.
Key Requirements:
• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with significant senior leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organisation.
• Proven track record of strategic financial leadership, including long-term financial planning, audit, compliance and organisational sustainability.
• Significant experience leading operational functions such as estates, facilities, IT, procurement and risk management.
• Demonstrable success leading large-scale organisational change, transformation and service improvement programmes.
• Strong strategic leadership, communication and influencing skills, with experience advising Boards, Trustees and senior stakeholders.
Essential requirements
Orchard Hill College is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees: Rewards & Benefits: • Pathways for progression within the college, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment • Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family • Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme) • Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme and Free Virtual GP Appointments) • Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more) • Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
