Business Manager​/Trust CFO

Position

Start Date:

01/03/2027 Contract Type:
Full-time Contract Term:
Permanent

Application Close: 16/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 23/11/2026

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join our outstanding school and family of six succesful primary schools, which form the 'Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust'.

Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced School Business Manager / Trust CFO, a pivotal position, to join our Trust from 1st March 2027 (two months before the current post-holder retires).

This is a significant leadership appointment for Lee Chapel Primary and the Trust, and an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a key role in maintaining the outstanding provision our family of schools offer.

We are looking for a strategic, commercially aware and highly capable financial leader who will combine excellent financial stewardship with a strong understanding of the wider educational and operational priorities of a Multi-Academy Trust.

The successful candidate will, together with the CEO:

• Uphold and embody our values of Lee Chapel Trust in every aspect of their work.
• Provide strategic financial leadership across the Trust, ensuring that our resources are managed effectively, sustainably and transparently, so that every pound is used to maximise opportunities and outcomes for our pupils.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of financial leadership.
• Contribute to aspirational school improvement and the delivery of positive life chances for our dedicated staff and amazing pupils.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a strategic and operational level, while working within a values-driven organisation dedicated to excellence in education.

As Business Manager of Lee Chapel and CFO of the Trust, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (Headteacher of Lee Chapel Primary School & Nursery), Trust Board, Heads and the five Finance Managers working across the five other schools, providing high-quality financial advice, challenge and assurance.

Together with the CEO, you will share responsibility for the Trust's financial strategy, planning and management, including:

• Leading the development and implementation of the Trust's financial strategy and long-term financial planning.
• Ensuring robust financial controls, governance, compliance and risk management.
• Overseeing annual budgets, forecasting, management accounts and financial reporting.
• Providing clear and insightful financial information to the Trust Board and Heads to support effective decision-making.
• Ensuring the Trust continues to secure value for money and make best use of its resources.
• Leading the preparation of the Trust's annual accounts and working effectively with external auditors
• Ensuring compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook, charity and company requirements, and all relevant financial regulations.
• Supporting procurement, contracts, estates and other areas of Trust-wide resource management.
• Developing financial systems, processes and reporting to support the Trust's continued growth and development.
• Providing strategic advice on future opportunities, investment and organisational development.

We are seeking an individual who is:

- able to see the bigger picture and translate financial information into meaningful strategic advice.

- able to interrogate information, identify trends and risks, and…