About this role
Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO)Grade PO21 scp (47-50) £58,932 - £62,259 pay award pending
Full Time - 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday
Full Year, Permanent Contract
About Our Trust: Building Connections, Nurturing Success
Severn Bridges Multi-Academy Trust is a growing family of six schools with more than 350 dedicated staff members serving over 2,000 children. We are a stable, high-performing Trust built on the foundations of collaboration, connection, and community.
Much like the historic bridges spanning the River Severn in Shrewsbury, our Trust acts as a vital link between schools, staff, pupils, and families. Guided by our Trust values, we provide a holistic education that ensures every child has the tools to thrive academically, socially, and personally. At Severn Bridges, every voice matters, and we pride ourselves on a deeply embedded ethos of shared learning and mutual support.
The Role: A Strategic Partner for Excellence
As our Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), you will be a visionary leader and a vital member of our leadership team. This is not just a role focused on managing departments; you will be a true strategic partner to our Headteachers.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Financial Leadership: Ensuring long-term financial sustainability and the well-being of our school communities are at the heart of all operations.
Leading the alignment of Finance, Risk, Estates, ICT, Compliance, and HR ensuring our central functions empower school leaders to focus on teaching, learning, and nurturing pupils.
Managing regulated activity, complexity and risk with a focus on long-term sustainability and growth.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a candidate who balances professional rigour with exceptional interpersonal skills. You will be the right fit if you have:
Excellent financial management skills
Proven Leadership. A track record in Academy Trust leadership and business operations.
A Passion for People. The ability to lead high-performing teams.
Shared Values. An uncompromising belief that every child deserves the very best and a genuine commitment to serving diverse communities.
A collaborative spirit, a dedication to both your own professional development and that of your colleagues, and a great sense of humour.
Why Join Us ?
Joining Severn Bridges means joining a friendly, vibrant work environment where your expertise truly matters.
A Unique Place to Work: The Central Team office is located in the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, a remarkable piece of the Industrial Revolution restored in an award-winning project.
Modern office space : Bright office with free parking, secure bike sheds and an on-site Café.
Excellent access to Shrewsbury Town Centre : walking distance to Shrewsbury Station, stunning medieval market town centre with quirky independent shops, tudor buildings, excellent café culture and beautiful green spaces.
If you are an ambitious, intelligent team player ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. This is a meaningful opportunity to use your skills to shape the future of our expanding, collaborative and friendly Trust and create lasting opportunities for our children.
The Severn Bridges Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out, references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. Should you be shortlisted, further information relating to criminal records, sanctions and disqualifications will be requested and discussed at interview.
For an informal chat about the role, please email our CEO Andrew Morris [email protected] who will be happy to chat or arrange a visit to Shrewsbury Flaxmill to meet the central team.
To Apply
All applications should be made online through MYNEWTERM. Please refer to the vacancy page on the Trust website https://www.severnbridgesmat.co.uk/job-vacancies/and click onto the vacancy where you will be able to apply directly.
Closing Date : Sunday 31st May at 5pm.
Interview Date: Monday 8th June