Start date flexible between September 2026 and January 2027.
The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is a key member of the Leadership Team and plays a central role in ensuring the School’s long-term sustainability, financial resilience and operational excellence. The postholder will lead the financial and operational strategy of Dunottar, ensuring that resources, infrastructure and support services are effectively aligned with the School’s vision, values and strategic priorities.
The Leadership Team comprises three senior leaders on the educational side: the Deputy Head (Academic), Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Deputy Head (Operations), with responsibility for the educational operational aspects of the School. They work alongside three senior leaders on the support side, including those responsible for people functions and admissions/external relations. The Director of Finance and Operations will complete this group as the third senior leader responsible for the School’s operational and business functions, working collaboratively to ensure a cohesive and effective whole-school approach.
The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for strategic leadership and day-to-day management of many non-academic functions of the School. This includes finance, estates, IT, compliance, health and safety, and commercial activities, ensuring that these support services operate efficiently, professionally and in a way that underpins the delivery of an outstanding educational experience. The DFO has overall responsibility for a team of 15 support staff and direct line management responsibility for 8 of these staff.
Working closely with the Head, United Learning and Governors the DFO will:
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Provide high-quality financial insight, planning and analysis to inform and support strategic decision-making.
- Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of these operational services across the School.
- Contribute meaningfully to the development, implementation and ongoing review of the School’s strategic plan, with particular responsibility for financial and operational elements.
- Advise on risk, investment and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability and value for money.
The role requires a visible, collaborative and commercially minded leader who can inspire and develop multi-disciplinary teams, manage complexity in a dynamic environment and balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor to the Head and Governors, with the credibility, judgement and leadership skills to drive continuous improvement across all areas of the School’s operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Contribute as a member of the Leadership Team to the strategic direction of the School.
- Lead the development and delivery of financial and operational strategies aligned with the School’s long-term vision.
- Advise the Head and Governors on financial sustainability, investment priorities and risk management.
- Ensure that operational functions are aligned to support educational excellence and the School’s strategic objectives.
Finance and Payroll
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Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounting and statutory reporting.
- Prepare annual budgets, long-term financial plans and scenario modelling to support strategic decision-making.
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee fee setting, financial modelling and cash flow management.
- Take responsibility for payroll provision, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
Estates and Facilities
Working in close partnership with the Head of Estates & Facilities, the Director of Finance & Operations will:
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Provide strategic oversight of the management, maintenance, safety and development of the School estate.
- Oversee capital projects and planned maintenance programmes at a strategic level, ensuring alignment with School priorities and delivery within agreed budgets.
- Hold accountability for the performance and value for money of key outsourced services, including catering, cleaning and transport.
- Ensure appropriate systems and controls are in place so that all facilities remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose, supporting both educational and co-curricular activities.
- Maintain oversight of pupil transport provision, ensuring it operates safely, efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.
Compliance, Polices and Risk
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Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and inspection requirements.
- Lead on the development, review and implementation of School policies and procedures across operational areas.
- Maintain robust risk management processes, including oversight of the School’s risk register and business continuity planning.
- Promote a strong culture of health, safety and regulatory awareness across the School.
Procurement and Contracts
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Develop and implement effective procurement strategies to ensure value for money and quality of service.
- Oversee tendering processes and contract negotiations with suppliers and service providers.
- Manage key supplier relationships and ensure contractual compliance and performance.
- Monitor and review contracts to ensure cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
IT and AV Services
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Provide strategic oversight of IT infrastructure, systems and digital development across the School.
- Ensure secure, reliable and efficient IT systems to support teaching, learning and administration.
- Lead the development and delivery of audio-visual (AV) provision to support teaching, events and wider School activities.
- Oversee cyber security and system resilience.
Commercial Activities and Lettings
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Develop and implement strategies to generate additional income through lettings, partnerships and third-party activity.
- Maximise the use of School facilities outside core hours to support financial sustainability.
- Identify and evaluate new commercial opportunities aligned with the School’s ethos.
- Ensure commercial activities are well managed, financially viable and operationally effective.
Administration, Reception and Customer Service
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Oversee the School’s administrative functions to ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
- Lead the reception and front-of-house team to deliver a high-quality, professional and welcoming service.
- Ensure that the School provides excellent customer service to pupils, parents, visitors and the wider community.
- Promote efficient systems, processes and continuous improvement in administrative support services.
People Leadership and Team Management
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Lead, manage and develop operational teams across support functions.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure appropriate structures, staffing levels and professional development within operational teams.
- Work collaboratively with academic staff to ensure that operational and support services are aligned with the School’s educational priorities.
This job description is not all-inclusive; the postholder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
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A relevant professional qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Degree-level education desirable.
- Significant senior leadership experience in finance and operations.
- Proven track record of managing budgets and resources, and leading teams effectively.
- Experience of working in a complex organisation; education sector experience desirable but not essential.
Knowledge and Skills
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Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into delivery.
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to present complex information clearly.
- Knowledge of compliance, risk management and governance frameworks.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- High level of IT literacy, including financial systems.
Personal Attributes
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Inspirational and collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and discretion.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Commercially aware with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Commitment to the ethos, values and life of Dunottar School and United Learning
Closing date for applications Sunday 14 June 2026.
First round interviews w/c 15 June 2026.
Second round interviews w/c 22 and 29 June 2026.
