Finance, Procurement and Infrastructure Partner ( 1 Year Secondment)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding colleague to join our central team as Finance, Procurement and Infrastructure Partner, helping to strengthen the financial sustainability, operational effectiveness and infrastructure of our schools.

Working closely with Headteachers, School Business Managers and central colleagues, you will support a portfolio of schools, providing expert financial leadership, driving value for money through procurement, and helping to develop more consistent systems and infrastructure across the Trust.

Initially offered as a one-year secondment, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth and wider Trust leadership experience, with the potential to become a substantive appointment.  It is envisaged that this would be a 4 day a week role and we ask any interested applicant to consider how this could be managed mindful of their role in their own setting.

The Role

You will: 

• Act as the lead finance partner for a group of schools, supporting leaders to understand their financial position and plan confidently for the future.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, providing high-quality analysis and advice to support decision-making.
• Support strong financial management, annual accounts, financial returns and wider Trust priorities.
• Lead and support procurement and tendering activity, securing best value and strengthening contract management.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency and value across the Trust.
• Support the development of more aligned systems, processes and infrastructure, including IT, across our schools.
• Contribute to Trust-wide projects that support growth, sustainability and organisational improvement.

About you

You will currently work in  senior operational or business role and have: 

• Strong financial expertise, including supporting multiple schools and delivering deficit recovery plans.
• Experience of procurement, tendering, contract management and securing value for money.
• Experience of overseeing IT systems and infrastructure across multiple sites.
• The ability to build strong relationships and work in partnership with school leaders to support informed decision-making

Application process 

Interested colleagues are invited to submit:

• A letter of application outlining their interest in the role and relevant experience. The letter should also include information on how you believe your school could accommodate you being released for 4 days per week without compromising operational quality 

Applications should be submitted to: Tom Scrace at thomas.scrace@sdbemat.org

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Mark Burnett at mark.burnett@sdbemat.org 

The SDBE Multi- Academy Trust is committed to actively addressing discrimination in all its forms. We strive to ensure that everyone in our community has fair and equal access to opportunities and an inclusive experience within employment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities , particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are respectful and supportive of all individuals, regardless of race, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, disabilities, or cultural background. 

The SDBE MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and references.