Director of Finance and Operations

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational and engaging leader to play a pivotal role in the long-term strategic development and planning of a leading independent school.

As Director of Finance and Operations at Portsmouth High School, you will work closely with the Headmistress as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, with a remit covering business development, financial performance, estate management, compliance and risk management.

You should be educated to degree level and have significant financial and senior management experience.

Excellent analytical ability, well-developed interpersonal skills, and project management experience will be required, as will a commitment to girls’ education and a deep sense of service.

About Portsmouth High School:

Portsmouth High School is a selective independent school for girls aged 3-18. We have been educating girls since 1882 and today boast first-class facilities for learning, a reputation of academic excellence and an extensive co-curricular programme. We are part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) which is the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools. Pupils are happy, confident and ambitious giving them an unparalleled preparation for life. The school is located in Southsea, an attractive region on the south coast with excellent transport links.

We are a welcoming and caring community and pride ourselves on being a vibrant and fulfilling place to work. The school offers a range of career opportunities both internally and more widely throughout the GDST network and is committed to staff well-being.

Benefits:

We offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salary commensurate with the seniority of the post
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities and training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension scheme
• Free life assurance benefit and private medical insurance
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• Finance advice, employee assistance programme, and high street discounts
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

Applications should be accompanied by a letter addressed to the Headmistress outlining why you would be suitable for the post, plus a CV.

If you have any queries, please email hr@por.gdst.net or telephone 023 9282 6714.

The closing date for applications is 9:00 pm on Sunday 20 October 2024.

First stage interviews: Tuesday 5 November 2024 TBC.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This role will involve daily contact with children. The Director of Finance and Operations will therefore be engaging in regulated activity and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List checks will be required. All school staff have a responsibility to work in accordance with statutory requirements and GDST Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and procedures. The school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures can be found here: https://www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/policies