Finance & Operations Director

Job Description

Catalyst Academies Trust

Salary £59,446-£75,481 FTE (Actual £56,778-£72,093) dependent on experience

Reporting to: CEO Start Date: June 2026 or earlier

Hours and conditions of service: 37 hours per week, 49.8 weeks per year

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Finance & Operations Director, to join our MAT Central Team. The role will include responsibility for finance, statutory and legal compliance for the Central Team and Trust schools, including audit, financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, statutory and legal requirements. We are looking for someone who has excellent organisational and communication skills.

The Finance & Operations Director will work across the schools within our Trust meaning that travel between schools will be required. The Finance & Operations Director will be required to attend all Local Governing Body meetings and the Trust Board/Finance Committee meetings which take place each term.

Catalyst Academies Trust is an innovative, charitable organisation, who set out to widen access to outstanding educational provision. This is achieved by supporting and empowering teachers and leaders in schools and academies, to develop outstanding teaching and improve outcomes for all, regardless of starting point. We strive to improve the opportunities and provision both within and beyond our trust.

We are incredibly proud of our community, our drive and determination to provide the very best educational experience and has led to us being in the top performing trusts for over 6 years. We are incredibly proud of our staff and our collaborative network of schools. We look forward to growing further in the primary sector and building partnerships in the secondary sector to provide a true all-through educational experience.

The successful candidate will benefit from our "Catalyst Employee Perks" platform and will be able to access a range of discounts from various retailers, family days out, restaurants and more.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal visit, please contact the PA to the CEO, Sarah Lilley on 01708 852128, option 3, or email contactus@catrust.org.uk. Applications should be made through Essex School Jobs.

Early applications are welcome, and we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates immediately, withdrawing the advert once a successful appointment has been confirmed.

Visits to our Central Team office are welcomed, where candidates can meet our staff, tour one of our schools to get a feel for how we operate and discuss the role.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearance.

Closing date: 15.5.26 (Noon) Interview date: 21.5.26

Information about the School

Catalyst Academies Trust is an innovative, charitable organisation, who set out to widen access to outstanding educational provision. This is achieved by supporting and empowering teachers and leaders in schools and academies, to develop outstanding teaching and achievement outcomes, both within and beyond our trust. The Trust has been so successful that it has been in the top 10 performing trusts for over 5 years.

The Trust was established by Dilkes Academy, an outstanding, successful primary school in Thurrock in December 2012. Shortly afterwards, in April 2013, Benyon Primary School and Quarry Hill Academy became part of the Trust.

The level of expertise and support that the Trust quickly provided, meant that both schools rapidly moved from inadequate to good and requires improvement to outstanding within their first two years as part of Catalyst.

In 2017 Somers Heath Primary School joined Catalyst, raising Trust capacity and providing high quality learning opportunities for pupils and staff. More recently Aveley Primary school joined, building capacity further; sharing the same aspirations and values to which all trust schools subscribe.

Catalyst Academies Trust are incredibly proud of our staff and our collaborative network of schools. We look forward to growing further in the primary sector and building partnerships in the secondary sector to provide a true all-through educational experience.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.