Reference Number: ROM/DoFO/Mar26
Grade 15 SCP 42 to 46 £53,460 - £57,585
Permanent, Full-Time 37 hours per week
Starting date: As soon as possible
Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is a happy, high performing, oversubscribed, Local Authority 11-18 school in Durham city. We have a national reputation for academic excellence and are well respected in our local community both for our excellent outcomes and our strong pastoral care.
We are seeking to appoint a Director of Finance and Operations who will have strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of financial management and operational functions. They will be a senior member of the School Leadership and will lead and influence strategy, governance and growth. Working closely with the Headteacher and the Governing Body, they will ensure the organisation’s resources, systems, and infrastructure effectively support the implementation of the school’s core values, strategic vision, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities Overview
Strategic Leadership - Act as the principal financial and operational advisor to the governors and headteacher. Develop financial and operational strategies and support long-term organisational sustainability.
Governance & Compliance - Ensure adherence to statutory, regulatory, and governance standards; oversee risk management and maintain relationships with auditors and regulators.
Financial Management - Lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cashflow, payroll, pensions, VAT, and statutory financial obligations.
Team Leadership - Manage and develop the school support staff including the finance team, buildings and premises team and personnel/HR team fostering accuracy, efficiency, and professional growth.
Financial Systems & Controls - Optimise finance systems, implement internal controls, and drive process automation.
Operational Oversight - Strategic oversight of operational delivery across estates, health & safety, procurement, contracts, insurance, and supplier management.
Project & Estates Management - Strategic oversight of capital projects, refurbishments, and site developments to support organisational growth.
Inspection & Audit Readiness - Ensure preparedness for Ofsted inspections, DfE registration, and external financial audits.
Culture & Leadership - Promote values-led leadership, collaboration, accountability, and team development across non-teaching and operational staff.
Strategic Contribution - Actively contribute to the Leadership Team and organisational strategy, supporting investment and innovation decisions.
Salary: Grade 15, SCP 42 - 46 (£53,460 - £57,585)
Closing Date: 26 March 2026, 9.00am
Other Information
We encourage applications from any colleagues who meet the essential criteria to apply to work in our school and informal visits to the school are very welcome. If you would like meet with us, please contact school@durhamjohnston.org.uk FAO Miss J Bewley to book a time.
The closing date is 9.00am Thursday 26th March 2026. If you are returning your application by email please use the following address: recruitment@durhamjohnston.org.uk
'Durham Johnston Comprehensive School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.’
Please visit Data Protection to view the School's Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.