Strategic Financial Operations Manager

Location: Aylesford / Hybrid

Salary/package: £49,293 – £60,319 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

We’re seeking an experienced Strategic Financial Operations Manager to join Schools Financial Services (SFS), part of The Education People. This is an opportunity to shape financial consultancy and training services that make a direct impact on schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts across the region.

Who we are

Schools Financial Services (SFS) is a trusted provider of specialist financial consultancy and training within The Education People, which operates under Commercial Services Group (CSG) – the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company. We work with schools, academies, and local authorities to deliver expert support, ensuring strong financial management and compliance, while reinvesting profits into public services.

Why this role matters

As Strategic Financial Operations Manager, you will lead a team delivering high-quality financial consultancy and training services to the education sector. You’ll be responsible for driving profitability, overseeing strategic customer relationships, and ensuring service excellence through robust quality assurance. This role is key to enhancing SFS’s growth, innovation, and reputation for excellence in traded services.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead, manage, and mentor managers in the Service Delivery and Training teams to achieve strategic objectives
• Oversee budgets and maximise profitability across traded services, providing clear reporting on performance
• Negotiate complex contracts and ensure appropriate staffing for consistent operational delivery
• Direct and oversee a strategic training plan for schools, academies, MATs, and governors
• Supervise the SFS staff training and succession planning programme to maintain high service standards
• Manage and implement the Quality Assurance programme for all consultancy services
• Promote SFS traded services to maintain customer satisfaction and meet financial targets
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and deliver new services that meet evolving customer needs
• Ensure Service Level Agreements are in place and clearly communicated to staff and customers

What we’re looking for

• Qualified accountant and/or relevant management qualification, or equivalent experience
• Significant experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Head of Finance, Finance Manager, CFO)
• Experience in education, finance, training, or public sector supply markets
• Proven record in strategic account management or sales leadership
• Strong people management skills and ability to lead diverse teams
• Excellent understanding of traded environments and customer relationship management
• Technical knowledge of finance systems such as FMS6, Bromcom, or PS Financials
• Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £49,293 – £60,319 per annum
• 25 days annual leave, plus your birthday off
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.