Financial Director

We are delighted to be partnering with a high-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London to recruit a commercially driven and strategic Finance Director.

This role is paying £120,000 - £130,000 + bonus + hybrid working. Note, it is critical you have previously worked within a multi-independent (or multi-academy trust) setting.

This organisation is a fast-growing group of independent schools in the UK backed by private equity investors, focused on building a premium, multi-site education platform. It operates a portfolio of schools that typically combine strong academic performance with modern facilities and a broad co-curricular offering.

The model is centred on acquiring, integrating, and improving schools while preserving their individual identities and educational standards. From a strategic perspective, the business is driven by value creation typical of private equity ownership, growing pupil numbers, optimising fee structures, improving operational efficiency, and expanding through acquisitions.

There is usually a strong emphasis on data, performance tracking, and central support functions to enhance outcomes across the group. Culturally, they are fast-paced and evolving, sitting somewhere between traditional education and corporate performance-driven businesses.

If you're considering joining a business like this, the appeal is typically exposure to strategy, M&A activity, and board-level decision-making, but it also comes with the intensity and accountability that private equity ownership brings.

This is a pivotal leadership role offering the opportunity to work closely with the CEO and investors to drive financial performance, execute growth strategy, and maximise enterprise value across a multi-site education provider.

As Finance Director, you will operate at the heart of the business, combining strategic finance leadership with hands‑on operational influence. You will play a key role in shaping the financial direction of the group while supporting ambitious organic and acquisitive growth plans.

This position offers direct exposure to board‑level stakeholders and investors, making it ideal for a high calibre finance leader seeking impact, visibility, and progression in a fast‑paced PE environment.

• Lead financial strategy aligned with the Private Equity investment plan.
• Drive EBITDA growth, cash generation, and return on capital.
• Provide commercial insight on pricing, cost base, and expansion opportunities.
• Support delivery of organic growth and M&A strategy.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning cycles.
• Monitor key business drivers including enrolment, fees, and staffing costs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team.
• Partner with Headteachers to improve financial and operational performance.
• Lead board reporting and investor presentations.
• Manage lender relationships and covenant reporting.
• Support exit planning and equity story development.
• Support due diligence and post‑acquisition integration.
• Lead and develop FP&A and finance teams.
• Ensure robust controls, reporting, and governance.

Finance Director:

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.
• It is essential you have previous experience working within a group of independent schools or multi‑academy trust.
• Proven senior finance leadership experience.
• Strong commercial and strategic finance capability.
• Experience within Private Equity‑backed or high‑growth environments.
• Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
• Exposure to investor and lender engagement.
• Strong systems and data expertise.
• Strategic, commercially minded, and results driven.
• Strong communicator with gravitas at board level.
• Hands‑on leadership style.
• High integrity, accountability, and ownership mindset.

Performance related bonus.

Annual leave package.

Pension.

Why Join?

Senior leadership role in a high‑growth PE‑backed organisation.

Direct exposure to investors and strategic decision‑making.

Opportunity to shape and scale a leading education group.

Entrepreneurial, fast‑paced environment with clear value creation focus.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.

#J-18808-Ljbffr