Finance 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.
• M&A / transaction experience.
• 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.

£120,000 - £130,000 per annum.

Performance related bonus.

Hybrid working.

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.