Interim Director of Finance & Operations

Job Information

• Employer: Howell's School – Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) (Llandaff, Cardiff)
• Location: Cardiff, Cardiff
• Contract type: Fixed‑term contract
• Contract length: 6 months (starting 21 September 2026)
• Salary: TBC
• Hours: Full time
• Job ID: 1564468

About the Role

Position: Interim Director of Finance & Operations (DFO)

Reporting to the Head and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Interim DFO will provide strategic leadership across the school's finance and operations functions, including estates, facilities, IT, HR and compliance. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring someone who can quickly build relationships, provide stability and deliver immediate impact in a busy and ambitious school.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in finance and operations, ideally gained within education or another complex organisation. You will bring sound commercial judgement, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the school and the wider GDST.

This appointment is offered on an initial six‑month fixed‑term contract while the school recruits its permanent Director of Finance & Operations. Interim candidates are welcome to express an interest in the permanent opportunity should they wish.

Key Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in finance and operations
• Strong commercial judgement and strategic vision
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Experience within education or a similarly complex organisation preferred
• Ability to deliver immediate impact and build relationships quickly