Guardian Jobs
Chief Strategy Officer, Cranleigh School
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Cranleigh School Overview
Cranleigh School is one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational boarding and day schools, educating around 1,050 pupils across its Senior and Prep Schools. Set within 280 acres of Surrey countryside, Cranleigh combines a strong sense of heritage with a progressive and ambitious outlook. Under the leadership of Head Sam Price, the School is in a position of considerable strength, with rising pupil numbers, an expanding international schools portfolio and a clear vision for future growth and development.
Chief Strategy Officer Role
This newly created and critical role offers an exciting opportunity to act as the Head’s senior partner, translating Cranleigh’s strategy into clear, affordable and deliverable action. As the School’s commercial adviser, bringing new skills and experience to the Executive, the Chief Strategy Officer will drive, shape and implement the next phase of strategic development, including the delivery of ambitious estates projects and supporting further international expansion, whilst ensuring continued UK operational and financial success.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Head and, through the Chair of the Finance Committee, to the Governors, the CSO will lead planning, finance, estates, commercial activity and IT.
- Working closely with the Director of Operations and the Executive Director of Cranleigh International, they will ensure strategic alignment and effective execution, as well as strong leadership of a large support team.
Candidate Profile
Candidates will bring a proven record of executive leadership, strategic planning, commercial success and financial control in complex organisations. They will be an outstanding communicator and diplomatic negotiator, collaborative and able to build relationships, deliver results and inspire high-performing teams. Prior experience in education is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate ambition, drive and exceptional interpersonal abilities, together with empathy for independent education and a commitment to Cranleigh’s aims and ethos.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to contact Nina Lambert at RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at www.rsacademics.com
Closing Date
Closing date: 10.00am (UK time) on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Safeguarding
Cranleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics Commitment
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills