Bradford Children and Families Trust
Strategic Finance Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Strategic Finance Manager - Children's Social Care
Salary: Grade Special D SCP LG1-LG5 - £65,022 - £75,728 (Pay award pending)
Permanent | 37 hours per week | Bradford
Bradford Children and Families Trust is one of the largest Children's Trusts in the country, delivering vital services to children, young people and families across the Bradford District.
As an independent organisation commissioned by Bradford Council, we have our own governance arrangements, financial systems and strategic priorities. With an annual turnover of more than £240 million, we play a critical role in ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.
We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Strategic Finance Manager to join our senior leadership team and help shape the financial future of the Trust.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to influence strategic decision-making across a large and complex organisation at a time of significant ambition and transformation.
Working closely with the Director of Finance, Executive Management Team, Trust Board and senior leaders, you will provide strategic financial leadership that supports sustainable service delivery, continuous improvement and long-term financial resilience.
You will lead our Finance Business Partnering function for Children's Social Care and play a key role in delivering the Trust's vision for children, young people and families.
About the Role
As Strategic Finance Manager, you will:
- Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and long-term financial sustainability activities across Children's Social Care.
- Direct and develop a high-performing finance team, providing leadership, support and professional challenge.
- Provide expert financial advice and business partnering support to senior leaders, budget holders and stakeholders.
- Develop and implement financial strategies, policies and frameworks that support organisational priorities.
- Influence strategic decision-making through robust financial analysis, insight and challenge.
- Lead and support transformation, sufficiency and service improvement programmes to deliver value for money and sustainable outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, external partners, Bradford Council and wider stakeholders.
- Support and deputise for the Director of Finance as required.
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Trust as a member of the Finance Management Team and Senior Leadership Team.
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.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A CCAB recognised professional accountancy qualification.
- Evidence of ongoing personal, professional and leadership development.
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within Local Authority and ideally experience in Children's Services.
- Extensive experience of financial planning, budget management, forecasting and financial governance within a large organisation.
- Experience of providing financial leadership and support to Children's Social Care services.
- A proven track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams.
- Experience of business partnering with senior leaders and advising Executive Teams, Boards and elected members or equivalent governing bodies.
- Experience of developing and implementing complex financial strategies and policies.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence, challenge and build credibility at all levels.
- Experience leading organisational change, transformation programmes and service improvement initiatives.
- Experience supporting transformation plans, sufficiency projects and strategic service developments.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Our Values
Our strategic vision and values underpin everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where colleagues can thrive, develop and make a meaningful difference to children and families.
Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
Benefits
We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, career development and work-life balance, including:
- Generous annual leave starting at 31 days, rising to 34 days with service, plus bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible and family-friendly policies.
- Occupational Health and wellbeing support services.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Career progression pathways within a growing organisation.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Neil Hardwick neil.hardwick@bradfordcft.org.uk or Denise Wilson denise.wilson@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 20 September 2026
Interview Date: 30 September 2026
This role requires a Standard DBS check, which will be carried out as part of our pre-employment checks for the successful candidate.
“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