Chief Operating Officer

We are looking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership for all non – academic activities of our newly formed Trust.

Accountable to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will take a lead role in the development of the newly established MAT, designing and implementing the new Central Services function and developing systems and processes for the future. They will have a leadership role in developing the financial strategy and will provide strategic financial input to the senior leadership team and is an integral member of the Trust’s senior leadership team which comprises the Headteacher of the boys’ school and the two deputy Headteachers of the girls’ school.

The COO will act as the Chief Financial Officer and will line & performance manage direct reporting staff including those responsible for Finance and Planning, H.R., Site Services, I.T. and Administration. They will also take responsibility for Marketing, Procurement and overseeing outsourced services such as cleaning and catering. 

Key Accountabilities:

1. Work with the trustees and CEO to establish the strategic goals of the Trust and lead the Central Services operation to ensure it meets its stated objectives including efficiency and effectiveness. 

2. Work proactively with Head Teachers and Deputy Headteachers to support them in the delivery of the highest possible quality of learning, teaching and leadership in each school.

3. To deputise for the CEO when required and, in their absence, take delegated responsibility for financial matters and other decisions relating to health and safety, human resources and facilities.

4. Work in partnership with the CEO and Chair of the Trust Board to ensure they are provided with the appropriate information in a timely fashion to allow the Trust Board to carry out its strategic oversight of the Trust and to support strategic planning.

5. Establish and maintain outstanding professional relationships and ensure effective communication across the Trust, external partners and other stakeholders.

6. Lead on project work, as instructed by the Trust including working with new schools joining the Trust.

7. Ensure regulatory compliance including Academies and Charities best practice.

8. Support the CEO in the strategic development and operation of the MAT and contribute to MAT Board meetings, meetings with the DfE and other organisations when required.

9. Create a climate in which multi-disciplinary teams collaborate to provide effective and responsive support services, managing change effectively and according to the Trust’s values. Ensure effective employee communications, consultation and feedback and have due consideration for staff wellbeing and workload.

The ideal candidate will have: a track record of creating a healthy and sustainable business model where revenue is received, income generated and value for money achieved; a track record of financial leadership that supports organisational success.

You will be educated to degree level with a professional finance qualification (ACA, CIMA or equivalent); have governance experience of working at board level; an understanding of how effective governance can support the organisation and lead to positive change; a strategic thinking  track record of creating and implementing an organisation wide vision and experience of delivering strategic leadership.  In addition, you will have knowledge of IT in schools, proven ability to facilitate delivery of an ICT strategy for the trust, experience of leading multi-professional teams and the ability to inspire and motivate. 

 The salary for this post will be in the range £60,000 to £80,000 per annum (based on skills and experience) and for 36 hours per week and 52 weeks per year.