Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Company is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a pivotal role in the strategic and operational leadership of its multi-academy trust. The successful candidate will be a values-driven leader with a strong background in senior management, capable of bringing clarity, grip, and long-term thinking to a range of core operational functions, including finance, estates, HR services, IT, compliance, and organizational development. This key executive will work closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and Trust Board to ensure that the trust's systems, processes, and infrastructure are robust, efficient, and aligned with the educational mission. The COO will be responsible for strengthening financial resilience, overseeing estates strategy, leading HR transformation, and ensuring that the digital infrastructure supports teaching and operational priorities. Applicants for the COO position at the company should be exceptional operational leaders with a proven track record in a complex, multi-site environment. The role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to design and implement operational solutions that are coherent, scalable, and future-focused. The ideal candidate will have experience in at least two of the following areas: finance, estates, HR services, IT, compliance, risk, or organizational development, and be adept at leading specialists and building high-performing teams. Emotional intelligence, a deep commitment to improving children's lives, and a strong belief in the values of the trust are essential. The COO will also be expected to be visible, approachable, and able to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders, while ensuring that operational decisions are always in line with the trust's duty of care and regulatory frameworks.