Chief Operating Officer / COO / School Trust
AWD online
Southampton, Southern
Chief Operating Officer with proven senior leadership / management experience in a multi-site organisation, operational management experience including finance, facilities and IT and exceptional communication skills is required to join a well-established multi-academy trust, comprising of three schools, based in Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire.
SALARY: £54,358 - £61,123 per annum (Grade G) + Benefits
LOCATION: Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire (SO30)
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37 hours per week, 8:00 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 –15:30 Friday, 52 weeks
START DATE: 1st September 2025
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer with proven senior leadership / management experience in a multi-site organisation, operational management experience including finance, facilities and IT and exceptional communication skills.
The Chief Operating Officer will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all non-educational functions across the Trust.
As the Chief Operating Officer you will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all support services, including finance, human resources, facilities, IT, and compliance. A significant aspect of this role will be the direct line management and strategic development of the Trust's community provision, ensuring these initiatives are aligned with the Trust's values and objectives.
DUTIES
Your duties as Chief Operating Officer will include:
Strategic Leadership and Operational Management
- Lead the development and implementation of the operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall vision and objectives
- Oversee the management of all non-educational functions, including community provision, estates, IT, catering and health & safety
- Develop and implement robust operational policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance and best practice
- Manage key supplier relationships
- Lead on the preparation and presentation of reports and analysis for the Trust Board and its subcommittees, supporting strong and transparent governance
Financial Management
- Work in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the Trust's financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
- Identify opportunities for income generation and cost efficiencies
Facilities and Estates Management
- Oversee the strategic management, planning, and maintenance of all Trust properties and assets, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support the educational and community objectives
- Develop and implement a comprehensive estates strategy, including long-term capital development plans, preventative maintenance schedules, and cyclical repair programmes
- Manage capital projects from inception to completion, including budget control, contractor management, and liaison with relevant stakeholders
Information Technology
- With the Trust IT Manager, oversee the strategic development and management of the IT infrastructure and systems
- Ensure robust data security and compliance with data protection regulations
Catering Management
- Provide direct line management and leadership to the Catering Manager across the Trust
- Oversee the strategic development and operational delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and cost-effective catering services
- Develop and implement catering policies and procedures, including menu planning, procurement, and waste management
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements
- Lead on risk management across all operational areas
- Ensure strategic and operational risks are recorded, monitored, and reviewed regularly, and that mitigations are in place and reported to the Audit & Risk Committee
- Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, Academy Trust Handbook, and all other relevant governance and reporting obligations
Line Management of Community Provision
- Provide direct line management to the leisure and community programmes
- Develop and implement the strategic vision for the Trust's community provision, ensuring it meets the needs of the local community
- Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all community programmes and initiatives
- Identify and secure funding opportunities for community projects
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing operational team
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Proven senior leadership experience in a multi-site organisation, preferably within the education or not-for-profit sector
- Experience in operational management, including finance, facilities, and IT
- Demonstrable experience of successfully leading and managing a team
- Significant experience in developing and delivering community-focused initiatives and programmes
- Strong financial acumen and experience of managing large budgets
- Excellent understanding of compliance, governance, and risk management
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to think strategically and translate strategy into operational plans
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Desirable
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g., in finance, estates management)
- Experience of working within an academy trust or similar educational setting
- Knowledge of education sector regulations and funding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school will ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service / DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks.
We reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.
APPLY TODAY…
By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
JOB REF: AWDO-P13552
Full-Time, Permanent Executive & Management Jobs, Careers and Vacancies. Find a new job and work in Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire. Multi-Job Board Advertising and CV Sourcing Recruitment Services provided by AWD online.
AWD online specialise in sourcing candidates and advertising vacancies on multiple job boards for companies on a non-commission basis. AWD online operates as an employment agency.
awdonline | http://www.awdo.co.uk
AWD-IN-SPJ
About the Company
AWD online
AWD online provide low cost recruitment services allowing businesses to fill their job vacancies quickly and with the best available candidates.
We are a multi-sector agency providing recruitment services UK wide. We have a national reach and an extensive candidate database. As a generalist recruiter, we also have specialist recruitment experience within the IT / Technical, Sales, Retail, Accountancy, Administration, Management, Construction and Engineering Sectors.
As a candidate looking your next job, we can offer a fully transparent service providing advice and tips when looking for your next position, CV and Interview advice and we can even help you target your approach when reviewing vacancies and applying to new job openings.
At AWD online we have a wide selection of vacancies to choose from, with new jobs being added on a daily basis. As a candidate, you can sign up to our Jobs by Email service so that you are alerted as soon as we add a new job to our systems. From your account, you can also keep track of the jobs you’ve applied to.