Chief Operations Officer

Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to translate strategy into operational plans, KPIs and deliverable projects. Excellent understanding of key operational areas relevant to a MAT: estates and capital, HR and people, IT/digital infrastructure, health and safety, and governance/compliance. Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness, including understanding of budgets, value-for-money, contracts and procurement. Highly developed leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with headteachers, governors, trustees and external partners. Strong project and programme management skills, able to prioritise and deliver multiple initiatives across different sites.

Substantial senior leadership experience in operations in a complex, multi-site organisation (ideally a MAT, public sector, or similarly regulated environment). Proven track record of leading organisational change and transformation programmes, including technology-enabled and service redesign projects. Direct responsibility for several professional service functions (e.g. HR, estates, IT/digital, governance/compliance, administration). Experience of risk management, business continuity and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements (including health and safety and data protection). Experience of reporting to, and working with, Boards or Trust Boards and their committees. Evidence of building and leading high-performing teams and developing senior staff.