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- Tasks: Lead non-educational functions like finance, IT, and facilities at a prestigious school.
- Company: Benenden School is a top independent school in Britain, celebrating its 100th anniversary.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative period in education, driving strategic initiatives and innovation.
- Qualifications: Professional qualifications in finance, estates, or project management are essential.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is crucial; background checks will be conducted.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head and members of the Governing Council of Benenden School invite applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Founded in 1923, Benenden is one of the leading independent schools in Britain and is situated in 250 acres of beautiful parkland in Kent. Some 550 girls benefit from Benenden’s ‘A Complete Education’ (ACE), with the core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy at its heart.
A key aspect of school life at Benenden is its culture of ‘stretch without stress’ and its distinctive approach to boarding, which is central to the educational experience for every girl. Motivational teaching and a dynamic, challenging curriculum are fundamental to this experience, encouraging and supporting girls to develop their interests and excel beyond the classroom.
Benenden is fast approaching the completion of its Centenary Vision, an exciting development plan which has recently led the School to its 100th anniversary. The School has constantly sought to develop and improve its educational provision, adding an all-weather pitch, sports pavilion, additional on-site staff housing, state-of-the-art Science Centre, and an Eco-Classroom to the campus in recent years. The stunning new Hall and Music School are also valuable new additions to the site.
Reporting directly to the Head, the COO will assume overall responsibility for the leadership of all non-educational functions within the School, including finance, estates and facilities, people services, IT, and commercial enterprise activities. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the COO will play a pivotal role in driving the successful execution of the Strategic Plan and realizing the School’s vision for the future.
This is a wide-ranging and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to provide commercial strategy, identify growth opportunities, and continue to drive a culture of professionalism during a transformative period for the independent schools sector. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who can evidence strong commercial and operational expertise and a demonstrable track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative and enabling style. The successful candidate is likely to have a professional qualification in finance, estates, or project management. Sound judgement, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the mission and values of Benenden School will be essential as the School embarks on its second century of leading and innovative education.
The closing date for applications is 9am GMT Monday 3 February.
A candidate brief including details of the role and information on how to apply can be downloaded from .
Benenden School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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Chief Operating Officer employer: Benenden School
Contact Detail:
Benenden School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values: confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Demonstrating a clear understanding of these values during your interactions can set you apart as a candidate who aligns with the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where your collaborative leadership style has driven success in previous roles, especially in non-educational functions like finance or facilities management.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the recent developments at Benenden School, such as the Centenary Vision and new facilities. Being knowledgeable about these initiatives will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their ongoing success and growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to commercial strategy and identifying growth opportunities. The role requires a forward-thinking mindset, so think about innovative ideas you could bring to enhance the school's operational effectiveness.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the School's Values: Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Reflect these values in your application to demonstrate alignment with the school's mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your commercial and operational expertise, particularly in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully driven strategic initiatives in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to address the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Make sure to showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with the culture of 'stretch without stress'.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and professionalism. Ensure that you meet the application deadline of 9am GMT on Monday 3 February.
How to prepare for a job interview at Benenden School
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own leadership style and how you can embody them in your role as COO.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Vision
Showcase your ability to drive a strategic plan by discussing past experiences where you've successfully implemented commercial strategies or identified growth opportunities. Highlight your forward-thinking approach and how it aligns with the school's Centenary Vision.
✨Highlight Collaborative Leadership
Emphasize your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative and enabling style. Provide examples of how you've fostered teamwork and communication in previous roles, especially in non-educational functions.
✨Prepare for Questions on Child Welfare
Since Benenden School is committed to safeguarding children, be ready to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and your commitment to promoting the welfare of students. This will demonstrate your alignment with the school's mission.
