At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance business services supporting education for children and young people.
- Company: Join New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust, a leader in Special Education with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, healthcare schemes, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a similar role with strategic planning and facilities management expertise required.
- Other info: Attend Q&A webinars to learn more about the role and our commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post-19 provisions. Our settings support a wide spectrum of needs from age 4-19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all.
We are now looking to appoint an experienced and dynamic Chief Operations Officer to provide and lead an outstanding business service which supports the education of our children and young people across the New Bridge Group. Candidates will need to provide evidence of experience in the same or similar role and the ability to formulate and implement strategic plans in agreed timescales. There is a significant and expanding range of buildings/facilities and estates across the Group and so it is essential that candidates have extensive and expert experience in this area. Candidates also need experience of leading and managing other internal central services i.e. Fleet Management, Health & Safety, ICT and Human Resources.
In return we offer very competitive terms and conditions including enrolment into the local government pension scheme, occupational sickness scheme, family friendly policies, a healthcare scheme and the ability to accrue additional leave. The Trust is a forward-thinking organisation and embraces flexible working to ensure all our staff have a positive work/life balance. Please see the candidate pack for further details of our full range of benefits.
As part of the recruitment process the Chief Executive Officer and other senior colleagues will be hosting Q&A webinars on Thursday 3rd July 2025 at 10am and Tuesday 8th July 2025 at 2pm. If you wish to attend, please contact Simon Smith (Executive Director HR) by email at simonsmith@newbridgegroup.org.
New Bridge MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must have a commitment to safeguarding young people. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references will be sought prior to interview. For all shortlisted candidates, an online search will also be carried out as part of our due diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024. This post will be subject to a number of other pre-employment checks including satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Salary: Chief Officerβs Pay Range 1 β 5
Hours of work: Based on full time / full year (36 hours 40 minutes Monday to Friday)
Commencing: Immediate start subject to notice
Closing Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025 at 4pm
Interviews: Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th July 2025
Further information: Clare.john@newbridgegroup.org
Completed application forms to: recruitment@newbridgegroup.org
Chief Operations Officer employer: Bank of America

Contact Detail:
Bank of America Recruiting Team
simonsmith@newbridgegroup.org
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chief Operations Officer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and outstanding educational opportunities will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your strategic planning experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented operational strategies in previous roles, particularly in educational or similar settings.
β¨Tip Number 3
Engage with the Q&A webinars hosted by senior colleagues. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the role and demonstrate your interest, while also gaining insights that can help you tailor your approach.
β¨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and services such as Health & Safety, ICT, and Human Resources. Be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration and efficiency across these areas to support educational outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operations Officer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Operations Officer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required experiences, especially in strategic planning and managing central services.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in operations management, particularly in educational settings or similar roles. Emphasise your achievements in formulating and implementing strategic plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for special education and your leadership skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed facilities and services in previous roles.
Prepare for the Q&A Webinar: If you're interested in attending the Q&A webinars, prepare questions in advance. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gain insights into the organisation's culture and expectations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bank of America
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Chief Operations Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to formulate and implement strategic plans. Prepare specific examples of past experiences where you've successfully led strategic initiatives, particularly in educational or similar settings.
β¨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Make sure to discuss your experience in leading and managing various internal services such as Fleet Management, Health & Safety, ICT, and Human Resources. Be ready to provide examples of how you have effectively managed teams and improved operational efficiency.
β¨Understand the Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding inclusivity and supporting diverse educational needs.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges the Trust might face and how you would address them, particularly in relation to managing facilities and resources.