At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO in health, safety, and estates management within a growing Multi-Academy Trust.
- Company: Join Alternative Learning Trust, dedicated to transforming young lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, professional development, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working, additional wellbeing leave, and access to an on-site gym.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education and experience in delivering projects in the education sector.
The predicted salary is between 35368 - 37831 £ per year.
Salary: PO2 (points 29 - 32) £42,771 - £45,750 if the post were full time. The actual salary will be in the range £35,368 to £37,831.
Hours: 32.5 hours per week, term time only plus two additional weeks to be worked in the school holidays. Monday - Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm;
Location: Alternative Learning Trust, Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, SM1 1SD
Start Date: 1 September 2026
We are currently a growing Multi‑Academy Trust and are now expanding our team to ensure we continue to develop and support all of our schools to promote our mission and vision; giving the children and families that our schools serve a community that promotes strong and healthy relationships to enable children, families, and staff to be well and flourish.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, adaptable and motivated individual to support our Chief Operating Officer (COO). The successful candidate will support with health and safety and estates. If you believe you have the right skills and attitude to thrive in this role, then we would love to hear from you.
Our Mission
Alternative Learning Trust (‘the Trust’) came from a thriving community‑focused provision (Pupil Referral Unit, now known as Alternative Provision) in South London and was created to provide a home for schools/provisions that did not have a community to belong to; to take its place in a sector that needed advocacy and accountability, to strengthen Alternative Provision and Special Schools/Pupil Referral Units and their collaboration with mainstream schools and the full range of children’s services nationally to improve outcomes for children with SEN, behaviour that communicates challenges and their families.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Been educated to GCSE level or equivalent;
- Experience of delivering a range of projects/services within the education sector.
- The ability to meet tight deadlines;
- Strong working knowledge of a range of IT programs;
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to form working relationships with a variety of people.
The Trust can offer you:
- An organisation with a clear moral purpose to change young people’s lives.
- A commitment to support you, in developing new skills through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences.
- The opportunity to work with a dedicated passionate team of professionals.
- Access to our 24/7 employee assistance scheme.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Term‑time hours and flexible working.
- Additional paid week leave in October for wellbeing purposes.
- Five Year Service award for Support Staff.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Eye care reimbursement.
- Eligibility to discount schemes such as Blue Light.
- Access to an on‑site gym.
Closing date: Monday 8 June at Midday
Interview date: Tuesday 16 June
Applications must be received no later than the closing date on the advert. Applications received after this date will not be considered. To help manage applications efficiently, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
Further information about Alternative Learning Trust can be found on our website.
Safeguarding Statement
Alternative Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a Declaration of Offences form to confirm their criminal record or other information that may make them unsuitable to work with children. It is an offence for an individual with certain criminal convictions to attempt to engage in regulated activity (working with children). This appointment is subject to pre‑employment checks including an enhanced DBS check, teaching prohibited checks (if applicable), Section 128 check (if applicable), ID and right to work check, medical screening and confirmation of qualifications and references. We will conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates for information that is publicly available. Copies of Alternative Learning Trust’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found on the Trust website.
Trust Operations Lead employer: Alternative Learning Trust
At Alternative Learning Trust, we pride ourselves on being an employer that champions the development of our staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through extensive training opportunities, and our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits, including term-time hours, additional leave for wellbeing, and access to an on-site gym. Join us in a role where you can contribute to a community-focused mission and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to transforming education for children with diverse needs.
Contact Details:
Alternative Learning Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust Operations Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Trust! Research their mission and values so you can show how your skills align with what they stand for. This will help you connect on a deeper level during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the role and the team. They might share tips that could give you an edge in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to health and safety, project management, and communication skills. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Alternative Learning Trust community.
We think you need these skills to ace Trust Operations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share your motivation for wanting to join our team at Alternative Learning Trust.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can support our COO effectively, so mention any past projects or roles that align with this. It’ll help us see why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a strong response, so get your application in as soon as you can. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’ve secured your chance to be considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alternative Learning Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Alternative Learning Trust. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the education sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Since the role involves delivering a range of projects, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in detail. Highlight specific projects you've managed, the outcomes, and how you overcame any challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this position. During the interview, practice clear and concise answers. Be ready to provide examples of how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in the past, as this will illustrate your ability to work collaboratively within the Trust.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the Trust's goals and challenges. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the Trust's mission and vision.
