At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise Campbell College's operations, driving strategic development and commercial initiatives.
- Company: Prestigious boys' school with a rich heritage and vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and the chance to shape future leaders.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on safeguarding and promoting diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working in a beautiful 100-acre estate.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Campbell College is a leading HMC day and boarding school for boys aged 3–18, located on a stunning 100-acre wooded estate in Belfast. Founded in 1894, Campbell is a school with a proud heritage and a clear sense of purpose, offering an outstanding all-round education within a values-rich and caring community. Home to over 1,200 pupils, including nearly 150 boarders from across the world, Campbell achieves strong academic outcomes, provides exceptional sporting and creative opportunities, and has a vibrant Sixth Form.
The Headmaster and Governors are seeking to appoint an inspiring, collegiate and ambitious Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join Campbell’s Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially astute, strategic and engaging professional who will lead the College’s business and support functions while playing a central part in shaping and delivering the next stage of its strategic development.
Reporting to the new Headmaster and working closely with the Board of Governors, the COO will have overall responsibility for key operational areas including finance, estates and facilities, HR, compliance, catering, IT, and commercial activities. The COO will also act as the College’s commercial adviser, driving initiatives to optimise revenue and deliver ambitious capital projects.
Candidates will have a proven track record of senior leadership, commercial success and financial control, coupled with strong business and strategic planning skills and the ability to inspire, lead and develop high-functioning teams. Experience in an education setting is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate empathy with and commitment to single-sex boys’ independent education and the values and ethos of the College. A collaborative style and the ability to engage effectively with all members of the Campbell community are essential.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:
- Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit: www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 9th February 2026
Campbell College 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 & Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Chief Operating Officer in Belfast employer: Campbell College
Campbell College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead within a prestigious educational institution set in a beautiful 100-acre estate in Belfast. With a strong commitment to fostering a values-rich community, the College provides a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration among its staff. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Chief Operating Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the College while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic environment dedicated to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Belfast
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Campbell College.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Campbell College. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Campbell College
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Campbell College, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Campbell College, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Campbell College could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Campbell College as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
