At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive excellence across multiple academies.
- Company: Join a mission-driven Catholic Trust focused on transforming children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for growth, and impactful work in education.
- Other info: Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision for expansion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operational leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 108202 - 134860 £ per year.
St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is based in the Liverpool City Region with six primary and four secondary academies. As a united family of academies, we are fully aligned around our central mission to transform children’s lives by providing them with a world-class Catholic education. This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven organisation with an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and a clear trajectory for substantial growth. With the Trust set to expand to include 66 schools and 28,000 children by 2031, the COO will play a critical role in building the infrastructure, systems, and capacity required to support a larger, more complex organisation.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Finance and Strategy Officer (CFSO), you will lead the operational strategy of the Trust—ensuring that all non-educational functions are aligned, efficient, and fit for scale.
The Role
- Develop and implement a scalable operating model to support the Trust’s growth plan
- Lead operational due diligence and onboarding of new schools, ensuring seamless integration into the Trust
- Lead on organisational design and infrastructure, ensuring readiness for new schools joining the Trust
- Drive operational excellence, embedding efficient, consistent systems and processes across all academies
- Work in close partnership with the CFO to ensure strong alignment between financial planning and operational delivery
- Oversee estates and capital strategy, supporting both expansion and sustainability
- Strengthen governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks
- Build and lead a high-performing central services team
- Develop and evolve a high-performing shared services model, ensuring central functions deliver efficient, consistent, and value-adding support across all academies
- Lead and embed a culture of operational excellence, driving continuous improvement, standardisation, and high-quality execution across the Trust
- Ensure that all operational activity is delivered in line with the Trust’s agreed values, behaviours, and culture, role-modelling and reinforcing these across the organisation
The Candidate
We are seeking a strategic, experienced leader with a strong track record of delivering operational excellence in a complex, multi-site organisation. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role (COO, Director of Operations or equivalent)
- A track record of leading organisations through growth, transformation, or scale-up
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Strong commercial and organisational acumen, with the ability to translate strategy into delivery
- Experience of working alongside finance leadership to drive integrated decision-making
- The ability to lead diverse functions and build cohesive, high-performing teams
- A commitment to the values and ethos of Catholic education
How to apply
To request an application pack or to arrange a conversation with the CEO please email dion.mills@edwinpeople.com or call 07860966343.
Closing Date: 9am Monday 22nd June
Interviews: TBC
Chief Operating Officer in Liverpool employer: Catholic Recruitment
St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming children's lives through a world-class Catholic education. With a strong focus on operational excellence and a commitment to employee growth, the Trust offers a collaborative work culture where leaders can thrive while shaping the future of education in the Liverpool City Region. As the organisation expands to include 66 schools by 2031, this role presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a mission-driven environment that values innovation and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with multi-academy trusts. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around operational excellence and growth strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven operational success in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the COO role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and how it aligns with our mission at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've driven operational excellence and led organisations through growth or transformation.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity, so share your passion for education and how it connects with our values and ethos at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Recruitment
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the mission and values of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Understand how they aim to transform children's lives through education. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their core values.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led operational strategies in complex organisations. Highlight your ability to drive growth and transformation, as this role is all about scaling up and ensuring operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
As a COO, you'll need exceptional interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built cohesive teams and fostered collaboration across diverse functions. Use anecdotes that illustrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Align with Financial Acumen
Since the role involves working closely with finance leadership, brush up on how you've integrated financial planning with operational delivery in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you can ensure strong alignment between these areas at the Trust.
