At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive transformation across a network of schools.
- Company: Star Academies, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation with excellent career progression potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young people and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational transformation and collaborative leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to Star Academies on this appointment.
View and download the full Appointment Brief.
Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools serving communities across the country. We are committed to educational excellence, character development and service to our communities, nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
About the role
We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. This is a pivotal new role that will lead the next phase of organisational development, ensuring our operational infrastructure, systems, and people strategies remain cutting-edge, scalable, and aligned with our mission.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and the newly appointed Chief Strategy & Finance Officer, you will champion and drive operational excellence across the Trust. You will lead our business transformation programme, encompassing digital transformation, estates and facilities, professional services, governance, and talent development through our Talent Academy.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a track record of operational transformation in complex, multi-site organisations. You will bring strategic vision, systems-level problem-solving skills, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and organisational capability.
This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven, high-performing trust and make a significant contribution to the life chances of thousands of young people.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.
We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Find out more
If you have any questions based on any aspect of the appointment process or require any additional information, please contact talent@impactedgroup.uk with the subject line “Star Academies – Chief Operating Officer”.
Key dates:
Closing Date: Monday 3 November 2025 at 5:30pm.
Interview Date: First round w/c Monday 17 November. Final interview w/c 24 November.
Proposed Start Date: January 2026 or ASAP thereafter.
Application process
Please download and review the full Appointment Brief before applying. To apply, download and complete the application form and send it by email to talent@impactedgroup.uk with the subject line “Star Academies – Chief Operating Officer”.
Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies) employer: IMPACTED GROUP
Star Academies is an exceptional employer dedicated to educational excellence and character development, providing a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth through its Star Talent Academy. As a Chief Operating Officer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a values-driven organisation, with access to extensive training, competitive salaries, and generous benefits, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people across diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies)
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like IMPACTED GROUP just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at IMPACTED GROUP. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At IMPACTED GROUP, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at IMPACTED GROUP
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at IMPACTED GROUP, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At IMPACTED GROUP, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
