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- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive transformation across a multi-academy trust.
- Company: Star Academies, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare cash plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young people and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational transformation and strategic leadership.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation with excellent career progression potential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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 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 with the subject line “Star Academies – Chief Operating Officer”.
Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies) employer: IMPACTED GROUP
Contact Detail:
IMPACTED GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Star Academies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in a COO.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their mission and values. We want to show that we’re not just a fit on paper, but that we genuinely resonate with their commitment to educational excellence and community service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help us articulate our vision for operational excellence and how we’d lead their business transformation programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Star Academies team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (Star Academies)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Appointment Brief: Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and thoroughly read the full Appointment Brief. It’s packed with essential info about the role and what Star Academies is all about, helping you tailor your application to fit perfectly.
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the application form, highlight your experience in operational transformation, especially in multi-site organisations. We want to see how your strategic vision and problem-solving skills can align with our mission at Star Academies.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for a collaborative leader who builds trust, so don’t hesitate to share your leadership style and how it has positively impacted your previous teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve got everything ready, remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at IMPACTED GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Star Academies' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their operational strategies and recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your collaborative leadership approach and how it has driven operational transformation in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to build trust and enhance organisational capability, as these are key traits they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex, multi-site environments. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your strategic vision for the role. Inquire about their current business transformation programme or how they envision the COO contributing to their Talent Academy. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in the future of the organisation.
