Join Us - Help shape the future of one of the UK's most respected specialist education charities and create opportunities for deaf children and young people to achieve their ambitions without limits.
Mary Hare School
Newbury, Berkshire
Salary: £89,428 - £101,602 per annum
Full Time | 35 hours per week
A unique opportunity to help transform lives
At Mary Hare, we believe every deaf child and young person should have the opportunity to thrive, achieve and fulfil their potential.
As the UK's leading school and charity for deaf children and young people, we combine outstanding education, specialist support and a strong sense of community to help our students develop the confidence, skills and independence they need for life beyond school. Set within a beautiful 124-acre campus in Berkshire, we are proud of our national reputation for excellence and our unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve.
We are now seeking an exceptional and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Team and help shape the future of our organisation.
This is far more than an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to be part of a mission that changes lives every day.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Principal & CEO, you will play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership of Mary Hare, helping to ensure our people, resources and infrastructure enable the very best outcomes for our students.
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will lead a broad portfolio encompassing:
- Finance and financial planning
- Human Resources
- Estates and facilities management
- Health and Safety
- Information Technology
- Governance and company secretarial responsibilities
- Data Protection
- Commercial activities and trading subsidiaries
- Legal compliance, risk and organisational effectiveness
Working closely with Governors, Trustees and senior leaders, you will help drive innovation, sustainability and operational excellence across the School and Foundation. You will provide strategic oversight of the organisation's support functions, ensuring they work seamlessly together to deliver the best possible environment for students, staff and stakeholders.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders who share our commitment to inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement.
You may currently be working within education, charity, healthcare, the public sector or a complex commercial environment. Most importantly, you will bring:
- A proven track record of leading diverse operational functions at a senior level
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Experience of strategic planning, governance and organisational leadership
- The ability to build positive relationships and influence at Board and Executive level
- Excellent judgement, integrity and resilience
- A collaborative leadership style that empowers and develops others
We are particularly interested in individuals who are excited by the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-led organisation where operational excellence directly supports life-changing outcomes for young people.
Why Join Mary Hare?
Mary Hare is a special place to work.
Our staff are united by a shared commitment to helping deaf children and young people succeed. We are ambitious for our students, supportive of one another and proud of the inclusive community we have built together.
By joining us, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of deaf children and young people
- Help shape the future direction of a nationally respected charity and school
- Work alongside committed colleagues, Trustees and Governors
- Lead ambitious projects and organisational developments
- Be part of a welcoming, supportive and values-led community
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute fully.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently under-represented in senior leadership positions. We believe that a broad range of perspectives strengthens our organisation and enhances our ability to serve the children, young people and families who rely on us.
Find Out More
We welcome enquiries from prospective candidates.
If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity before deciding whether to apply or would like to arrange an informal discussion with Robin Askew, Principal & CEO, please contact Sharon Rogers, P.A. to the Principal, by email at [email protected] to arrange a suitable time.
Further information, including the job description and application form can be found below:
Job Description Chief Operating Officer
For more information about Mary Hare please visit the Mary Hare website using the following link: About Us - Mary Hare
Key Dates
Closing Date for Applications: 1 December 2026
Interviews and Selection Process: Week commencing Monday 7 December 2026
Safeguarding
Mary Hare School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Chief Operating Officer in Newbury employer: Mary Hare
Mary Hare is an exceptional employer, dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to contribute to the education of profoundly deaf children in a well-maintained residential school setting. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every member of our housekeeping team plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment, making a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils.
