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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead non-educational functions like finance, IT, and facilities at a prestigious school.
- Company: Join Benenden School, a top independent school in the UK with a rich history since 1923.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative period with opportunities for growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while fostering a culture of confidence and compassion.
- Qualifications: Professional qualifications in finance, estates, or project management are essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 3 February; commitment to child welfare is a must.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Head and members of the Governing Council of Benenden School invite applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
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Founded in 1923, Benenden is one of the leading independent schools in Britain and is situated in 250 acres of beautiful parkland in Kent. Some 550 girls benefit from Benenden’s ‘A Complete Education’ (ACE), with the core values of confidence, compassion, courage and courtesy at its heart.
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A key aspect of school life at Benenden is its culture of ‘stretch without stress’ and its distinctive approach to boarding, which is central to the educational experience for every girl. Motivational teaching and a dynamic, challenging curriculum are fundamental to this experience, encouraging and supporting girls to develop their interests and excel beyond the classroom.
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Benenden is fast approaching the completion of its Centenary Vision, an exciting development plan which has recently led the School to its 100th anniversary. The School has constantly sought to develop and improve its educational provision, adding an all-weather pitch, sports pavilion, additional on-site staff housing, state-of-the-art Science Centre and an Eco-Classroom to the campus in recent years. The stunning new Hall and Music School are also valuable new additions to the site.
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Reporting directly to the Head, the COO will assume overall responsibility for the leadership of all non-educational functions within the School, including finance, estates and facilities, people services, IT and commercial enterprise activities. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the COO will play a pivotal role in driving the successful execution of the Strategic Plan and realising the School's vision for the future.
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This is a wide-ranging and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to provide commercial strategy, identify growth opportunities and continue to drive a culture of professionalism during a transformative period for the independent schools sector. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who can evidence strong commercial and operational expertise and a demonstrable track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative and enabling style. The successful candidate is likely to have a professional qualification in finance, estates or project management. Sound judgement, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the mission and values of Benenden School will be essential as the School embarks on its second century of leading and innovative education.
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Further information on Benenden can be found at: www.benenden.school
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The closing date for applications is 9am GMT Monday 3 February.
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A candidate brief including details of the role and information on how to apply can be downloaded below.
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Benenden School 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 and Barring Service (DBS).
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Chief Operating Officer - Benenden School (Hiring Immediately) employer: Odgers Berndtson
Contact Detail:
Odgers Berndtson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - Benenden School (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values: confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Demonstrating a clear understanding of these values during your interactions can set you apart as a candidate who truly aligns with the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully driven collaboration and enabled team success in previous roles, as this is crucial for the COO position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the recent developments at Benenden School, such as the Centenary Vision and new facilities. Being able to discuss these initiatives and how you can contribute to their ongoing success will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commercial strategy experience. The role requires identifying growth opportunities, so think about past projects where you've successfully implemented strategies that led to measurable improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - Benenden School (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the School's Values: Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Reflect these values in your application to demonstrate alignment with the school's mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your commercial and operational expertise, particularly in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully driven change and growth in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to address the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Make sure to mention your professional qualifications in finance, estates, or project management.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and correctness. Ensure that you meet the application deadline of 9am GMT on Monday, 3 February.
How to prepare for a job interview at Odgers Berndtson
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarize yourself with Benenden School's core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own leadership style and how you can embody them in your role as COO.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for COO, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school's non-educational functions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven strategic initiatives in previous roles, particularly in finance, estates, or project management.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative approach. Be ready to share specific instances where your enabling style has led to successful outcomes and fostered a culture of professionalism.
✨Prepare for Questions on Growth Opportunities
Anticipate questions regarding potential growth opportunities for the school. Think about innovative ideas that align with the school's Centenary Vision and how you would implement them to enhance the educational experience at Benenden.
