Chief Operating Officer | Derby Diocesan Academy Trust

Our thriving and values-driven multi-academy trust is seeking to appoint an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help realise our vision of delivering high-quality, inclusive education rooted in Christian values. Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) was established in 2014 for schools choosing to become an academy as well as for those who found themselves in need of a sponsor. Our vision is to build a better future for all across our academies who, in turn, will positively impact their communities. We want our children and young people to be able to ‘experience life in all its fullness’ and although this phrase is rooted in a Christian narrative (taken from John 10:10), irrespective of a faith perspective, that is what all of us want for our pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and strategic leader to shape and strengthen our Central Services Team, playing a key role in delivering our ambitious plans for sustainable growth. Excellence across all operational functions will be vital in supporting our current family of schools, while also developing the systems, structures, and capacity needed for the future.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic leadership and operational effectiveness of the Trust, deputising where required. You will lead all non-academic and central service functions alongside the CFO who oversees finance, ensuring they reflect and reinforce our vision, values, and distinctively Christian ethos.

We are looking for a highly experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering organisational improvement and managing complex operations within a comparable setting. You will bring strong strategic insight, a collaborative approach, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities across central support services. Above all, you will be committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people.

DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, completion of a probationary period, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Please note that all candidates must have a right to work in the UK in order to be able to work at our Trust. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for international job applicants.