Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and drive impactful change in a values-led Multi Academy Trust.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation committed to realising every child's potential.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible hybrid working, and the chance to shape educational outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in operations and finance, preferably in education.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a supportive environment.
We are pleased to be partnering with a growing and values-led Multi Academy Trust in the South West to appoint an Interim Chief Operating Officer at a pivotal point in its development. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board, the COO will provide strategic leadership across all non-academic functions, ensuring the Trust's operational, financial, and people infrastructure enables sustainable growth and outstanding outcomes for pupils. This is a high-impact interim assignment, offering the opportunity to shape systems, strengthen governance, and lead complex change across a diverse portfolio of mainstream and specialist settings.
Scope & Accountability
- Providing strategic vision and leadership across core non-educational functions, aligned to the Trust's mission, values, and long-term growth strategy
- Ensuring the financial health, sustainability, and regulatory compliance of the Trust
- Oversight and continuous improvement of Trust-wide services including finance, operations, estates, ICT, HR, and resourcing
- Leading on employment law compliance, organisational design, and policy development in response to evolving legislation
- Supporting effective governance, risk management, and assurance across the Trust and its entities
- Acting as a visible, credible leader, fostering high performance and engagement across senior teams and the wider organisation
Candidate Profile
This role will suit a seasoned executive interim with a strong track record in complex, regulated environments.
Essential experience
- Significant senior leadership experience across operations and finance, ideally within Education or a Multi Academy Trust
- Proven experience presenting monthly management accounts, implementing robust financial controls, and leading strategic financial planning
- Strong working knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook, GDPR, and education-sector regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrable executive leadership of multi-disciplinary business functions
- Deep understanding of employment law, workforce strategy, and organisational design
- Confidence operating at Board and executive level, advising on risk, compliance, and strategic decision-making
Desirable
- Experience supporting or leading SEND-related developments
- An accountancy qualification (advantageous but not essential)
This is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation that is deeply committed to realising the potential of every child. The Trust places inclusion, care, and excellence at the heart of everything it does, and this role will play a critical part in ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support that ambition.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion about the Interim Chief Operating Officer role, please contact Kathryn Evans at Sellick Partnership. Closing date: Friday 23rd January at 4:00pm. Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Interim Chief Operating Officer in Cricklade employer: Sellick Partnership
Contact Detail:
Sellick Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Operating Officer in Cricklade
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your strategic vision and leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved operations in previous roles – this is your time to shine!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tough questions by brushing up on your knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook and current educational regulations. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re passionate about making a difference in the education sector.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Operating Officer in Cricklade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Interim Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your leadership experience in operations and finance, especially within education or Multi Academy Trusts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your strategic vision and how you can contribute to the Trust's mission and values.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex change and improve operational efficiency. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Chief Operating Officer, you'll need to be on top of financials. Brush up on presenting management accounts and financial controls. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, as this will show your strategic financial planning skills.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Academy Trust Handbook, GDPR, and other relevant regulations. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of compliance and risk management, as this is crucial for the role and will highlight your expertise in navigating complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a credible leader who can engage senior teams. Prepare examples of how you've fostered high performance and engagement in previous positions. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you led your team through them.
✨Align with Their Values
The Trust is values-led, so it's important to connect your personal values with theirs. Research their mission and think about how your leadership approach aligns with their commitment to inclusion, care, and excellence. Be ready to articulate this during your interview.
