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- Tasks: Lead strategic operations across multiple schools and enhance educational environments.
- Company: Join a growing Catholic Academy Trust dedicated to student and staff success.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of education within a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in executive leadership and strategic planning.
- Other info: Flexible location with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is recruiting for a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary Range: Highly competitive + benefits
Location: Flexible. The nature of work will largely involve the postholder carrying out work at different schools within the Trust. There is also a Head office at Shirley Court, Croydon, CR9 5AS.
Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
We are looking for an exceptional individual to join the Central Services team at St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, as our Chief Operating Officer. We currently have four secondary schools and twelve primary schools. We are a growing Trust and are supported by the Archdiocese of Southwark to grow to thirty-five schools over the next three to five years.
Responsibilities:
- The Chief Operating Officer will play a crucial role in the strategic leadership of Trust-wide estates and site development and management, IT services and technology, facilities and operations, health and safety and the growth strategy of our Trust.
- We are seeking an individual who possesses not only exceptional knowledge of these areas and acumen but also a passion for fostering a positive and innovative environment where both students and staff can thrive.
- Our Catholic ethos and mission is at the heart of everything we do and we expect candidates to share and embrace those values.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have extensive previous experience of working as part of an Executive Leadership Team.
- Be able to communicate complex estate management, IT and technology and growth strategic planning to diverse audiences.
- Share our commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Play a key role in shaping the strategy of the Trust and ensuring that strong practice and strategy are embedded within all strategic planning.
- Align to the mission, vision and values of St Oscar Romero and the Diocese.
In return we offer:
- The opportunity to work within a highly skilled and supportive team.
- A commitment to continue with national pay, terms and conditions.
- Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Staff benefits, including a cycle to work scheme.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth and access to our Training Portal.
- The opportunity to join a growing Trust.
Key dates:
- Closing date: 9:00am Monday 23rd February.
- Interview date: w/c 2nd March.
- Start date: To be agreed.
How to apply:
The deadline for receipt of applications is 9:00am on Monday 23rd February 2026. If you would like to arrange a visit or have a telephone appointment to discuss the role with Clare Verga, Chief Executive Officer, please contact Sarah Yusuf-Watson by email at syusufwatson@oscarromero.co.uk.
Applicants should complete the Catholic Education Service Leadership form, available in supporting documents. Please use the personal statement in your application form to demonstrate how you meet the person specification, with evidence provided wherever possible of outcomes and positive impact.
Candidates will be shortlisted on how well they demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attributes set out in the job description and person specification. Completed forms should be submitted by email. Should you have any queries please contact HR on 0207 202 8199.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing on Monday 2nd March 2026. The interview process will consist of a series of job-related exercises designed to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the key attitudes, skills and knowledge required for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be fully briefed at the beginning of the process and supported throughout the day.
Safeguarding: St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory shortlisting and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.
To be considered for the role, please attach an application form when applying.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Croydon employer: ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
Contact Detail:
ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at St Oscar Romero. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Trust's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, and don’t forget to highlight your passion for fostering a positive environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply; engage! If you can, arrange a visit or a chat with Clare Verga, the CEO. It shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and the Catholic ethos shine through. We want to see how you align with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!
Be Specific: Use concrete examples in your personal statement to demonstrate how your experience meets the person specification. We love seeing evidence of outcomes and positive impacts you've made in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and experience in areas like estate management and IT services.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our growing Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust. Understand their mission, vision, and values, especially their commitment to fostering a positive environment for students and staff. This will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive experience in strategic leadership. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed estates, IT services, or growth strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll be communicating complex information to diverse audiences, so practice explaining your ideas in a straightforward manner. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills and ensure you can convey your thoughts effectively.
✨Prepare for Job-Related Exercises
The interview process will include job-related exercises, so be ready to showcase your skills in real-time scenarios. Think about potential challenges the Trust might face and how you would address them. This preparation will help you feel more confident and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
