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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive transformation across our multi-academy trust.
- Company: Star Academies, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young people and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational transformation and strategic leadership.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation with excellent career progression and training.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools serving communities across the country. We are committed to educational excellence, character development and service to our communities, nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
About the role
We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. This pivotal new role will lead the next phase of organisational development, ensuring our operational infrastructure, systems, and people strategies are cutting-edge, scalable, and fully aligned with our mission. Working closely with the Chief Executive and the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team, you will champion and drive operational excellence across the organisation. You will lead our business transformation programme, encompassing digital transformation, professional services, HR and people strategy and services, talent development through our Talent Academy, estates and facilities, and governance - ensuring these functions work seamlessly to enable outstanding outcomes in all our schools.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a track record of operational transformation in complex, multi-site organisations. You will bring strategic vision, systems-level problem-solving skills, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and organisational capability. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven, high-performing trust and make a significant contribution to the life chances of thousands of young people.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Key dates:
- Closing Date: 9 March 2026
- Interview Date: 27 March 2026 (at Star Central, in Blackburn)
- Proposed Start Date: To be negotiated
Application process
For more information and to apply online, please go to: Job Application Link.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Star Acadamies
Contact Detail:
Star Acadamies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Star Academies thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in their organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led operational transformations in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it aligns with Star Academies' values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Star Academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Star Academies. Highlight your experience in operational transformation and how it aligns with our commitment to educational excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your collaborative leadership style in action! Share examples of how you've built trust and capability within teams, especially in complex, multi-site organisations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your strategic vision and problem-solving skills, making it easy for us to see your potential fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our academies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Star Acadamies
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Star Academies' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to educational excellence and community service. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in operational transformation within complex, multi-site organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led change initiatives and improved systems, as this is crucial for the COO role.
✨Collaborative Leadership Style
Star Academies is looking for a leader who can build trust and foster collaboration. Think of instances where you've worked closely with teams or stakeholders to achieve common goals. Emphasise your ability to engage others and drive operational excellence through teamwork.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces or how they envision the future of their operational strategies. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
