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- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive business 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 education and impact thousands of young lives positively.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational transformation and strategic leadership in complex organisations.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team with excellent career progression and training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 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.
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.
Responsibilities:- Lead the business transformation programme, including digital transformation, professional services, HR and people strategy and services, talent development through the Talent Academy, estates and facilities, and governance.
- Champion and drive operational excellence across the organisation in collaboration with the Chief Executive and the Trust's Senior Leadership Team.
- Ensure operational infrastructure, systems, and people strategies are cutting edge, scalable and aligned with the mission.
- Work to enable outstanding outcomes in all Star Academies' schools through integrated functions and governance.
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.
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.
Please download the Appointment Brief for further information about the role. If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact Daniel Burgess, Lead Resourcing Partner.
Key dates:- Closing Date: 9 March 2026 at midnight.
- Interview Date: 27 March 2026 (at Star Central, in Blackburn).
- Proposed Start Date: To be negotiated.
To apply, please visit our website.
Chief Operating Officer in Burnley employer: Star Academies
Contact Detail:
Star Academies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Star Academies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Star Academies' mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your operational transformation successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the interview; engage with us on social media! Follow Star Academies, comment on our posts, and share relevant content. This shows your genuine interest and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the COO role. Highlight your experience in operational transformation and how it aligns with our mission at Star Academies.
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 impact.
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 Academies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Star Academies' mission and values. Understand their approach to operational excellence and how they integrate various functions. This will help you align your experience with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through transformation in complex environments. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've built trust within your previous organisations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic vision. Think about challenges you've faced in operational roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the future direction of Star Academies, their current challenges, or how they measure success in operational excellence. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
