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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive transformation across our organisation.
- Company: Join a values-driven trust dedicated to improving young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and empower thousands of students.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex organisations and a commitment to our values.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on equality and respect.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
You will have
- Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership and operational management.
- Proven senior operational leadership in complex, multi-site organisations.
- Experience leading organisational transformation and change management programs.
- The ability to change leadership and organisational development with proven delivery.
- Unwavering commitment to our Trust values.
Our Commitment
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Star Academies
Contact Detail:
Star Academies 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 that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led transformation in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it has built trust within teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 specific skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your operational transformation experience and how it relates to our mission at StudySmarter.
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 environments. This will help us understand how you can fit into our executive leadership team.
Demonstrate Your Vision: Articulate your strategic vision for operational excellence clearly. We’re looking for someone who can lead change and drive innovation, so don’t hold back on sharing your ideas on how to enhance our organisational infrastructure.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Star Academies
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their operational challenges and successes will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in driving their vision forward.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led operational transformations in previous roles. Highlight your strategic vision and problem-solving skills, focusing on measurable outcomes that align with the organisation's goals.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
As a COO, your ability to build trust and foster collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged teams across different functions and sites, and how you plan to continue this approach to enhance organisational capability.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values and be prepared to discuss how your leadership style and commitment to diversity and inclusion align with them. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture they are cultivating.
