Chief Operating Officer in England

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.

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.

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 below 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, by emailing.

Please note that previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Monday, 9 March 2026 at midnight.
• Interview Date: Friday, 27 March 2026 (at Star Central, in Blackburn).
• Proposed Start Date: To be negotiated.

To apply for this vacancy please use the ‘Apply for job’ link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the appointment brief. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the appointment brief.

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. 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.