At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and professional services at a prestigious dance school.
- Company: Renowned Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in Twickenham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading arts institution and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial strategy experience.
The predicted salary is between 76500 - 93500 £ per year.
Rambert School is seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help shape the next chapter of one of the world’s leading centres of ballet and contemporary dance training. Founded by Marie Rambert in 1920, the School is a small, specialist and internationally renowned higher education institution. We combine an extraordinary heritage with a determination to innovate, collaborate and explore new creative territory. Our purposefully intimate scale enables us to recognise each student’s individuality and provide the exceptional training, support and opportunities they need to flourish.
Working alongside Amanda Britton, our Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director, the COO will lead all operational and professional services. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, they will ensure that the School’s people, resources, systems and infrastructure support its artistic, educational and commercial ambitions. Finance and governance leadership will be central to the role.
We are looking for a qualified accountant with strong commercial instincts and significant experience of leading financial strategy, planning, performance and control. The successful candidate will also bring experience of governance, risk and compliance, including supporting Boards and acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders. The portfolio extends to executive oversight across human resources, estates, IT and digital infrastructure, development and communications, participation and outreach.
The COO will bring these areas together, strengthening professional services, leading change and supporting a collaborative, high-performing culture. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, commercially minded and hands-on leader to help an ambitious specialist institution continue to thrive.
Closing date: noon on Friday 11 September 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equity of opportunity in employment to all our staff and applicants. We nurture and embrace difference and foster a culture of inclusivity. We strive for a diverse staff, representative of the population of Greater London and our international student body and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Chief Operating Officer employer: The Wild
At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.
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