At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Trust to deliver outstanding educational experiences and outcomes for students.
- Company: Sheffield UTC Academy Trust, focused on innovative education and partnerships with top employers.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape future leaders and work in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to preparing students for tomorrow's careers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures through strategic leadership and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in senior leadership within education and a strong understanding of governance and finance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
The Sheffield UTC Academy Trust are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principal to start ideally 01 January 2027. This is a pivotal appointment for the Trust, allowing it to build on the success of the retiring current CEO. The CEO will provide clear, ambitious leadership, ensuring that our vision and values are translated into outstanding outcomes for all students across our UTCs.
Central to this role is the leadership of the Trust within its context of delivering an outstanding educational experience grounded in real, relevant workplace practice. Partnerships with world‑class companies, other schools, colleges and universities give our students a unique start to their future careers. We provide training today for the jobs of tomorrow. Our cutting‑edge facilities and engagement with employers and university partners provides an exciting environment.
Our destinations are testament to our success with students progressing to Russell Group Universities including Cambridge, securing higher level apprenticeships and employment at companies including McLaren, Boeing, Rolls‑Royce, Toyota, NHS, Bauer Media, BP and the Royal Navy.
The successful candidate will be a highly skilled leader who understands the challenges of educating 13–19‑year‑olds in an employer and university‑led technology rich environment. Effective partnership working is absolutely critical to the Trust’s success. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and Members, you will shape the future direction of the Trust, driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability and strong organisational performance.
We are looking for a highly experienced and credible leader, ideally with a strong background in senior leadership within a Multi‑Academy Trust or similar educational setting. You will bring a deep understanding of the educational landscape, alongside expertise in areas such as governance, finance, HR and organisational development.
The role combines strategic leadership with operational accountability. You will oversee all aspects of the Trust’s performance, including educational standards, financial management, people leadership, and external partnerships. You will ensure robust systems and structures are in place to deliver both immediate priorities and long‑term objectives, while maintaining full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
IMPORTANT: To apply, please download the attached UTC application form. CVs will not be accepted. In addition to your application form, please outline with your covering letter (no more than 3 sides of A4) how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification in particular with reference to:
- your motivation for applying for the role and your understanding of the distinctive mission of UTC education.
- your experience of strategic leadership within a complex educational or organisational setting.
- your experience of improving educational outcomes, organisational effectiveness and leadership capacity.
- your approach to partnership working, stakeholder engagement and system leadership.
- your vision for the future of technical and employer‑led education.
Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principal in Sheffield employer: UTC Sheffield City Centre
The Sheffield UTC Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a dynamic and innovative educational environment that prioritises student success and real-world application. With strong partnerships with leading companies and universities, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, ensuring that they are at the forefront of shaping the future of education. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement makes this an inspiring place to work for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principal in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with Multi-Academy Trusts. Attend events or webinars where you can meet key players and discuss your vision for technical education.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in educational outcomes. Make it clear how your approach aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the Trust's current challenges and successes. Be ready to discuss how you can build on their achievements and tackle any issues head-on. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in their future.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, make sure your covering letter highlights your motivation and understanding of UTC education—it’s your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principal in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what we’re about at Sheffield UTC Academy Trust. Dive into our mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with our goals. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Specific in Your Covering Letter:When outlining your experience, don’t just list your achievements. Instead, give us specific examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership skills and how you've improved educational outcomes. We want to see how your past experiences can translate into success for our students.
Show Your Passion for Education:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about the future of technical and employer-led education. Make sure to express your motivation for applying and share your vision for how you can contribute to our mission. Let your passion shine through!
Follow the Application Instructions:Remember, we only accept applications through our website using the provided form. Make sure you fill it out completely and attach your covering letter as specified. Following these instructions shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at UTC Sheffield City Centre
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding The Sheffield UTC Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with their vision, values, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership can align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the Trust. Think about how you would drive continuous improvement and financial sustainability. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead in a complex educational setting.
✨Highlight Partnership Experience
Given the importance of partnerships in this role, come prepared with examples of successful collaborations you've led. Discuss how you've engaged stakeholders and built relationships with external partners, as this will be crucial for the Trust's success.
✨Demonstrate Educational Impact
Be ready to talk about your track record in improving educational outcomes. Share concrete examples of how you've enhanced organisational effectiveness and leadership capacity in previous roles, and how you plan to replicate that success at the Trust.
