Chief Operating Officer

Summary:

Chief Operating Officer job opportunity at a leading independent boarding school.

About the School:

A school with a rich heritage, academic excellence, and a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community. It offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, with a strong focus on education, the arts, and personal development.

The Opportunity:

As Chief Operating Officer, you will provide strategic leadership across professional services, shaping a shared services model that supports the school’s ambitions and ensures seamless operational delivery. This is a pivotal role in a school undergoing continued growth and organisational development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee a broad portfolio including estates, capital development, domestic services, catering, HR, IT, health and safety, compliance, and security.
• Lead and manage large, diverse teams delivering essential services to support the life of a leading boarding school.
• Ensure the resilience of systems, infrastructure, and the stewardship of a substantial and historically significant estate.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with the school’s long-term vision and objectives.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, Governors, and the Head to drive organisational change and improvement.
• Maintain strong financial and operational acumen to support decision-making and resource allocation.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in managing complex, multi-site or multi-disciplinary organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence.
• Strong organisational and financial acumen with experience in budgeting and resource management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Leadership experience in driving change and managing large teams through periods of transition.

Preferred

• Experience in the education sector, particularly in a boarding school or independent school setting.
• Background in IT and digital strategy, with an understanding of modern operational systems.
• Familiarity with health and safety, compliance, and security frameworks.
• Knowledge of capital development and estates management in a historic or heritage setting.
• Experience in fostering a culture aligned with the values of academic excellence, pastoral care, and co-curricular engagement.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Excellent professional support and career development opportunities.
• Generous staff benefits and a supportive, collegiate working environment.