Job Title

Chief Operating Officer with proven senior leadership / management experience in a multi-site organisation, operational management experience including finance, facilities and IT and exceptional communication skills is required to join a well-established multi-academy trust, comprising of three schools, based in Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire.Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.SALARY: 47,430 - 52,735 per annum (Grade G) + BenefitsLOCATION: Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire (SO30)JOB TYPE: Full-Time, PermanentWORKING HOURS: 37 hours per week, 8:00 16:00 Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 15:30 Friday, 52 weeksSTART DATE: 1 st September 2025JOB OVERVIEWWe have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer with proven senior leadership / management experience in a multi-site organisation, operational management experience including finance, facilities and IT and exceptional communication skills.The Chief Operating Officer will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all non-educational functions across the Trust.As the Chief Operating Officer you will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all support services, including finance, human resources, facilities, IT, and compliance. A significant aspect of this role will be the direct line management and strategic development of the Trust's community provision, ensuring these initiatives are aligned with the Trust's values and objectives.DUTIESYour duties as Chief Operating Officer will include:Strategic Leadership and Operational ManagementLead the development and implementation of the operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall vision and objectivesOversee the management of all non-educational functions, including community provision, estates, IT, catering and health & safetyDevelop and implement robust operational policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance and best practiceManage key supplier relationshipsLead on the preparation and presentation of reports and analysis for the Trust Board and its subcommittees, supporting strong and transparent governanceFinancial ManagementWork in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the Trust's financial planning, budgeting, and reportingIdentify opportunities for income generation and cost efficienciesFacilities and Estates ManagementOversee the strategic management, planning, and maintenance of all Trust properties and assets, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support the educational and community objectivesDevelop and implement a comprehensive estates strategy, including long-term capital development plans, preventative maintenance schedules, and cyclical repair programmesManage capital projects from inception to completion, including budget control, contractor management, and liaison with relevant stakeholdersInformation TechnologyWith the Trust IT Manager, oversee the strategic development and management of the IT infrastructure and systemsEnsure robust data security and compliance with data protection regulationsCatering ManagementProvide direct line management and leadership to the Catering Manager across the TrustOversee the strategic development and operational delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and cost-effective catering servicesDevelop and implement catering policies and procedures, including menu planning, procurement, and waste managementCompliance and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory requirementsLead on risk management across all operational areasEnsure strategic and operational risks are recorded, monitored, and reviewed regularly, and that mitigations are in place and reported to the Audit & Risk CommitteeEnsure compliance with the Companies Act, Academy Trust Handbook, and all other relevant governance and reporting obligationsLine Management of Community ProvisionProvide direct line management to the leisure and community programmesDevelop and implement the strategic vision for the Trust's community provision, ensuring it meets the needs of the local communityOversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all community programmes and initiativesIdentify and secure funding opportunities for community projectsLeadership and Team ManagementLead, motivate, and develop a high-performing operational teamFoster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaborationCANDIDATE REQUIREMENTSEssentialProven senior leadership experience in a multi-site organisation, preferably within the education or not-for-profit sectorExperience in operational management, including finance, facilities, and ITDemonstrable experience of successfully leading and managing a teamSignificant experience in developing and delivering community-focused initiatives and programmesStrong financial acumen and experience of managing large budgetsExcellent understanding of compliance, governance, and risk managementExceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skillsAbility to think strategically and translate strategy into operational plansStrong problem-solving and decision-making abilitiesDesirableRelevant professional qualification (e.g., in finance, estates management)Experience of working within an academy trust or similar educational settingKnowledge of education sector regulations and fundingThe school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school will ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service / DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks.We reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.APPLY TODAYBy submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.JOB REF: AWDO-P13552Full-Time, Permanent Executive & Management Jobs, Careers and Vacancies. Find a new job and work in Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire. Multi-Job Board Advertising and CV Sourcing Recruitment Services provided by AWD online.AWD online specialise in sourcing candidates and advertising vacancies on multiple job boards for companies on a non-commission basis. AWD online operates as an employment agency.AWD-IN-SPJTPBN1_UKTJ