chief operating officer jobs

Due to the retirement of our highly successful, founding CEO, Sue Marooney MBE, Durrington Multi Academy Trust (DMAT) is seeking to appoint an exceptional CEO with a strong proven track record of inspirational headship and system leadership experience with a passion to unlock the potential of both staff and pupils.

Durrington Multi Academy Trust currently consists of four schools across primary and secondary phases as well as Durrington Research School and South Downs Teacher Training hub. With an excellent track record of school improvement, high-quality teaching, a commitment to inclusive education, and high expectations of all stakeholders, DMAT is extremely well-placed for the next phase of its strategic growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide inspirational and values-led leadership for the Trust, setting a clear strategic vision that delivers excellence for all children and young people.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust's strategic plan, ensuring long-term sustainability, growth and impact.
• Promote a culture of ambition, inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement across all schools.

Educational Excellence

• Drive outstanding educational outcomes and school improvement across the Trust.
• Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum and inclusion.
• Champion evidence-informed practice and innovation.

People and Culture

• Develop and empower leaders at all levels, building leadership capacity across the Trust.
• Foster a positive organisational culture where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
• Lead workforce development, talent management and succession planning.

Governance and Accountability

• Work closely with Trustees and Local Governing Bodies to ensure strong governance and accountability.
• Act as the key adviser to the Board on educational, strategic and operational matters.
• Promote the highest standards of integrity, transparency and public accountability.

Finance and Operations

• Ensure effective stewardship of public funds and organisational resources.
• Provide strategic oversight of financial planning, risk management, compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure the Trust remains sustainable, resilient and responsive to future challenges.

System Leadership and Partnerships

• Represent the Trust locally, regionally and nationally.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, families, community organisations and external stakeholders.
• Strengthen the Trust's role as a civic leader within education and the wider community.

Person Spec

Essential

• Proven senior leadership experience in education, including successful secondary headship experience (consideration will be given to candidates with exceptional non-secondary experience).
• Significant system leadership experience with demonstrable impact across schools, trusts or wider education settings.
• Track record of improving educational outcomes and driving sustained school improvement.
• Experience of developing and delivering organisational strategy and leading change.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment and accountability.
• Experience of financial oversight, resource management and delivering value for money.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience of developing high-performing teams and senior leaders.
• Ability to build effective relationships with trustees, governors, staff, pupils, families and external partners.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, equity and high expectations for all children and young people.
• Values-led leadership with integrity, resilience and strong emotional intelligence.

Desirable

• Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.
• Experience of leadership across multiple schools, phases or settings.
• Experience of leading within a multi-academy trust environment.
• Experience of trust growth, merger, organisational expansion or significant transformation.
• Experience of working with initial teacher training, research schools or wider system leadership organisations.
• Experience of influencing educational policy or contributing to regional or national education networks.
• Understanding of the Accounting Officer responsibilities within an academy trust.

Pay: £136,000.00-£148,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person