Chief Executive Officer

Shireland Collegiate Academy; Smethwick; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Smethwick seeks a dynamic CEO to set vision and provide strategic leadership across its schools. The role focuses on driving excellence, fostering staff development, and ensuring compliance while promoting safeguarding and inclusion. Effective leadership within the Trust is paramount for succeeding in this pivotal role.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of strategic leadership in an educational setting.
• Strong experience in financial management and governance.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting equality and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Trust.
• Drive improvement and innovation in schools.
• Recruit and retain outstanding staff.
• Ensure strong governance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Educational insight

Political awareness

Job description

Overview

As CEO, you will set the Trusts vision and lead with purpose, ensuring every young person has access to outstanding education and opportunities to grow. You will drive excellence across our schools while empowering pupils with the skills, confidence, and character to succeed in life and contribute to their communities.

We are looking for an inspiring leader with the authority to influence, the drive to deliver, and the courage to innovate. With strong educational insight, political awareness, and financial acumen, you will balance ambition with operational excellence - always placing pupils success and wellbeing at the heart of every decision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, keeping exceptional education and personal growth at the heart of the Trust.
• Drive improvement and innovation while celebrating each schools individuality.
• Safeguard financial compliance, probity, and long-term sustainability as Accounting Officer.
• Ensure strong governance through effective relationships with the Board.
• Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding staff, fostering a culture where people thrive.
• Champion safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion to be an employer of choice.
• Strengthen partnerships with communities, stakeholders, government, and the wider sector.
• The closing date for applications is: Thursday 23rd October 2025
• Interviews will take place on: Wednesday 19th November 2025 (remote) and Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th November 2025 (in person).

Application Instructions

Please read the information pack. If you decide to apply, include a letter with your application form that is no longer than two A4 pages. In your letter, explain your reasons for applying for the position, refer to the information contained in the pack, specifically the person specification and highlight any relevant experience and personal qualities you would bring to the role.