Chief Operating Officer

Governing Body; Edgware; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Governing Body of North London Collegiate School (NLCS) invites applications for the role of Chief Operating Officer, from April 2027. The COO will direct NLCS’ non‑academic functions and daily operations, partnering with the Head to shape strategic direction and to support growth of NLCS and its international ventures.

NLCS is a leading girls’ day school with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to innovation in education.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multifunctional teams and resources.
• Strong commercial and financial skills.
• Proven track record delivering organisational change across sectors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee NLCS non-academic functions and daily operations.
• Collaborate with the Head to shape and deliver strategic direction.
• Provide commercial input across NLCS' family of schools.
• Drive efficiency, governance, and financial stability in a changing environment.

Skills

Resource management

Team leadership

Process improvement

Commercial acumen

Financial leadership

Job description

The Governing Body of North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is delighted to invite applications for the role of Chief Operating Officer from April 2027. The COO will lead NLCS' non-academic functions, overseeing the daily operational aspects of the School and working closely with the Head to help shape and deliver the School's strategic direction. This is also an exciting opportunity to provide commercial input across NLCS' family of schools and contribute to the continued growth and reputation of a leading girls' day school in the UK and internationally.

NLCS educates over 1,100 students aged 4 to 18 on a beautiful 30-acre site in Edgware, London. With a market-leading reputation for academic excellence, NLCS students enjoy an inspiring and vibrant environment for learning through first-class teaching staff, exciting lessons and a broad curriculum. Pastoral care is outstanding, and students thrive in a warm and welcoming community. The School's central mission is to provide an innovative and ambitious education to enable every student to excel in a dynamic and rapidly changing world, and NLCS is proud that its girls leave the School as accomplished, motivated, and self-driven individuals.

An exciting 2030 strategy is underway, and while the School is in a good position financially as a result of strong admissions, the COO will need to be confident in addressing the challenges presented by rising inflation and regulatory and tax changes, at a time of change and uncertainty across the sector. In addition, the School's expanding international business, overseen by a specialist team, makes an important contribution to the School's finances.

The COO will be an experienced professional with a track record of managing various resources and teams, a strong handle on process and a track record of delivering organisational change. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a broad range of sectors who have strong commercial and financial skills, and a demonstrable record of success in commercial, operational and or financial leadership roles. A commitment to, and empathy with, the wider educational and charitable mission of NLCS will also be essential.