Chief Operating Officer

Kimbolton School; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent educational institution in England is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead financial, operational, and commercial activities. This role requires executive leadership and strategic planning abilities within complex organizations. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they are passionate about education and committed to the institution's values. The position offers an opportunity to shape the school's future as it embarks on new initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in leading large teams and managing financial operations.
• Visible and empathetic leadership style to inspire and motivate teams.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to build trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse team of over 200 support staff in various operational areas.
• Work closely with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen operational strategies.
• Fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors, managing relevant documentation.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial control

Strategic planning

Operational delivery

Excellent communication

Job description

Kimbolton School is a thriving co-educational independent school for over 1,000 children aged 3 to 18. Predominantly a day school, Kimbolton has a small but vibrant boarding community of up to 60 UK and international boarders. Set in 120 acres of stunning Cambridgeshire parkland, with Kimbolton Castle at its heart, the school is well located, close to the borders of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and just 40 minutes by train to London.

The Headmaster and Governors are seeking to appoint a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Operating Officer (COO). Working in conjunction with the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body, they will be instrumental in building on the current strategy to further develop and strengthen Kimbolton’s financial, operational and commercial activities and play a key role in shaping the school’s future. This is an exciting time to join Kimbolton, with a new pre-school opening in January 2026 and an updated estates masterplan and strategy to embrace the international schools sector both underway.

Reporting to the Headmaster, the COO is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and will lead a diverse team of over 200 skilled and dedicated support staff. Areas of responsibility include finance, estates, HR, IT, compliance, health and safety, contract catering and commercial activities. The post holder will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate proven ability in executive leadership and financial control, strategic planning and operational delivery within large complex organisations. They will be a visible and empathetic leader, capable of inspiring and motivating high-functioning teams. An outstanding communicator, they will need to demonstrate compassion and the ability to quickly win the respect and trust of those within the school and the wider communities.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite, and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private- and public-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate will, however, demonstrate a passion for education and empathy with the independent sector, as well as a commitment to the ethos and values of Kimbolton.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: [e-mail]

For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 10 November 2025.