Chief Operating Officer (The Southfield Trust)

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southfield Trust is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead operational functions and ensure efficient management across multiple schools in Eastbourne. This pivotal role is designed for an experienced leader in the education sector, focusing on compliance, strategic planning, and resource management. With a commitment to transforming the lives of children with special educational needs, this position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive and dedicated leadership team

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operational management at a senior level.
• Experience managing multi-site operations.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all operational aspects of the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Manage relationships with external partners and contractors.

Skills

Operational Management

Financial Acumen

Leadership

Compliance Management

Education

Relevant qualification in management or operations (e.g., MBA)

Job description

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Location:Multi-Academy Trust central offices, with travel across schools within the Trust in the Eastbourne area

Salary: LMG Grade 4, point 17 to 20 (£63,422 – £69,116)

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Us:

The Southfield Trust is a forward-thinking and compassionate Trust dedicated to providing high-quality education and support for children with special needs. We operate a network of specialised schools that provide tailored educational experiences to ensure every child reaches their full potential. We are now seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success and development of our Trust.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to come into the new role of Chief Operations Officer. You will lead and oversee all operational aspects of the Trust, ensuring that our schools are managed efficiently and effectively. You will be responsible for the overall day-to-day operations, including facilities management and asset maintenance, capital projects, compliance, health and safety and strategic planning, to support the delivery of high-quality education and care to our students. Your leadership will be key in helping us meet our mission of transforming the lives of children with special educational needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the Trust’s vision and objectives.
• Lead and manage operational teams across the Trust’s schools, ensuring effective delivery of services and resources.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding standards across all aspects of the Trust’s operations.
• Manage relationships with external partners, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring value for money and high-quality services.
• Lead on risk management, identifying potential operational risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all buildings and facilities meet health and safety regulations and are fit for purpose.
• Lead on capital projects, securing funding and ensuring timely delivery.
• Support the Trust by leading on business planning and continuity, capital programmes and estates and asset management.
• Responsible for changes to existing facilities and ensuring that a maintenance programme accommodates forward looking projects as well as a timely response to requirements as they occur.
• Provide regular reports and insights to the Board of Trustees and stakeholders on operational performance and outcomes.
• Support the growth and development of the Trust, including due diligence relating to operational and estates matters and supporting schools as they join the Trust.
• Act as the Trust’s lead on health and safety, ensuring rigorous standards and practices. Ensure health & safety compliance across the Trust. Develop and implement policies, and co-ordinate advice and support.
• Oversee procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money and compliance with public sector regulations.

Lead on insurance contract management, ensuring appropriate policies are in place to cover all aspects of risk in respect of the Trust’s assets and activities.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational leader with the following attributes:

• Proven track record in operational management at a senior level, preferably within the education sector or a similar environment.
• Experience in managing multi-site operations and leading teams effectively.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management.
• A deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements, especially within the education or special needs sector.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• A passion for supporting children and young people with special needs and a commitment to improving educational outcomes.
• Ability to manage change and drive continuous improvement within a fast-paced environment.

A relevant qualification in management or operations (e.g., MBA, facilities management, relevant degree, or equivalent experience) is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive and dedicated leadership team committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
• Competitive salary.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

The chance to shape the future of a growing and innovative educational trust.

How to Apply:

For more information about the Trust please visit our website: www.thesouthfieldtrust.com

Visits to a Trust school are encouraged – please email your contact details to the HR team at [e-mail] if you would like to arrange a visit or for more information.

Candidates should be prepared to work at any one of our school sites.

Please complete a support-staff application form for this post, which can be accessed via the Vacancies tab on our website along with the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this position ismidday, on Wednesday 4th June 2025.

Interview date TBC.

If you do not receive a response to your application by Friday 27th June 2025, you can assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer overseas sponsorship

We look forward to receiving your application. We do not accept CVs. Your application will be accepted if sent by email to: [e-mail]

The Southfield Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment will be subject to pre-employment checks including satisfactory DBS Enhanced clearance and references. This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

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