Chief Operations Officer

E-ACT UK; Bristol; On-site; GBP 1,000; Full time

Job summary

E-ACT UK is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to drive strategic leadership and operational excellence across its trust-wide services. The role is vital for aligning operational functions with the educational mission, ensuring high-quality and effective processes. Join a dynamic organization that values integrity, collaborates for pupil success, and is committed to excellence. If you have a strong background in operational leadership and a passion for education, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role.
• Strong track record in strategic planning and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and operational delivery.
• Implement trust-wide services including estates, IT, and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths and English

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Establishment: E-ACT Location: National Team Salary: 1.00 Department: Executive Leadership Team Job Type: Full Time

Closing Date:07/07/2025 09:00 Interview Date: TBC Start Date: TBC

Additional Information

Establishment: E-ACT Location: National Team Salary: 1.00 Department: Executive Leadership Team Job Type: Full Time Closing Date:07/07/2025 09:00 Interview Date: TBC Start Date: TBC

Additional Information

Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: AYR - All year round Hours per Week: 37.00 Weeks per Year: 52.143 Pay Grade: Competitive, reflecting experience

The Role

Chief Operating Officer

Pay range: Competitive, reflecting experience

We think big: lead the way in Opening Minds, Opening Doors!

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic leadership and operational delivery of core trust-wide services. This includes estates and facilities management, IT and digital infrastructure, business planning, and risk management. The COO will ensure that all operational functions are aligned with the Trust’s educational mission and strategic objectives, enabling high-quality, cost-effective services that support school improvement and pupil outcomes. They will continuously evaluate what works well and what doesn’t, using data-driven insights to refine processes and enhance efficiency. Balancing long-term strategic vision with day-to day operational excellence

The key responsibilities are: (please refer to the Application pack for more detail)

• Strategic leadership – Develop and implement Trust strategy
• Estates and Infrastructure – develop and lead the Trusts estates strategy
• Digital and IT - Shape and lead the Trust’s digital strategy
• Risk and Compliance - Establish and oversee a comprehensive risk management framework
• Operational Excellence - Drive continuous improvement across operational functions

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role
• Strong track record of strategic planning, estates and IT leadership, and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at Board level.
• Demonstrable commitment to the values and mission of a multi-academy trust.
• Skills and Behaviours
• Strong strategic thinking and data-driven decision making
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to inclusivity
• Ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity
• Confidant communicator and ambassador

For further information on the role please see the COO recruitment pack.

About E-ACT:

Join a trust that’s making an impact!

With recent wins like TES Team of the Year 2024 and MAT of the Year 2023, now is the perfect time to be part of our journey. Our success comes from dedicated, talented staff committed to delivering excellence for every child and young person.

We encourage a people-first culture, supporting pupils, staff, and stakeholders across 38 academies, with staff satisfaction above national benchmarks. Through initiatives tackling workload and wellbeing, we ensure a positive, thriving environment.

At the heart of everything we do is our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy—preparing pupils not just for the world, but to succeed within it. With a collaborative approach to education, we unlock opportunities for every child to pursue their dreams. Want to be part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk.

The package includes a competitive salary and generous local government pension scheme (defined benefit pension scheme)

Want to find out more

If this opportunity excites you, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out for an initial discussion by contacting Sian John, Head of Recruitment and Talent, at [e-mail]. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated.

Qualifications

Qualification Title

Grade

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 4-9) or equivalent Essential

Degree or equivalent qualification Desirable

Skills

Leadership

Effective leadership and motivational skills Essential

Focused on standards and positive outcomes Essential

Strategic thinker Essential

Excellent leadership skills and the ability to inspire and challenge colleagues, peers and teams Essential

Personal Attributes

Integrity Desirable

Ability to develop and extend working practices Essential

CPD / Training

Be enthusiastic and willing to undertake CPD in order to fulfil the role Essential

Good communicator to all stakeholders Essential

Organisational Fit

Ability to work during periods of pressure Essential

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

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