Interim COO

Panoramic Associates; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to support a Multi-Academy Trust. This 8-month contract based in Derbyshire involves providing strategic leadership across operations, IT, estates, and compliance. The ideal candidate will have senior operational leadership experience within education, strong compliance knowledge, and the ability to deliver quick impact. This role includes two days onsite and three days working from home, with occasional visits to schools.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver impact quickly in an interim role.
• Strong track record in operations and compliance within a Multi-Academy Trust.
• Excellent stakeholder and governance experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across operations.
• Oversee and improve IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and GDPR regulations.
• Report to the Board and Executive on regulatory compliance.

Skills

Senior operational leadership experience

IT oversight and compliance

Experience of estates and health & safety

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of GDPR and data protection

Job description

Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Multi-Academy Trust

Interim 8 months day rate contract

Derbyshire - 2 days onsite & 3 days WFH with occasion visits to schools

We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to support a Multi-Academy Trust during a transition period. Reporting to the CEO, the role will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across operations, IT, estates and health & safety, HR and GDPR / data protection.

Key Focus Areas

• Trust-wide operational leadership and assurance
• Oversight and improvement of IT infrastructure, systems, and cyber security
• Health & safety, GDPR compliance, information governance, and data protection risk management
• Line management of central operational functions
• Board and Executive reporting; regulatory and ESFA compliance

Candidate Profile

• Senior operational leadership experience within a MAT or education, working across multiple sites
• Strong track record in operations, IT oversight, and compliance
• Strong experience of estates and health & safety
• Working knowledge of GDPR and data protection
• Proven ability to deliver impact quickly in an interim role
• Excellent stakeholder and governance experience

Start - February 2026 and interviews being held in January 2026.

If you have the expertise above, please apply now! Or alternatively, for more information, please contact Raj on 07418376146 / r.basra @ panoramicassociates.co.uk

Panoramic Associates is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to necessary recruitment checks.