Interim COO

Panoramic Associates Limted; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading management consultancy in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a Multi-Academy Trust. This role will focus on operational leadership, IT management, and compliance ensuring strategic alignment during a transition. The position is for 8 months with 2 days onsite and 3 days working from home, starting February 2026. Candidates should have a strong background in operations and a proven track record in delivering impactful results quickly. Interviews will be held in January 2026.

Qualifications

• Senior operational leadership experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or education sector.
• Strong track record in operations and compliance.
• Proven ability to deliver impact quickly in an interim role.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and assurance across the trust.
• Oversee IT systems and cyber security improvements.
• Ensure health and safety and GDPR compliance.

Skills

Operational leadership

IT infrastructure management

GDPR compliance knowledge

Stakeholder management

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.

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