Chief Operating Officer jobs in United Kingdom

St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is recruiting: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary Range: Highly competitive + benefits

Location: Flexible. The nature of work will largely involve the postholder carrying out work at different schools within the Trust. There is also a Head office at Shirley Court, Croydon, CR9 5AS.

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join the Central Services team at St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, as our Chief Operating Officer. We currently have four secondary schools and twelve primary schools. We are a growing Trust and are supported by the Archdiocese of Southwark to grow to thirty-five schools over the next three to five years.

The Chief Operating Officer will play a crucial role in the strategic leadership of Trust-wide estates and site development and management, IT services and technology, facilities and operations, health and safety and the growth strategy of our Trust. We are seeking an individual who possesses not only exceptional knowledge of these areas and acumen but also a passion for fostering a positive and innovative environment where both students and staff can thrive. Our Catholic ethos and mission is at the heart of everything we do and we expect candidates to share and embrace those values.

• Have extensive previous experience of working as part of a Executive Leadership Team.
• Be able to communicate complex estate management, IT and technology and growth strategic planning to diverse audiences.
• Share our commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Play a key role in shaping the strategy of the Trust and ensuring that strong practice and strategy are embedded within all strategic planning.
• Align to the mission, vision and values of St Oscar Romero and the Diocese.

• The opportunity to work within a highly skilled and supportive team.
• A commitment to continue with national pay, terms and conditions.
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Staff benefits, including a cycle to work scheme.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and access to our Training Portal
• The opportunity to join a growing Trust.

Closing date: 9:00am Monday 23rd February.

Interview date: w/c 2nd March.

Start date: To be agreed.

How to apply:

The deadline for receipt of applications is 9:00am on Monday 23rd February 2026.

If you would like to arrange a visit or have a telephone appointment to discuss the role with Clare Verga, Chief Executive Officer, please contact Sarah Yusuf-Watson by email at syusufwatson at oscarromero dot co dot uk

Applicants should complete the Catholic Education Service Leadership form, available in supporting documents. Please use the personal statement in your application form to demonstrate how you meet the person specification, with evidence provided wherever possible of outcomes and positive impact.

Candidates will be shortlisted on how well they demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attributes set out in the job description and person specification.

Completed forms should be submitted by an email via the button below. Should you have any queries please contact HR on 0207 202 8199.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing on Monday 2nd March 2026.

The interview process will consist of a series of job-related exercises designed to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the key attitudes, skills and knowledge required for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be fully briefed at the beginning of the process and supported throughout the day.

Safeguarding: St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory shortlisting and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.

To be considered for the role, please attach an application form when applying.