Trust Chief Operating Officer

Job Introduction

RAISE Education Trust Chief Operating Officer

Job Title: Trust Chief Operating Officer

Organisation: RAISE Education Trust

Location: Across our three schools - Boorley Park Primary School, Deer Park School and Wildern School

Salary: Grade G (£47 430 - £52 735)

Working Hours: 37 hours - Monday - Thursday 08:00-16:00 and Friday 08:00-15:30/52 weeks

Contract Type: Permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Start Date: 1st September 2025

About RAISE Education Trust:

RAISE Education Trust is a dynamic and growing multi-academy trust dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities for children and young people. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. Our Trust encompasses three schools, Boorley Park Primary School, Deer Park School and Wildern School all located within 10 minutes of each other.  We are united by a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. We believe in empowering our staff and students to reach new heights, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative success.

Purpose of the Role:

The Trust Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all non-educational functions across RAISE Education Trust. The COO will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all support services, including finance, human resources, facilities, IT, and compliance. A significant aspect of this role will be the direct line management and strategic development of the Trust's community provision, ensuring these initiatives are aligned with the Trust's values and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Operational Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust's operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall vision and objectives.
• Oversee the effective and efficient management of all non-educational functions, including community provision, estates, IT, catering and health & safety.
• Develop and implement robust operational policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Manage key supplier relationships ensuring value for money and high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor and ensure efficient, effective delivery of contracts across the Trust estate.
• Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiencies and improvements across the Trust.
• Engage confidently with national and regional networks, forums and Trust partnerships, ensuring our organisation remains connected, informed and outward facing.
• Lead on the preparation and presentation of reports and analysis for the Trust Board and its subcommittees, supporting strong and transparent governance.
• Provide strategic advice and support to the CEO and Board of Trustees on all operational matters.

2. Financial Management:

• Work in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the Trust's financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities for income generation and cost efficiencies.

3. Facilities and Estates Management:

• Oversee the strategic management, planning, and maintenance of all Trust properties and assets, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support the educational and community objectives.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive estates strategy, including long-term capital development plans, preventative maintenance schedules, and cyclical repair programmes.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant environment for all staff, students, and community users, adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations, building codes, and statutory requirements.
• Manage capital projects from inception to completion, including budget control, contractor management, and liaison with relevant stakeholders.
• Optimise the utilisation of Trust facilities, exploring opportunities for income generation through lettings and partnerships, where appropriate.
• Implement and oversee environmental sustainability initiatives within the Trust's estates.
• Oversee cleaning contracts across the Trust

4. Information Technology:

• Work with Trust IT Manager oversee the strategic development and management of the Trust's IT infrastructure and systems.
• Ensure robust data security and compliance with data protection regulations.

5. Catering Management:

• Provide direct line management and leadership to the Catering Manager across the Trust.
• Oversee the strategic development and operational delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and cost-effective catering services across all Trust schools.
• Develop and implement catering policies and procedures, including menu planning, procurement, and waste management.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of catering provision, gathering feedback from students, staff, and parents to drive continuous improvement.
• Liaise with school leadership teams to ensure catering services are integrated effectively within the school environment.
• Explore opportunities for promoting healthy eating and food education across the Trust.

6. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure the Trust's compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements.
• Lead on risk management across all operational areas, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure strategic and operational risks are recorded, monitored, and reviewed regularly, and that mitigations are in place and reported to the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Support the Trust’s Data Protection Officer ensuring policies, procedures and training are embedded across the Trust and that external DPO arrangements are well-managed.
• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, Academy Trust Handbook, and all other relevant governance and reporting obligations.
• Support the governance team to ensure records are accurately maintained with GIAS and Companies House.

7. Line Management of Community Provision:

• Provide direct line management to the leisure and Dart community programmes across the Trust
• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the Trust's community provision, ensuring it meets the needs of the local community and aligns with the Trust's educational goals.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all community programmes and initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and funding bodies.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities for community projects.
• Monitor and report on the impact and effectiveness of community provision.

8. Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing operational team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across all Trust functions.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a multi-site organisation, preferably within the education or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience in operational management, including finance, facilities, and IT.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully leading and managing a team.
• Significant experience in developing and delivering community-focused initiatives and programmes.
• Strong financial acumen and experience of managing large budgets.
• Excellent understanding of compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and translate strategy into operational plans.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of RAISE Education Trust.

Desirable:

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., in finance, estates management).
• Experience of working within an academy trust or similar educational setting.
• Knowledge of education sector regulations and funding.

This job description is a guide and is not exhaustive. It may be amended to reflect the changing needs of the Trust.

Application Process:

To apply for this vacancy please Visit:  https://mynewterm.com/jobs/17337/EDV-2025-RET-20012 

If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may invite candidates to interview before the closing date.  Closing Date: Midday Wednesday 2nd July 2025.

Interview Date: Thursday 10th July 

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

RAISE Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.