Key Role Information

Salary
63,008.00 - 70,175.00
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
16/03/2026 09:00
Interview
25th/27th March
Contract term
AYR - All year round
Pay grade
£63,008 - £70,175
Department
Directors
Key stage
Not Applicable
Hours per week
37.00
Weeks per year
52.140
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

Our Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be our first appointed to Respect Collaboration Trust! Having only been created in 2025, as COO you will have the opportunity to establish yourself within our team, where we collectively drive our vision for the Trust forward everyday.

The COO will be an integral member of our team and will be imperative to our long-term success. In our Trust, you will be Empowered to be brave, think outside the box and with an entrepreneurial mindset, Great Today Better Tomorrow!

The successful candidate will have Responsibility for a variety of well-established teams across the Trust; you must enhance these teams to ensure we have a Consistent approach to all we do within the new frameworks we work within as an Academy Trust.

Respect Collaboration Trust has a strong track record of successful outcomes for children. As the Trust evolves and grows, you will be key to ensuring that new members of the Trust; schools, children and colleagues have a sense of belonging.

Creating a new Academy Trust should not be underestimated, and you will require a personalised approach, Respect is like no other! We Never Give Up! You will need to possess the skills of both Tolerance and Empathy (and probably patience) along with many others to be successful!

Think you are up for the challenge?

 

Benefits

-         Employee Assistance Programme

-         Clearly defined responsibilities, expectations and opportunities to progress and develop

-         Regular professional dialogue and 1:1 opportunity

-         Part of a professional and welcoming team

-         Flexible working relationships with a dedicated work space and equipment on site

-         Worklife balance protocols in place to protect homelife and private life

-         Dedicated Holidays and Leave

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

Health and Safety Qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, COSHH, etc)essential
Recognised qualification or working towards
Educated to degree level or appropriate qualification in Business, Finance, HR, or a related field.essential
Degree level or appropriate qualification
CIPD or other appropriate HR qualification or relevant experiencedesirable
Level 5 or above

Skills

Experience

Extensive experience in operational and governance leadership within a Multi-Academy Trust equivalent context/setting. essential
Experience in leading contract negotiations, procurement processes and risk management. essential
Previous experience as a Director of Operations or similar leadership role. essential
Experience of managing capital projects, school expansions and sustainability initiatives including bid writing and accessing additional funding streams.
Experience in developing training programs and operational staff development.

Personal Attributes

Ability to work under pressure, handling complex operational challenges effectively. essential
A collaborative approach to leadership, promoting a positive and supportive working environment. essential

Respect Central Team

Abi Ruane

a.ruane@respectschools.co.uk

Respect Central Team
Unit 16 Victoria Way
Pride Park
Derbyshire
DE24 8AN

Safeguarding Information

The Respect Collaboration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and other vetting procedures including the provision of two good references. 

We may undertake an online check for shortlisted candidates.