Join the thriving LEO Academy Trust as its Chief Operating Officer and lead its central services to ensure the Trust’s operational systems support its schools as LEO continues to grow and evolve.
Location: Sutton / Surrey
Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 5th May 2026
About LEO Academy Trust
LEO Academy Trust was founded in 2015 and by Autumn this year, we will serve 7,000 pupils across our primary schools in Sutton and Surrey. Around 800 colleagues work across our schools and central teams. We expect three further schools to join the Trust in the near future as we continue our planned growth.
Our schools are supported through a high-quality operating model that includes finance, estates, HR, governance, digital infrastructure and compliance. The Chief Operating Officer will lead these services and ensure our operational systems continue to support our schools effectively as we grow and evolve.
Our strategy is framed through the LEO 2030 programme. Through this work, we are developing inclusive learning environments, strengthening digital learning across our schools and building partnerships with the communities we serve.
We also contribute to the wider education sector through teacher training, professional development and partnerships, including our work with the National Institute of Teaching.
About the role
The COO will lead our central operational services, including finance, estates, HR operations, governance support, compliance and digital infrastructure.
The role also requires close partnership with our school leaders. Central services work directly with Principals through structured meetings and review processes. The COO will visit schools regularly to ensure operational services respond effectively to the needs of staff and pupils.
This is a significant leadership role within LEO at a point where we are building on a strong foundation and preparing for the next stage of development. You will be in post from 1st December.
This role offers the opportunity to help shape the next phase of LEO’s development as we continue to grow and refine our operational systems in support of our schools and communities.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a senior operational leader who understands how complex organisations operate and how systems support frontline services.
Candidates may come from education, public services or other regulated sectors with experience of operating in complex, multi-site organisations. Experience working within a multi‑academy trust or education organisation would be valuable, particularly where candidates have supported operational systems across multiple schools.
The role requires strong financial understanding. LEO has developed a stable financial position through careful planning and centralised systems. Our COO will oversee financial planning, audit processes and procurement frameworks while ensuring resources are distributed effectively across the Trust.
Candidates should demonstrate experience managing operational services across distributed sites. This may include estates management, facilities planning, compliance systems or operational infrastructure supporting large teams.
Digital infrastructure is also central to how our schools operate. LEO has implemented a one-device-per-pupil model across primary phases and digital platforms are embedded across learning and administration. The COO will oversee infrastructure, service providers and procurement arrangements that support these systems.
The role also requires the ability to work closely with school leaders. Our COO will interact regularly with Principals and must understand the operational realities of school environments. Central services must respond effectively to issues such as facilities management, HR matters and operational planning.
We are open to candidates from outside education, although the successful candidate will need to understand how schools function and how operational systems enable teaching and learning.
Further information
For further information about the role and to register your interest, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners: https://www.peridotpartners.co.uk/jobs/chief-operating-officer-leo-academy-trust/
Applications
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 5th May 2026.
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