DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
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
1. Employee Assistance Programme
2. Clearly defined responsibilities, expectations and opportunities to progress and develop
3. Regular professional dialogue and 1:1 opportunity
4. Part of a professional and welcoming team
5. Flexible working relationships with a dedicated work space and equipment on site
6. Worklife balance protocols in place to protect homelife and private life
7. Dedicated Holidays and Leave
Qualifications
Essential
8. Health and Safety Qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, COSHH, etc)
9. Educated to degree level or appropriate qualification in Business, Finance, HR, or a related field.
Desirable
10. CIPD or other appropriate HR qualification or relevant experience
Skills
Experience
11. Extensive experience in operational and governance leadership within a Multi-Academy Trust equivalent context/setting. (E)
12. Experience in leading contract negotiations, procurement processes and risk management. (E)
13. Previous experience as a Director of Operations or similar leadership role. (E)
14. Experience of managing capital projects, school expansions and sustainability initiatives including bid writing and accessing additional funding streams.
15. Experience in developing training programs and operational staff development.
Personal Attributes
16. Ability to work under pressure, handling complex operational challenges effectively.
17. A collaborative approach to leadership, promoting a positive and supportive working environment.
Apply by: Monday 16th March 2026 09:00AM
Interviews: 25th/27th March 2026
Please see the attached supporting documents to learn more about this role.
Safeguarding Statement
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.