Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Kimbolton School is a thriving independent co‑educational school for over 1,000 children aged 3 to 18. Set in 120 acres of Cambridgeshire parkland, the school is a small but vibrant boarding community of up to 60 boarders.
The Headmaster and Governors are seeking a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Operating Officer.
Reporting to the Headmaster, the COO will lead a diverse team of over 200 support staff. Areas of responsibility include finance, estates, HR, IT, compliance, health and safety, contract catering and commercial activities. The post holder will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.
Key responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership and operational delivery across the school’s core functions.
* Lead financial control, strategic planning and operational excellence.
* Drive the development and implementation of the school’s estates and commercial strategy.
* Maintain high standards of health, safety, health and wellbeing and risk management.
* Act as Clerk to the Governors and support the governing body in the delivery of the school’s vision and strategy.
Qualifications and skills
* Proven executive leadership and financial control experience in a large complex organisation.
* Strategic planning, operational delivery and commercial management capability.
* Outstanding communication, empathy and the ability to inspire high-functioning teams.
* Passion for education, empathy for the independent sector and commitment to the ethos and values of Kimbolton.
* Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite.
Application details
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:
Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 10 November 2025.
For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com
Kimbolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information brochure.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
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