Skip to main content

This job has expired

Chief Operating Officer

Employer
University College School
Location
London (Greater) (GB)
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
6 Dec 2022

View more

Sector
Education
Responsibilities
Finance, Operations, Strategy
Position/Level
COO
Contract Type
Permanent

UCS is one of the leading independent day schools in the UK, educating 1,300 pupils aged 4 to 18. It was founded by University College London in 1830 to promote the principles of intellectual curiosity, creativity, breadth of study and independence of mind as a basis for academic excellence. The UCS Foundation consists of three schools, the Senior School, Junior Branch and Pre-Prep, all situated within the Hampstead area of London.

UCS is seeking to appoint a high-calibre Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strong strategic, financial and operational leadership at an important stage in the Foundation’s evolution. As a key contributor to whole school decision-making, the COO will be an important member of both the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Foundation Management Team (FMT).  The COO’s overall responsibility will be to support the Headmaster in the implementation of the Foundation’s ambitious vision and strategy.

The COO will develop and steer the Foundation’s infrastructure and operational strategy whilst ensuring the effective management and delivery of support services for: finance, commercial activities, estates, including capital projects, health and safety, HR, Administration (including GDPR), IT and Catering. Key to the success in this role will be the ability to work collaboratively and in an engaged and constructive manner to ensure the best possible levels of service to the needs of the three schools and to maintain UCS’s secure and healthy financial position.

The successful candidate will combine experience of managing complex, multi-disciplinary and support functions with excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. They will be comfortable operating at the most senior levels within an organisation or business unit. The postholder will be commercially minded, proactive, comfortable working across multiple sites at some scale, and a first-class communicator. Whilst the COO does not need to be financially qualified, there is much to this role that is about leadership of a finance function, so a strong finance background is likely to be preferable.

It is critical that the postholder has an evident interest in the idea of working within an educational community and will see value in the direct link that their role has on the educational achievements of the children and young people who attend UCS.

An excellent remuneration package is offered for the post of Chief Operating Officer reflecting the seniority and significance of the position and at the top of the industry norm.              

For further information about the role and details of how to apply please visit: www.minervasearch.com/ucs

The closing date for applications is close of business on Friday 2nd December 2022.

UCS is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.  

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.  

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert