Chief Operating Officer

The Alliance Schools Trust, Milton Keynes, MK15 9HN

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  24 June 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  5 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £85,000.00 - £105,000.00 Annually (Actual)

Chief Operating Officer job summary

chief operating OFFICER (COO)

Salary: £85,000 - £105,000 (dependent on skills and experience)

Contract: fulL-time, permanent

start date: september 2026

We are looking for a dynamic, commercially minded, and visionary leader ready to make a profound impact on children’s lives. The Alliance Schools Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team and drive the strategic and operational excellence that underpins an outstanding education in each of our schools.

What You’ll Lead

• Strategic Direction — Help shape the strategic direction of the Trust, aligning resources and systems with long‑term educational goals.
• Financial Excellence — Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, ensuring value for money and long‑term sustainability.
• Estates & Safety — Ensure our learning environments are safe, inspiring, and future‑proof.
• Digital Transformation — Lead the Trust’s digital strategy, ensuring secure, resilient, and innovative IT systems.

What We’re Looking For

• Senior leadership experience in education, or a complex multi‑site organisation
• Strong financial expertise (ACA/ACCA/CIMA desirable)
• Proven leadership across other non-educational areas
• A track record of delivering efficiencies and driving organisational improvement
• Integrity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to educational values

What You’ll Bring to Our Trust

• The ability to turn data into business information
• Confidence to influence at every level
• A passion for operational excellence
• Commercial acumen that enhances quality, not compromises it
• A mindset focused on innovation, sustainability, and long‑term impact

Why Join Us

This is more than a job, it’s a chance to shape the heartbeat of a growing Trust, working alongside a dedicated CEO, Education Director and Board of Trustees. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate, the platform to lead, and the opportunity to leave a legacy that improves outcomes for thousands of young people.

For further information on the COO vacancy and The Alliance Schools Trust, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About The Alliance Schools Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-denbigh-alliance

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