Chief Operating Officer Full Time

Salary: Competitive Salary(DOE)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 2nd June 2024

Interview Date: w/c Monday 10th June 2024
Anticipated Start Date: September 2024 or as soon as contractually available.

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to join our central team at Ascend Learning Trust.

The COO will report to the CEO, acting as a key advisor on organisational strategy and operational matters, playing a pivotal leadership role in defining and delivering the Trust’s strategy for operational effectiveness. This role will work closely with other leaders within and beyond the executive and professional services team to ensure that day to day operations run effectively.

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. 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.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds.

If you wish to apply for this role, please visit: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/414333333/EDV-2024-ALT-48219

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Ascend Learning Trust creates a sense of belonging for everyone. All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that opens doors to a fulfilling and successful future.

If you want to be a part of this, and work alongside ambitious, compassionate, and dedicated people we welcome your application. Our mission is to develop and retain high quality professional who relentlessly pursue the Ascend vision.

Together we will foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity with high expectations and standards for all. Where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable.

Together we Belong, Believe, Become.

We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which include discounts on high street stores, restaurants, cinemas and gyms as well as having a wellbeing hub and a cycle to work scheme. Examples of great discounts currently on offer include:

• Discounted Gym Membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
• On site flu vaccinations
• Excellent Pension scheme
• Generous annual leave including wellbeing days

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.

At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team.

Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively. We embrace the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed, and our aim is to make this a reality. If you need any assistance completing your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or alternatively you can email recruitment@ascendlearning.org.uk

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Please note: Any position that involves working with children requires declaration of ALL convictions/cautions regardless of whether these are deemed as spent and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.

In line with KCSIE 2023 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.

C1OO