Chief Operations Officer
To apply please visit the Schools website vacancy section Apply here
The Success for All Educational Trust
Redden Court, The Royal Liberty, Sanders Draper Schools and Rise Park Academies
Website: www.sfaet.co.uk
Chief Operations Officer
Hours: 36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Grade/Salary: Competitive Annual Salary of £77,550 - £84,042 (Grade LPo8 Points 60-64)
Contract: Permanent
Required: Preferred start date January 2026 with flexibility to extend.
Location: Based in the Trust offices at The Royal Liberty School
Are you an experienced and dynamic leader ready to shape the future of a growing multi-academy trust? SFAET is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence, foster continuous improvement, and ensure strategic alignment across our organisation. The COO will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Trust Board in leading our Trust to shape and deliver the Trust's objectives. The successful applicant will be accountable for developing and implementing the Trust's Operations Strategy, overseeing all operational functions including Estates & Facilities Management, IT, Data, Health & Safety, Compliance, Procurement and Sustainability. A key focus will be on efficiency, quality, and adherence to statutory requirements.
SFAET is a thriving multi-academy trust comprising five schools (three secondary, one infant and one junior), We are committed to providing high-quality and dynamic education for all at the heart of our communities. Our central team plays a crucial role in supporting our schools, ensuring efficiency, compliance and strategic alignment to our goals.
At SFAET, we believe our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and rewarding environment for our staff, prioritising their wellbeing and professional development. We offer:
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- A focus on staff wellbeing, with initiatives and resources to support a healthy work-life balance.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where contributions are valued and rewarded
The Success for All Educational Trust was formed in September 2017 and currently consists of five academies in the London Borough of Havering: Redden Court School; The Royal Liberty School; Sanders Draper School; Rise Park Junior School and Rise Park Infant School.
The Trust Principles supporting the Trust Pledge incorporating culture, aspiration, inclusion and community are:
- Unwavering Integrity
- Universal Respect
- Enduring Resilience
- Meaningful Opportunities
The post holder will be expected to proactively promote and demonstrate the SFAET Pledge and Principles and as a Trust we focus on a 'Commitment to Success for All' and high levels of aspiration for every member of our community. The Trust is forward thinking and progressive. We seek to achieve the very best of our students through the use of a rich variety of educational approaches.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience, with relevant professional qualifications (e.g. in operations, estates/facilites management, project management or in business administration)
- Senior leadership and management experience in a complex, multi-site organisation.
- A track record of strategic planning and operation leadership (estates, IT, compliance, data, procurement).
- Experience in leading organisational change and delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
- In-depth knowledge of health & safety legislation, statutory requirements, GDPR, and data protection obligations.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- A strategic thinker, highly organised, resilient and adaptable.
The Success for All Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post.
If you are a collaborative and solution-focused leader with a commitment to continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply. Join us in providing high-quality and dynamic education at the heart of our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing and forward-thinking Trust.
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, age, pregnancy and maternity or sexual orientation, gender reassignment.
Please apply via “Mynewterm” which can be accessed by clicking the following link :Apply here
Closing Date: Monday 3rd November 2025 at Noon
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, selection and assessment process to be held on Thursday 6th November 2025.
PLEASE NOTE:We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. If you are interested in the role, please submit your application as early as possible. The use of AI is strictly forbidden to assist in any way with the interview/application process.
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Royal Liberty School is an equal opportunities employer.
Salary range
- £77,550 - £84,042 per year