Chief Operating Officer (Estates, Infrastructure, Projects & Risk)

Join the executive team of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust as their next Chief Operating Officer, and lead estates, infrastructure services, and capital planning which supports the development of special education and inclusion strategies which transform lives.

Location: Multiple locations across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire
Salary: c.£100,000 plus generous pension

Closing date: 9 a.m. Friday 12th January 2024

About Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

At Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT), we are a family of specialist education providers from preschool through to further education based across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Working together to transform lives is what we do and, across the whole organisation, we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a community of learners, families, and colleagues our ethos is that by working collaboratively, with energy and ambition we can always effect positive change. At the core of our ethos is the conviction that there should be no limit placed on what is possible and that everyone has the ability to be the very best they can be.

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer will hold strategic responsibility for various core infrastructure services and broader areas, including project management, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement. It’s a pivotal leadership role, juggling multiple priorities within the organisation while engaging with stakeholders like funders and local authorities.

Our work, catering to children and young people, involves numerous multi-million-pound projects and ongoing maintenance to ensure timely access to learning spaces and support services. We manage a diverse estate, some cutting-edge and new, while others require long-term investment. Heavy investment in IT and digital systems aims to enhance business efficiency and technological advancements in learning support.

Collaborating with colleagues, you’ll lead planning and program management, identifying opportunities and associated risks. As the strategic advisor, you’ll report to the leadership team and Trustees on risk management and safety, ensuring regular updates on planning, progress, and policies.

Despite the demanding nature of the role, we believe the Chief Operating Officer will find immense satisfaction in making a tangible impact. Joining a values-driven leadership team dedicated to the well-being of children, young people, employees, and stakeholders offers an opportunity for personal growth and achievement.

Who we are looking for

We seek a professionally qualified individual with extensive strategic experience in complex organisational settings. Beyond senior leadership, we value experience in driving transformative change and managing significant infrastructure projects aligned with organisational strategies. Your expertise in areas like estates, facilities, project management, and IT services, demonstrating value for money, is crucial.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a knack for long-term planning and leveraging information to influence strategic decisions. A team player who is willing to mentor and support others in achieving high performance aligning with our standards.

We welcome applications from experienced directors specializing in infrastructure, risk, and project management. Your role will help us navigate the pace of change and continue to excel in our mission, supporting thousands of children with complex needs and influencing national policy in special education.

While prior education environment experience isn’t mandatory, a willingness to understand and learn the responsibilities associated with the role is highly regarded. The impact of this position on our growing SEND organisation, shaping its operational success and national influence, cannot be understated.

Please click the link to be directed to the Peridot Partners dedicated page for full details of the job description and how to apply.