Chief Operations Officer

Full time/full year

New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post-19 provisions. Our settings support a wide spectrum of needs from age 4-19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all.

We are now looking to appoint an experienced and dynamic Chief Operations Officer to provide and lead an outstanding business service which supports the education of our children and young people across the New Bridge Group. Candidates will need to provide evidence of experience in the same or similar role and the ability to formulate and implement strategic plans in agreed timescales.

There is a significant and expanding range of buildings/facilities and estates across the Group and so it is essential that candidates have extensive and expert experience in this area. Candidates also need experience of leading and managing other internal central services i.e. Fleet Management, Health & Safety, ICT and Human Resources.

In return we offer very competitive terms and conditions including enrolment into the local government pension scheme, occupational sickness scheme, family friendly policies, a healthcare scheme and the ability to accrue additional leave. The Trust is a forward-thinking organisation and embraces flexible working to ensure all our staff have a positive work/life balance. Please see the candidate pack for further details of our full range of benefits.

As part of the recruitment process the Chief Executive Officer and other senior colleagues will be hosting Q&A webinars on Thursday 3rd July 2025 at 10am and Tuesday 8th July 2025 at 2pm. If you wish to attend, please contact Simon Smith (Executive Director – HR) by email at recruitment@newbridgegroup.org

To access all the relevant documents to support an application please follow the link:

https://www.newbridgegroup.org/Vacancies/Vacancy-Chief-Operations-Officer-COO/

New Bridge MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must have a commitment to safeguarding young people. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references will be sought prior to interview. For all shortlisted candidates, an online search will also be carried out as part of our due diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024.

This post will be subject to a number of other pre-employment checks including satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Salary: Chief Officer’s Pay Range 1 – 5

Hours of work: Based on full time / full year (36 hours 40 minutes – Monday to Friday)

Commencing: Immediate start subject to notice

Closing Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025 at 4pm

Interviews: Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th July 2025

Further information: Clare.john@newbridgegroup.org

Completed application forms to: recruitment@newbridgegroup.org