Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

SECAT is delighted to invite suitable candidates to apply for the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), joining us on the MAT's Executive leadership team along with the Finance Director.

SECAT is a medium to small MAT, consisting of 6 schools providing education for children aged 3 - 19. The full-time CEO started in September 2018, and a number of changes have already taken place on our continuing journey, including the appointment of the Finance Director, and Managers of HR and ICT.

We are looking to appoint a permanent COO to join us in September 2020, to continue to provide SECAT with strategic advice and direction on the delivery of Trust services that will enhance pupils' educational outcomes.

Experience of working in schools is essential. Understanding the different needs of schools within our Trust and of the Trust itself, is equally vital. You will be key to providing accurate and timely information to enable effective long-term strategic budgetary control, decision-making and sound strategic planning in line with KPIs.

You will also have considerable experience of line-managing colleagues, many of whom will be new to their posts across the Trust. Understanding therefore, of the need for clear communication, management of change and project management will be essential.

You will:

• report directly to the CEO.
• as the Chief Financial Officer, be responsible for ensuring that the regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met regarding the Trust's financial and legal affairs.
• have strategic oversight of financial management and accountancy matters
• line manage a range of colleagues including the Finance Director and Site Managers.
• be responsible for ensuring that reporting to the ESFA and the DfE is done in a timely and appropriate manner within deadlines.
• provide strategic financial advice to the Trust Board ensuring that the MAT adheres to the funding agreement with the DfE and meeting the Academy Financial Regulations
• provide strategic Facilities Management direction to the Trust Board, including aspects of Health & Safety and Security therein of all of the MAT's estates.
• provide strategic leadership and direction, attending Trust Board Meetings.
• manage Trust policies in relation to statutory and regulatory requirements.
• ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• positively contribute towards the development and delivery of all aspects of the Trust strategic plan, including overseeing project management of buildings and site management.

For an initial discussion,please telephone Ruth Brock (CEO) on 07776 147300, or Jan d'Eca HR Officer on 07725 481866

We hope you find the information in our application pack useful. Should you have any questions when you have read the information, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth Brock or Jan d'Eca further. If you are applying via the SECAT website, please email your completed application form to Jand'Eca@secat.co.uk.

SECAT has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Closing date: Monday 1st June 2020 5.00pm

Interviews will take place: Week commencing 8th June 2020

Information about the School

The SECAT mission statement

We are a community of schools working in partnership, sharing resources and ideas to provide a rounded and inclusive education to our pupils who range from the age of 2 through to 18. We work towards enhancing the life chances and prosperity of our students and to equip them for adult life. Whilst keeping each school’s individual character, we encourage our staff to share best practice and knowledge to further benefit our students. We are passionate about educating and encouraging our students to become active, successful citizens and to have the confidence to meet any challenge they face.

‘Building strong schools, building strong partnerships, building strong communities’

The Central Multi-Academy Trust Head Office is based at SECAT House, which is in the extensive grounds of Thorpedene Primary School. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and PA to the Executive Team, all work from SECAT House.

The Central Finance Team, the Central ICT Team, the Central Estates Team and the Central HR Team are all based in Shoeburyness High School .

Each school has a Local Academy Committee, to which the Trust Board delegate responsibilities.