Chief Operating Officer
£101,661 - £110,661 per annum
Welcome from the CEO
Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the River Learning Trust (RLT).
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We are seeking an experienced and dynamic COO to lead our operational teams, which provide essential support for our educational vision.
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The COO will drive the development and implementation of innovative strategies that support our goal of delivering exceptional educational experiences within a sustainable and efficient operational framework.
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This post has arisen due to the previous post holder, who has been with the Trust for seven years, having been appointed to the executive team at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
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I believe this to be an exciting time to join RLT; the new COO will work closely with me, our CFO and members of SLT in developing the Trust in the coming years.
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We grew relatively quickly as a multi-academy trust and whilst we have had a period of consolidation there is real scope to add value in this role in our next phase.
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The work here is challenging, resources are stretched and it requires determination, creativity and humour to get things done.
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However, the rewards are multiple.
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You will genuinely make a difference to the outcomes for the thousands of children and young people that attend an RLT school, together with making working here a great experience for our 2,000+ colleagues.
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We believe in the power of continuous improvement. because the work we do changes lives and society.
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We also believe in open and honest conversation, no elephants in rooms, and that an openness to feedback and learning is an essential way of working.
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Paul James
Who we are
RLT is a multi-academy trust that is committed to excellence through collaboration.
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We are nine secondary schools and 19 primary schools within Oxfordshire and Swindon.
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We also have a Teaching School Hub serving Oxfordshire and an Outstanding-rated SCITT (school-centred initial teacher training) provider that is expanding beyond Oxfordshire into Wiltshire and Berkshire.
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The schools and SCITT are united by their commitment to the principles of the Trust and a common belief in the benefits of everything that is gained by working together.
Our Schools
Our schools (in order of joining)
Secondary: The Cherwell School, Wheatley Park, Chipping Norton, Kingsdown, Marlborough CofE, The Swan School, Gosford Hill, The Oxford Academy and Cheney School.
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Primary: Cutteslowe, Wolvercote, Tower Hill, New Marston, Edith Moorhouse, Garsington CofE, Horspath CofE, Madley Brook, Witney Community, Middle Barton, Beckley CofE, Rose Hill, Sandhills, Larkrise, Charlbury, Seven Fields, Windrush, Bayards Hill and Barton Park.
Our Core Principles
A core principle at RLT is ‘Respectful Relationships’ where acting with care, integrity, and fairness is demonstrated within schools, the SCITT, and the Central Team. We value each member of our professional community and value our health and wellbeing. Our Staff Charter sets a standard which we all seek to follow; great schools thrive because of the people in them.
We are first and foremost a people organisation
Benefits
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CPLD & Career Development
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Wellbeing & Staff Networks including Employee Assistance Programme
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Continuous Service Benefits
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Employee-centred Policies / Family-friendly Policies
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Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity & Paternity Pay
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Holiday Entitlement - 30 days rising to 33 days (plus bank holidays)
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Annual pay increases
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Cycle to Work Scheme
The Role
The COO will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, leading and implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering the best use of available resources. High performing operational functions and strategic planning ensure the focus for our Headteachers and staff is educational and that colleagues across the Trust can work with clarity and efficiency.
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The COO portfolio includes
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Estates
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Health & Safety
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HR
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Technology and Digital Transformation
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Marketing & Communications
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Change projects
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Legal, Contracts and Procurement
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Administration
How to Apply
The recruitment process is being undertaken by Ivy Rock Partners on behalf of River Learning Trust.
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Timings
Application Deadline: 15th January 2024
Shortlisting: 19th January 2024
First Stage Interviews: 25th January 2024
Final Stage Interviews: 1st February 2024
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Application is by submission of full CV and a covering letter initially; followed by completion of our application form.
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Please contact Phil Southern from Ivy Rock Partners for more information/to set up a briefing in the first instance:
philsouthern@ivyrockpartners.com
07717 229 627
The River Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
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For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link; RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link; List of offences that are not filtered.