Chief Operating Officer

At Embark Federation, our schools exist to help children and young people love learning, love life. As we continue to grow and strengthen, we are creating a new Chief Operating Officer role to provide strategic leadership across our operational functions and ensure our schools have the systems, infrastructure and support they need to deliver exceptional outcomes for children.

We are looking for someone who can bring clarity, consistency and accountability across a complex organisation. Someone who can see the bigger picture, build strong relationships, challenge where necessary, and ensure operational excellence becomes a genuine enabler of educational success.

Reporting directly to the Trust Leader and working as a key member of the Executive Team, you will lead and coordinate trust-wide operations including compliance, risk, health and safety, IT, communications, contracts, policies and operational improvement. You will provide assurance to the Trust Board, support strategic growth and ensure our schools can focus on what matters most - teaching, learning and children.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation.
• Has a strong track record of leading operational improvement and organisational change.
• Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
• Understands governance, compliance, risk and organisational assurance.
• Builds credibility quickly and works effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Has the confidence to challenge, influence and drive high standards.
• Shares our commitment to inclusion, integrity and service.

Experience within education is helpful but not essential. We are equally interested in exceptional leaders from public, private or third-sector organisations who can demonstrate impact, strategic leadership and a commitment to making a difference.

Why Embark?

Embark Federation is a family of schools serving communities across Derbyshire. We are ambitious for our children, committed to our staff and determined to create stand out schools at the heart of our communities. This is an opportunity to join a values-led organisation at an exciting stage of its development and play a significant role in shaping its future. You can find out more about what you can expect in our 'working for us' booklet.

If you are a strategic leader who can combine operational excellence with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Commitment

At Embark, the safety and wellbeing of children is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS checks, online searches, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds who share our commitment to ensuring every child can thrive.