CEO – Multi-Academy Trust (part-time, 3 days a week)

CEO – Multi-Academy Trust (part-time, 3 days a week)

Berkshire

Negotiable

Exclusively retained by our client, we seek an experienced and dynamic part-time CEO who will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to an established and thriving Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). The CEO will be responsible for driving growth through the acquisition of new schools, enhancing educational standards, and ensuring the Trust's long-term sustainability and success.

This is a key leadership role requiring a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the UK education sector.

Responsibilities & Deliverables:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide clear, strategic leadership to the Trust, aligning with the Board's vision and goals.

• Develop and implement strategies for growth, including the identification, acquisition, and integration of new schools into the Trust.

• Lead the Trust’s long-term planning, focusing on improving educational outcomes, financial sustainability, and organisational effectiveness.

Educational Leadership:

• Champion educational excellence across the Trust, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

• Support Headteachers and school leaders in driving school improvement initiatives and addressing areas of underperformance.

• Promote a culture of continuous professional development for all staff, enhancing leadership capacity within the Trust.

Operational and Financial Management:

• Oversee the Trust’s operational functions, ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and effectively to support educational objectives.

• Lead on financial planning and management, ensuring the Trust’s financial health and sustainability.

• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop robust financial models that support growth and improve value for money.

Growth and Expansion:

• Identify and pursue opportunities for the acquisition of new schools, expanding the Trust’s portfolio in line with strategic goals.

• Build relationships with potential partner schools, local authorities, and other interested bodies to enable and facilitate the Trust’s growth.

• Oversee the due diligence process for new acquisitions, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s values, culture, and educational standards.

Governance and Compliance:

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing them with timely and accurate information to support effective governance and decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including those set by the Department for Education and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

• Maintain high standards of corporate governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity across the Trust.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the principal ambassador for the Trust, representing it to external stakeholders including government bodies, educational organisations, and the wider community.

• Foster a positive and inclusive culture across the Trust, promoting collaboration and sharing of best practices among schools.

Ideal Person Specification:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the education sector, ideally within a Multi-Academy Trust or similar organisation.

• A strong track record of strategic leadership and successful growth, including the acquisition and integration of new entities.

• Excellent understanding of the UK education landscape, including the regulatory framework governing Multi-Academy Trusts.

• Strong financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and financial planning at a strategic level.

• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

• A commitment to the values and ethos of the Trust, with a passion for improving educational outcomes for all students.

• A background in change management, particularly within educational settings.

• Professional qualifications in education, leadership, and management.

Please apply with an up to date but initial CV.