Job Description

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.

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