Chief Operating Officer

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW

Our thriving and values-driven multi-academy trust is seeking to appoint an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help realise our vision of delivering high-quality, inclusive education rooted in Christian values.

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) was established in 2014 for schools choosing to become an academy as well as for those who found themselves in need of a sponsor. Our vision is to build a better future for all across our academies who, in turn, will positively impact their communities.

We want our children and young people to be able to ‘experience life in all its fullness’ and although this phrase is rooted in a Christian narrative (taken from John 10:10), irrespective of a faith perspective, that is what all of us want for our pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and strategic leader to shape and strengthen our Central Services Team, playing a key role in delivering our ambitious plans for sustainable growth. Excellence across all operational functions will be vital in supporting our current family of schools, while also developing the systems, structures, and capacity needed for the future.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic leadership and operational effectiveness of the Trust, deputising where required. You will lead all non-academic and central service functions alongside the CFO who oversees finance, ensuring they reflect and reinforce our vision, values, and distinctively Christian ethos.

We are looking for a highly experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering organisational improvement and managing complex operations within a comparable setting. You will bring strong strategic insight, a collaborative approach, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities across central support services.

Above all, you will be committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people.

Employee benefits

• An opportunity to work as part of a supportive team and empower you to further develop the Trust.
• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme contributions. Opportunity for Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
• A generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing high quality professional development opportunities.
• Hybrid working with the opportunity to work from the office in Bakewell, home and the DDAT schools across the Trust.
• Benefits including but not limited to; Free onsite parking at Bakewell Head Office, Cycle to Work Scheme, free eye tests and a contribution towards a pair of glasses for employees using VDU’s, Employee Assistance Programme & an opportunity to work flexibly.

To find out more and register your interest for the role, please visit www.joinddat.co.uk

If you have any questions or queries about the role, please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting Jenna Everett on 01744 634654 or email jenna@satiseducation.co.uk

• The closing date for applications is: Monday 27th April 2026, 9am
• Shortlisting: Tuesday 28th April 2026
• Interviews will take place on: 7th & 8th May 2026

To apply, please complete our online application form using the following link: https://derbydiocesanacademytrust.face-ed.co.uk/Vacancies/Detail?campaignRef=SCH-DDAT-0012

DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Please be aware that Derbyshire County Council is placing this advert on behalf of this organisation and you should refer directly to its website for details of the terms and conditions attached to this post. Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process should be made directly to the organisation.