Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Required: Easter 2026 (flexible, subject to notice periods)

Reporting to: Headmaster

Hours: Full-Time, Full-Year

Member of: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Thursday 22nd January

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and holds executive responsibility for operational leadership, whilst also overseeing the School’s financial operations and ensuring that the financial strategy aligns with the School’s long-term aims. Working in close partnership with the Headmaster, Finance Director, SLT and Governing Body, the COO will ensure that the School’s strategy and operations are efficient, future-focused, financially sustainable, and aligned to the School’s purpose and ethos.

The role combines strategic leadership with high professional standards in financial oversight, facilities, IT capability, commercial development, contracts, and risk assurance.

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re‑foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area;

our academic, co‑curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025.

Despite the multiple national‑scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward‑thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

As a central figure in the School’s Senior Leadership Team, the COO will undertake a range of duties relating to Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development, Finance Partnership & Oversight, Estates, Capital Projects & Sustainability, Operational Management, Risk, Compliance & Governance, Commercial & Business Development, People & Culture. For full details, please refer to the applicant information pack.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and experience:

• Senior leadership experience in operations, commercial, or corporate roles within a complex organisation;
• Strong understanding of estates, operational delivery, compliance and business systems;
• Demonstrable ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and deliver organisational change;
• Ability to interpret and contribute to financial planning and reporting at senior level;
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute decisions at pace;
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Evidence of sound judgement, discretion, integrity and resilience;
• Alignment with the School’s values, safeguarding culture and educational mission.

The following qualities are also desirable:

• Experience in the education sector, charity sector or independent schools;
• Experience delivering capital projects and organisational transformation;
• Knowledge of charity governance, ISI regulations and independent school compliance;
• Background working with Boards or Governing Bodies;
• Relevant professional qualification in estates, business, law, finance, project management or similar.

The salary offered will be competitive – reflective of the significance of this role in a leading HMC independent school – and will depend on skills and experience.

• Annual holiday entitlement of 25 days plus statutory bank holidays, rising to 30 days after five years’ service;
• Staff fee remission for children…