Director of Operations

Castleford Trust is a dynamic and inclusive Multi Academy Trust, consisting of nine schools across all phases: three secondary academies, two primary academies, two junior academies and two infant academies. All of the academies are located within the geographical area of Wakefield, forming a medium-sized trust with a strong community feel.

At Castleford Trust, our vision is "Working together to achieve excellence for all." We are deeply committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential and that no child is left behind. Our Trust is an exceptional place to work, offering a supportive and dedicated team of staff who share a common goal of making a difference to the life chances of pupils. We take great pride in developing and nurturing talent by providing extensive opportunities for staff training and professional development.

Director of Operations

Start date as soon as possible

(subject to notice period & completed pre-employment checks)

Term Time + 15 Days or Full time considered

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled professional to join the Trust central team, working closely with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and academy, operations, and business leaders to have strategic oversight of trust operations (People and HR, Estates and Compliance, IT and Data Protection, Marketing and Communications, Health and Safety).

Ideally, you will have significant experience leading operations in an education or commercial environment, with an ability to lead, manage, and develop teams. You will ensure continuous professional development, drive improvements and standards, and have the determination to make a real difference to our Trust.

You will be joining the Trust at an exciting time in our development, as four new academies have recently joined. This role is crucial in our commitment to deliver outstanding central services to our academies, enabling academy leaders to focus on their core educational purpose of achieving the best possible outcomes for pupils.

Your application will need to demonstrate that you have:

• Substantial and successful experience of leading business operations in an educational or commercial environment.
• A proven ability to specify and deliver projects on time, to budget, and to the required quality.
• Conversant with a wide range of work-related legislations.
• Able to develop quality assurance systems to ensure strong performance and impact.
• An enthusiastic leader, committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all pupils, staff, and stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to personal development for all staff, including yourself.
• Strong commercial and operational experience with an ability to lead, manage, and develop teams, ensuring continuous professional development, driving improvements and standards.
• Experience of collaborative working in a large multi-site organisation.
• Familiarity with best practice change management processes and experience in coaching managers through this, and leading where necessary.
• Experience of managing strategic operations and financial plans and influencing decision-making.
• Experience and understanding of the working of a trust board, and company and charity law, regulations, and reporting requirements.

You will also need to be:

• Able to set priorities to enable work to be done effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Able to follow direction and work in collaboration with leaders.
• Able to demonstrate a creative approach to problem solving.
• Supportive of the Trust's ethos and values at all times both within the Trust and the wider community.
• Committed to inspiring pupils and staff in the development initiatives and strategies, promoting whole school improvement.
• An excellent communicator who is at ease working with all stakeholders.
• Able to demonstrate an ability to be resilient and determined whilst also providing support.

As part of our team at Castleford Trust, you will have access to a comprehensive package of wellbeing support designed exclusively for schools, providing access to a team of in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.

Castleford Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. For all positions at Castleford Trust, you are required to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check prior to appointment.

The deadline for applications is 8.00am on Monday 24th March 2025, with interviews taking place in due course.

Application forms can be downloaded from our website. Completed applications should be addressed to the CEO, Mr George Panayiotou at the Castleford Trust address or via email to trustrecruitment@castlefordacademytrust.com