Chief Operating Officer Purpose: To deliver on the clear vision of CMAT to provide high quality and dynamic education for all at the heart of our communities by providing strategic leadership and professional management of all support roles and services including Finance, CT, Human Resources, Estates, Procurement, Public Relations, Governance, Compliance, Commercial and Administration teams within the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) and academies. To drive a culture of continuous improvement in all operational areas. To be a highly visible and credible leader within the Trust Executive Leadership Team and work to support the Trust Board, CEO and Executive Committee Structure through business as usual deliverables as the Trust continues to expand and grow. To lead on the due diligence process when considering potential additional academies and make recommendations in collaboration with the CEO to the Trust Board. Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Salary: Competitive Disclosure: Enhanced DBS Responsibilities: a) Strategic Leadership Role As a member of the CMAT Executive Leadership team, the post holder will: Provide advice and guidance to the CEO/Trust Board on all aspects of CMAT operations. Deputise for CEO in all aspects of work that do not require an educational background. Line Manage the Directors of all CMAT Support Services and ensure effective communication and collaboration within and between these services enhances the value CMAT brings to its academies. To build and develop a culture of high performing teams, ensuring succession planning is in place at all levels. Ensure support structures within CMAT reflect the best practice from business and from the emerging research into successful academy Trusts. Provide clear information, advice and recommendations to the CEO, Academy SLTs, Executive Committee and Board regarding strategic development of support services, the use of CMAT assets and the development of CMAT s activities, to ensure the best possible learning environment for students. Advise the CEO, Executive Committee, SLTs and Board on the implications of Central and Local Government policies, academy trends and developments across the education sector. Ensure that the impact of astute financial strategy and management directly impacts on educational outcomes for CMAT students. Ensure CMAT makes the best possible use of all resources through effective planning Prepare CMAT s annual and medium term business plans, in consultation with the CEO and academy SLTs, taking into account performance improvement objectives, funding projections, and other potential events and activities. Ensure CMAT is represented in national and local networks so that CMAT is alert to new trends and is familiar with current best practice in the developing education sector. Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with internal and external parties, including CMAT staff. Promote and market CMAT to a variety of audiences to raise the profile with the local community and seek sponsorship and partnerships which help CMAT meet planned and future objectives. Promote and safeguard the welfare of students. Design and maintain a clear Risk Register and disaster recovery plan for all elements of the Trust.
Service the Executive Committees established by the Trust, and ensure that all aspects of governance are fit for purpose as the Trust evolves. Provide annual Trust Core Staffing Plan and Central Charges Proposal for CEO/Trust approval. b) Human Resources n conjunction with the Trust HR Director and any current or future service provider(s): Ensure the smooth and successful operation of the Personnel Committee, including ensuring that the necessary skills are present in the members. Manage the administration of personnel matters for staff, including: appointments, contracts of employment, conditions of service, insurances, legal and other advisors, discipline and grievance matters, and making recommendations to the CEO, Executive Principal, Executive Committee, SLTs and Board as appropriate. Develop, maintain and implement Human Resource Management policies. Ensure compliance with all relevant employment law. Maintain confidential staff records Prepare annual costed staffing plans for approval by the Board. Liaise and consult with union and staff representatives as and when the need arises. Develop Core Trust HR Service and Ensure Quality Assurance. Manage national negotiations with unions. Ensure rapid and effective Communication of policies to all staff, and that they are complied with. c) Financial Management and Compliance n conjunction with the Trust Business and Resources Manager and Trust Finance Managers and any current or future service provider(s): Oversee and be responsible for the preparation and submission of all statutory financial statements and returns. versee the preparation of accurate and timely financial financial reports, estimates and financial/annual returns as required by funding bodies, government departments and Companies House. Prepare an annual budget within a three year financial plan for approval by the Board. Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts and other financial and nonfinancial reports for CMAT and its academies, presenting reports to the Board and explaining all significant variances to all relevant stakeholders, in accordance with agreed timetables. Provide support, guidance, challenge and information to budget holders. Plan and monitor the cash flow of CMAT, implement creditor and debtor policies and procedures, and oversee the treasury management of cash balances, short term investments and borrowings. Ensure that the financial and management accounting systems for CMAT are up to date and support all accounting and reporting needs. Maintain appropriate financial regulations and work with budget holders to ensure compliance. Maintain systems and procedures that ensure financial transactions are recorded and reported accurately, and that all financial controls are operating effectively. Ensure that the payroll provider maintains an effective payroll system, including compliance with all legislation. Oversee the preparation of reports and returns as requested/required on payroll payments made including PAYE, expense payments, National nsurance, pensions and any other relevant payments. Deal with all personnel matters relating to salary, pension and HMRC queries. Liaise with auditors and implement audit requirements and recommendations throughout the Trust. Research and complete funding bids to external bodies including Government departments to maximise the resources for CMAT. Ensure that any funds received from successful bids are spent appropriately and within timescales.
Maximise revenues from sales and purchases, sponsorship, fundraising, lettings and business activities, without compromising the educational activities and learning environment for students. Ensure effective liaison with brokers/insurance companies regarding claims, dealing with all correspondence and communications. Ensure that tax obligations are discharged correctly and effectively. Review and maintain the CMAT risk register. Maintain and ensure regular review of CMAT s data protection, personnel, fire safety and health & safety policies, and ensure that all required procedures, including Equalities Act requirements are in place and observed. Report on all financial and compliance matters to the CEO, SLTs and Board as required. d) CT and Data Services To establish a high quality, value for money service through: Line Managing the Trust T Director. Working with the CEO, and SLTs to maintain and deliver a rolling five year CT strategy which aligns with the educational and development plans of CMAT. Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate CT infrastructure and systems to support the objectives and aims of CMAT. Provide a strategic oversight of the opportunities and risks of new and emerging technologies for CMAT to assess. Develop the commercial arm of this operation and ensure quality assurance procedures are robust. Maintain systems to enable tracking of staff and pupil performance, and the progress of initiatives. e) Marketing and Communications To develop a Marketing and Communication team and manage contracts with any current or future service provider(s): Provide line management and performance management oversight for the team. Provide quality assurance and review of all marketing and communication related outputs and ensure that all statutory and regulatory requirements are met and correctly maintained at all times. Ensure the deployment of any funds or resources around the marketing of the Trust and school is of the highest standard and correctly aligned to the key messages of the Trust. Ensure that the internal communications infrastructure is fit for purpose and supports staff needs at all times. f) Estates Management n conjunction with the Business and Resources Manager and Trust Site Manager: Develop and maintain the CMAT Asset Management Plan and site master plans, ensuring that accurate data are maintained and that projects and priorities support the educational plans and requirements of CMAT. Develop and implement strategies for premises management to ensure that the quality of the CMAT estate and the learning environment for students is sustainable, maintained and improved. Develop and deliver long term maintenance plans and effective reactive maintenance services. Ensure regular testing and maintain all records as required for buildings, materials, hazardous substances, water, appliances, services etc. Ensure the security of all school sites and all physical assets. Maintain high quality services for cleaning, catering and grounds maintenance. Develop and deliver building improvement projects, taking part in on site surveys, liaising with architects and drawing up proposals as required. Ensure the value for money of all estates expenditure. Ensure effective tendering and management of contracts for work done by external contractors.
Be the designated lead member of CMAT senior leadership team for Health & Safety. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation. g) Procurement and Contract Management n conjunction with the Trust Finance Managers, CEO, Principals and Core Service Directors: Prepare and implement policies concerning the procurement and ordering of all CMAT supplies and services to ensure best value for money. Monitor the operation of policies concerning procurement and ordering and prepare such reports as may be required. Monitor the operation of contracts entered into for the supply of services to CMAT. Ensure all contracting and procurement activities are fully compliant with all public sector legislation and regulatory requirements. Ensure all Commercial Operations are well managed and profitable including T Services, Financial Services, Health and Safety and Sports Centre Operations. h) Administration Services n conjunction with the Business and Resources Manager and Academy based Admin teams and any current or future service provider(s): Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate administration systems to support the objectives and aims of CMAT. Develop a disaster recovery strategy for each school and CMAT, with detailed operational plans. Maintain systems in order to provide statistical and information returns for outside agencies. Ensure that the support office functions in each school provide appropriate and efficient services. Provide leadership, motivation, support and performance management for all direct reports. Ensure that direct reports are appropriately trained and developed, developing the management skills of middle leaders to ensure consistency of performance management. Ensure that high standards of professional behaviour and performance are achieved, using systems of external accreditation and evaluation wherever possible. Contribute actively to the development of quality improvement programmes across CMAT. i) Other duties and responsibilities: Undertaking such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and commensurate with being a member of the Trust leadership team. Contribute to and exemplify the values of the Trust. The post holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from the CEO and Board to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Whilst every effort had been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
Note: Candidates should ensure that they meet the essential criteria for qualifications and experience and provide supporting evidence. * - nterview T Test/Presentation A - Application Form E - Evidence Education and Professional Qualifications Essential Desirable *Method of Professional qualification in accountancy (ACA, CMA, CPFA, ACCA or equivalent) Evidence of continuous professional development Project Management Qualification or Certification A / E A / E Experience and Skills Essential Desirable Method of Significant experience of leading the A / strategic financial planning for an organisation within a Senior Manager role Experience of strategic business or service A / planning and the development of business opportunities Experience of financial, budgetary and A / / T risk management Experience of procuring services and A / / T monitoring contracts to ensure that value for money and key performance indicator requirements are met Experience of staff leadership and A / management, and evidence of achieving performance improvement across diverse teams Successful track record of managing A / E complex projects from inception to completion Excellent communication skills at all levels A Experience of interpreting Government A/ education policy and legislation Experience of treasury management A/ Experience of asset and facilities A/ management Track record of successful fund raising activities A//T
Knowledge Essential Desirable Method of Company and charity law, particularly A / / T governance, accounting and reporting requirements Financial management processes and systems in a complex people orientated organisation A / Personnel procedures and relevant A/ employment legislation Awareness of current T developments Health and safety legislation Financial requirements within publicly funded education and regulatory requirements Personal Attributes Essential Desirable Method of The ability to establish effective working A / relationships at all levels within an organisation and with outside organisations Resilience, the ability to handle high levels of pressure and be able to meet deadlines Ability to make and justify difficult decisions Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people Committed to equality * The postholder has an implicit duty to promote the welfare and safeguarding of all children and young people. CMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All staff will be subject to an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee Registered in England & Wales. No. 7552498. Registered Office: Gibraltar Lane, Swavesey, Cambridgeshire CB24 4RS
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The above mentioned duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out other relevant duties as directed by the CEO as may be reasonably expected. This is not a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. Appointed Candidate s Name: Date of Appointment: Signature of Appointee: By signing this job description you are agreeing to its content and context at the date of signing. Please be mindful that this role can be subject to review by the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust or yourself at any appropriate time in consultation with yourself. Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee Registered in England & Wales. No. 7552498. Registered Office: Gibraltar Lane, Swavesey, Cambridgeshire CB24 4RS