Chief Operating Officer

Whitgift is a leading independent day and boarding school, offering world-class education to over 1,500 boys aged 10 to 18. Located within 45 acres of magnificent parkland, in South Croydon, London, it is part of the John Whitgift Foundation. The School provides an excellent all-around education, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development and co-curricular involvement within a culturally, economically and ethnically diverse community. With a turnover of £40M, Whitgift is a substantial organisation. This is an outstanding opportunity for an inspiring, collegiate and ambitious leader to drive the business functions of Whitgift, building upon what is already excellent at a highly successful School within a strong and supportive charitable foundation. Reporting to the new Headmaster, and working with the Governors and the Executive Team, the new COO will act as the School’s commercial adviser, shaping and implementing the next phase of its strategic development including further international expansion, whilst ensuring its continued operational and financial success. The COO will lead a diverse team of support staff and be responsible for the School’s finance, estates, operations, catering, cleaning and commercial activities. Candidates will have a proven track record of executive leadership, commercial success and financial control, balancing the needs and challenges of large complex organisations, managing resources, delivering results, thinking strategically, and inspiring, motivating and developing high functioning teams. Outstanding communication skills, the ability to navigate complex relationships as well as execute initiatives and deliver projects are essential. The role requires ambition, rigour, energy and resilience complemented by empathetic, inclusive and authentic leadership, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite, and applications are encouraged from candidates wit