Chief Operating Officer

The Head and members of the Governing Council of Benenden School invite applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Founded in 1923, Benenden is one of the leading independent schools in Britain, situated in 250 acres of beautiful parkland in Kent. Some 550 girls benefit from Benenden’s ‘A Complete Education’ (ACE), with the core values of confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy at its heart. A key aspect of school life at Benenden is its culture of ‘stretch without stress’ and its distinctive approach to boarding, which is central to the educational experience for every girl. Motivational teaching and a dynamic, challenging curriculum are fundamental to this experience, encouraging and supporting girls to develop their interests and excel beyond the classroom. Benenden is fast approaching the completion of its Centenary Vision, an exciting development plan which has recently led the School to its 100th anniversary. The School has constantly sought to develop and improve its educational provision, adding an all-weather pitch, sports pavilion, additional on-site staff housing, state-of-the-art Science Centre, and an Eco-Classroom to the campus in recent years. The stunning new Hall and Music School are also valuable new additions to the site. Reporting directly to the Head, the COO will assume overall responsibility for the leadership of all non-educational functions within the School, including finance, estates and facilities, human resources, IT, and commercial enterprise activities. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the COO will play a pivotal role in driving the successful execution of the Strategic Plan and realising the School's vision for the future. This is a wide-ranging and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to provide commercial strategy, identify growth opportunities, and continue to drive a culture of professionalism during a transformative period for the independent schools sector. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who can evidence strong commercial and operational expertise and a demonstrable track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative and enabling style. The successful candidate is likely to have a professional qualification in finance, estates, or project management. Sound judgement, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the mission and values of Benenden School will be essential as the School embarks on its second century of leading and innovative education. The closing date for applications is 9am GMT Monday 3 February. Benenden School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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