Chief Operating Officer

Christ’s Hospital has pioneered social mobility and challenged social inequality to provide an unrivalled start in life for children for nearly five centuries.  As economic and social inequality continues to grow in the UK, Christ’s Hospital’s mission is ever more relevant. Situated on a large campus in 1,200 acres of Sussex countryside, close to Gatwick airport, and with close ongoing links with the City of London, the School offers a first-class boarding education to children with academic potential from all backgrounds. Most pupils (75%) benefit from bursaries provided by the School’s foundation. With an annual budget in excess of £30 million, an endowment of £500 million, over 400 staff and 900 pupils, Christ’s Hospital is a large and complex organisation.

The School now seeks an effective Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive the operational, financial and commercial performance of the leading charitable school in the UK. It is a hands-on role where skilful management of people and effective project management will be critical. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the strategic development of Christ’s Hospital under the leadership of the Head Teacher and CEO, Simon Reid.

The successful candidate will combine experience of managing multi-disciplinary and support functions with a track record of successfully delivering change through outstanding leadership and effective collaboration.  They will have excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a strong instinct for team building and the ability to work effectively with numerous stakeholders. Applications are welcomed from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake. An authentic commitment to the mission of Christ’s Hospital is essential, as is a belief in social mobility and the power of education to transform lives. Christ’s Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.

For further information and to download the application pack, please go to our retained consultants Perrett Laver.  Completed applications should be uploaded at: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/  quoting reference number 5719. The closing date for applications is 08:30 am GMT Thursday 31st March 2022.

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Christ’s Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All successful applicants are required to complete an enhanced disclosure application with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).  More details on the disclosure process can be found on www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

Christ’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Registered Charity No. 1120090.