Fixed Term Contract - until the 31st of August.

Join Education Village Academy Trust and help to shape the strategic direction of a Trust that delivers outstanding education across mainstream and SEND settings, raising ambition, inclusion and excellence for learners of all backgrounds across Darlington.

Who we are

At The Education Village Academy Trust, learning has no limits. Our mission is to deliver exceptional learning experiences that stretch aspirations and inspire everyone, pupils, staff and our wider community, to reach their potential.

Our ethos centres on putting children and young people first. We nurture every learner in an environment where they are respected, challenged and inspired. Across our academies, we foster collaboration and teamwork, sharing expertise, resources and best practice to improve teaching, learning and pastoral care. High expectations, ambition and ethical leadership guide our decisions and we actively create inclusive settings where every pupil can thrive, regardless of background or ability.

We are values driven, with a deep moral purpose that puts children and young people first. We believe in excellence, ambition, inclusion, teamwork and ethical leadership. These values underpin everything we do, from our classroom teaching to our estates management and community partnerships.

About the role

As Executive Director of Operations, you will be expected to:

• Provide strategic leadership across the Trust’s operational functions during a key period of development.
• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to ensure shared services effectively support educational outcomes.
• Lead the Trust’s operational portfolio, aligning systems, services and people to deliver excellence.
• Create the capacity for the CEO to focus on strategic priorities by managing complex issues and maintaining organisational stability.
• Oversee key areas including digital transformation, data and systems, professional services, people and organisational development, estates and communications.
• Lead through others to deliver high-quality, scalable and values-driven operational services.
• Navigate complex challenges with autonomy, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused leadership.
• Build strong relationships, including the ability to manage upwards and handle sensitive or challenging conversations effectively.
• Shape and strengthen the Trust’s operational culture and infrastructure to support future growth.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a resilient, inclusive and high-performing organisation.

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership capability, with a strong commitment to placing children and young people at the centre of decision making.
• A proven track record of strategic leadership, transformation and delivering measurable improvement.
• The ability to translate vision into operational, educational and financial outcomes across a complex organisation.
• Experience leading across multiple functions within a multi-site or similarly complex environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to lead change and deliver tangible results across a broad portfolio.
• A clear commitment to inclusion, equity and maintaining high standards across all schools.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• The credibility to act as a visible ambassador, engaging with stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally.
• The ability to embrace change, challenge constructively and remain resilient under pressure.
• A strong alignment with the Trust’s values, with the drive and vision to deliver exceptional education and sustainable growth.

Please click 'Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 1st April