We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our Trust’s strategic vision. The successful candidate will be a values‑driven, highly skilled professional with strong commercial and operational expertise, capable of leading and developing our services to enable educational excellence across our academies.

Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Trustees and C-Suite, the COO will ensure the Trust’s operations are efficient, financially robust, compliant and resilient, creating the conditions in which schools and young people can thrive.

The COO will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the Trust’s non‑educational functions. This typically includes:

• People/Human Resources
• Data Protection
• Estates and Facilities
• IT and Digital
• Insights
• Health & Safety and Risk
• Marketing & Communications
• Public Relations

The role ensures that operational excellence underpins strong educational outcomes.

• Provide strategic leadership of all non-teaching/operational functions across the Trust (e.g. estates, HR, IT, governance/compliance, and business services) to support the Trust's school excellence strategy.
• Work closely with the CEO and C-Suite to translate the Trust’s vision and School Improvement Plans into robust operational plans, KPIs and reporting.
• Lead Trust-wide business transformation and continuous improvement, including the redesign of central and school-based professional services, operating models and processes.
• Oversee estates and facilities management, including capital projects, health and safety, asset management and long-term premises planning across all academies.
• Ensure legal, regulatory and policy compliance (e.g. safeguarding processes, health and safety, data protection/GDPR, Freedom of Information, procurement, contractual obligations).
• Lead operational risk management and business continuity planning, including development, testing and review of Trust-wide resilience arrangements.
• Develop and oversee the People strategy for both school and central teams, working closely with the People Director to support recruitment, retention, talent management and staff wellbeing.
• Manage and develop senior operational leaders and build a high-performing, collaborative central services team.
• Contribute to financial sustainability through efficient resource planning, value-for-money procurement, and monitoring of operational budgets in partnership with the CFO.
• Provide high-quality reports, insight and recommendations to the Trust Board and its committees to support effective governance.
• Champion a positive, inclusive culture aligned with the Trust’s values and the needs of local communities.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to translate strategy into operational plans, KPIs and deliverable projects.
• Excellent understanding of key operational areas relevant to a MAT: estates and capital, HR and people, IT/digital infrastructure, health and safety, and governance/compliance.
• Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness, including understanding of budgets, value-for-money, contracts and procurement.
• Highly developed leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with headteachers, governors, trustees and external partners.
• Strong project and programme management skills, able to prioritise and deliver multiple initiatives across different sites.
• High level of digital literacy, including familiarity with MIS, finance/HR systems and broader digital transformation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Substantial senior leadership experience in operations in a complex, multi-site organisation (ideally a MAT, public sector, or similarly regulated environment).
• Proven track record of leading organisational change and transformation programmes, including technology-enabled and service redesign projects.
• Direct responsibility for several professional service functions (e.g. HR, estates, IT/digital, governance/compliance, administration).
• Experience of risk management, business continuity and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements (including health and safety and data protection).
• Experience of reporting to, and working with, Boards or Trust Boards and their committees.
• Evidence of building and leading high-performing teams and developing senior staff.

Personal Qualities

• Committed to the Trust's educational mission and improving outcomes for young people in our communities.
• Values-driven, with high standards of integrity, fairness and confidentiality. Resilient, calm under pressure and able to make balanced decisions in complex situations.
• Collaborative, visible and approachable leader who models teamwork and respect.
• Results-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset and willingness to challenge the status quo constructively.

Work Related Circumstances (including working conditions)

The role is primarily based at the Trust office and will involve travel across school sites. The post‑holder must be able to travel independently between locations in an efficient and reliable manner. Where driving is the chosen method, a valid driving licence and access to suitable transport will be required.

• Local Government pension scheme​
• Flexible working​
• Cycle to work scheme​
• Discounted membership for Westfield Health​
• Occupational Health​
• Wellbeing programme​
• Continuous CPD and training
• BUPA Healthy Minds scheme
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Eye care vouchers for eligible colleagues

Applications for this role must be made via our Employment Application Form below.

The closing date for applications is Monday 22 June 2026 (23.59 hours) and interviews will be held on either Tuesday 30 June or Wednesday 1 July 2026.

If you have any queries please contact Katie Mellors via execadmin@inovamat.org.

For further information please download the application pack below.

The People & Payroll Officer is a professional operational role providing high-quality administration for the People team and payroll support services across INOVA Multi-Academy Trust.

The role exists to provide a professional, centrally governed service aligned to Trust strategy, statutory requirements and best practice.

Salary Range: Grade 5 SCP 15 – 20 (£30,024 - £32,597)
Hours of Work: Full time, 52 weeks per year
Responsible To: People & Payroll Manager
Key Relationships: People team, Finance team, school leaders and staff
Location: Trust Head Office

Core Accountabilities

The postholder is accountable for:

• Accurate People and Payroll administration
• Timely processing of contractual and pay changes

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records, personnel files and systems.
• Respond to staff queries in a professional, friendly and confidential manner.
• Prepare and process monthly payrolls for multiple academies, including joiners, leavers, contract
• changes, salary increments, and allowances (e.g. TLRs, SEN, honoraria).
• Manage statutory payments and deductions. Examples if required: PAYE, National Insurance,
• student loans, court orders, AEOs, sickness (SSP), maternity/paternity/adoption pay
• (SMP/SPP/SAP), childcare vouchers/salary sacrifice.
• Calculate and administer overtime, additional hours, and variable pay in line with Trust policy
• and working time regulations.
• Ensure payroll complies with HMRC requirements, Real Time Information (RTI) submissions, and
• year-end returns (e.g. P60s and P11Ds if applicable).
• Maintain accurate payroll records and audit trails; reconcile payroll reports to finance ledgers.
• Administer TPS and LGPS entries, exits, service changes, and monthly/annual returns; ensure
• correct pensionable pay calculations.
• Liaise with pension funds/providers regarding queries, opt-outs, auto-enrolment assessments,
• and remedy updates where applicable.
• Support resolution of discrepancies and ensure compliance with pension scheme rules and
• legislation.

Governance, Compliance & Safeguarding

• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, employment law and payroll regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and data security at all times.
• Handle sensitive staff data in line with GDPR and Trust policy.
• Support equality, fairness and consistent treatment.
• Adhere to safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures (e.g. DBS checks, pre-employment
• verifications impacting payroll).
• Support internal/external audits and implement recommendations.
• Stakeholder Management & Professional Standards
• Deliver a professional, friendly customer-focused People & Payroll service.
• Work collaboratively with schools and the central Trust team.
• Ablity to investigate and resolve and/or escalate complex payroll cases such as and backdated
• pay adjustments involving multiple earnings components within agreed SLAs.
• Produce routine and ad-hoc payroll reports for People/Finance/leaders.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of processing payroll in a complex organisation
• Experience working with payroll systems
• Ability to meet strict deadlines with high levels of accuracy
• Experience in People/HR administration and/or payroll
• High levels of accuracy, organisation and discretion
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable

• CIPP Level 3+ Payroll qualification; AAT or relevant finance qualification
• Experience within education or public sector organisations.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Good working knowledge of Teachers’ Pay and Conditions, NJC pay frameworks,
• and standard education-sector entitlements.
• Working knowledge of TPS and LGPS processes, contributions, and accurate
• submission of required data.
• Solid understanding of core payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, statutory
• payments and tax codes.
• Experience processing payroll within an education, MAT or local authority setting.
• Strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail and ability to reconcile payroll data.
• Competent ICT skills including Microsoft Excel and payroll software.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and comply with
• GDPR/data‑protection requirements.
• Ability to follow payroll procedures, interpret basic contractual terms, and
• escalate complex issues appropriately.
• Good communication and customer‑service skills with the ability to respond to
• staff queries clearly and professionally.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and professional judgement.
• Strong organisational, coordination and delivery skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.

Desirable

• Experience using integrated HR/payroll systems.
• Familiarity with HMRC RTI submissions and year‑end tasks (P60/P11D).
• Awareness of IR35/off‑payroll requirements.
• Experience supporting payroll reporting or audit preparation

Personal Attributes and Behaviours

Essential

• Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Professional, approachable, and supportive in interactions with staff across the
• Trust.
• Team‑focused with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Calm under pressure and committed to accuracy.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
• of children, following all safeguarding policies and maintaining an enhanced DBS
• clearance.
• Aspire to reflect the Trust’s values and ethos in professional conduct and
• communication within the Trust.
• Have a flexible work approach.
• Have the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal
• boundaries with children and young people.
• Have a commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
• Act in accordance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct (and for teachers - Teachers’
• Standards).
• Forge positive professional relationships.

• Local Government pension scheme​
• Cycle to work scheme​
• Discounted membership for Westfield Health​
• Continuous CPD and training
• BUPA Healthy Minds scheme
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Eye care vouchers for eligible colleagues
• Discount schemes for public service staff
• Free parking at all INOVA sites 

Applications for this role must be made via our Employment Application Form below.

The closing date for applications is Monday 6 July 2026 at 8.00am. Interviews will likely be held week commencing 13 July 2026.

If you have any queries please contact our People Team via info@inovamat.org.

The Cluster HR Officer is a front-facing operational HR role supporting a cluster of school with day-today people matters.

The postholder will act as a trusted first point of contact for Heads and school leaders, providing practical advice, managing a range of employee relations matters, supporting recruitment activity and ensuring consistent application of Trust policy and employment practice.

The role combines advisory support, case management, recruitment coordination and people administration, helping schools manage their workforce effectively while escalating more complex matters appropriately.

Salary Range: Grade 5 SCP 15 – 20 (£30,024 - £32,597)
Hours of Work: Full time, 52 weeks per year
Responsible To: People Business Partner
Key Relationships: People team, Finance team, Cluster team and school leaders and staff
Location: Multi-site school-based role with 1 day per week at Trust Head Office

Core Accountabilities

The postholder is accountable for:

• Providing responsive day-to-day HR support across an allocated cluster of schools.
• Supporting leaders to manage people matters confidently, fairly and consistently.
• Delivering efficient recruitment and onboarding support.
• Managing a range of employee relations matters in line with policy and best practice.
• Promoting compliance with employment law, safeguarding and Trust procedures.
• Building positive professional relationships across schools and central teams.

Operational HR Support

• Act as first point of contact for Headteachers and managers on routine HR queries.
• Provide practical advice on attendance, probation, conduct, capability, flexible working and
• policy interpretation.
• Support leaders with workforce planning, staffing changes and people processes.
• Ensure managers are applying Trust policies consistently and appropriately.
• Provide timely, solutions-focused support to operational people issues across the cluster.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters to senior HR colleagues where appropriate.

Employee Relations

• Manage a range of employee relations cases including:

1. short-term absence concerns
2. informal conduct matters
3. probation issues
4. welfare concerns
5. informal concerns
6. flexible working queries

• informal capability support matters
• Support formal meetings by preparing letters, documentation and note-taking where required.
• Advise managers on appropriate next steps, risks and timescales.
• Track live cases and ensure matters progress in a timely manner.
• Support return to work meetings and attendance follow-up processes.
• Maintain accurate ER records and case files.

Attendance and Wellbeing

• Support schools with absence management processes.
• Complete or support return to work meetings where appropriate.
• Monitor absence trends and highlight concerns to leaders.
• Signpost wellbeing support and occupational health processes where required.
• Promote early intervention and supportive case management.

Recruitment and Resourcing

• Support end-to-end recruitment activity across the cluster.
• Draft adverts, candidate packs and recruitment communications.
• Coordinate recruitment campaigns, interview days and recruitment events.
• Support safer recruitment compliance including references, DBS and pre-employment checks.
• Liaise with candidates and hiring managers to ensure a positive recruitment experience.
• Support onboarding and induction processes for new starters.

Governance, Compliance and Safeguarding

• Ensure HR practice complies with Trust policy, employment legislation and safer recruitment standards.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee matters.
• Ensure accurate HR records are maintained in line with GDPR and retention guidance.
• Promote fair, consistent and inclusive employment practices.
• Support safeguarding expectations relevant to HR processes.

Communication and Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships with Headteachers and leaders across the cluster.
• Work collaboratively with payroll, finance and central support teams.
• Provide clear and professional written communication including letters, meeting outcomes and advice notes.
• Support delivery of Trust-wide people initiatives and change programmes.
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the Trust.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Experience in an HR advisory or HR officer role
• Experience handling employee relations matters
• Experience supporting recruitment processes
• Experience in education / public sector desirable

Desirable

• CIPD Level 3/5 or equivalent experience

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Good understanding of employment law and HR practice
• Ability to advise managers confidently on routine HR matters
• Strong case management and organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise workload across multiple schools
• Strong written communication skills
• Good ICT skills including HR systems and Microsoft Office

Personal Attributes and Behaviours

Essential

• Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Professional, approachable, and supportive in interactions with staff across the Trust.
• Team‑focused with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Calm under pressure and committed to accuracy.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, following all safeguarding policies and maintaining an enhanced DBS clearance.
• Aspire to reflect the INOVA values and ethos in professional conduct and communication within the Trust.
• Have a flexible work approach.
• Have the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people.
• Have a commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
• Act in accordance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct
• Forge positive professional relationships.

• Local Government pension scheme​
• Cycle to work scheme​
• Discounted membership for Westfield Health​
• Continuous CPD and training
• BUPA Healthy Minds scheme
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Eye care vouchers for eligible colleagues
• Discount schemes for public service staff
• Free parking at all INOVA sites 

Applications for this role must be made via our Employment Application Form below.

The closing date for applications is Monday 6 July 2026 at 8.00am. Interviews will likely be held week commencing 13 July 2026.

If you have any queries please contact our People Team via info@inovamat.org.

The Head of Finance is the Trust’s senior professional lead for operational finance, financial control, and financial governance. The postholder is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, and robustness of all Trust financial systems, processes, and reporting, and for the effective leadership of the cluster-based Finance Business Partnering model.

The role ensures that Inova’s financial strategy, as set by the CFO and Trust Board, is translated into high-quality operational delivery across schools and clusters, enabling sustainable educational improvement while maintaining the highest standards of financial probity and compliance.

Salary Range: NJC Grade 11 (£57,787-£63,283 pending payrise)

Hours of Work: Full time, 52 weeks

Responsible To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Responsible For: Strategic Finance Business Partners (Clusters), Central Finance Team

Financial Leadership & Governance

• Act as the Trust’s lead professional on financial control, statutory compliance, and operational finance delivery.
• Ensure full compliance with:
  • Academies Trust Handbook
  • ESFA funding agreements
  • Trust Financial Regulations and Scheme of Delegation.
• Lead preparation for external audit, internal scrutiny, and regulatory assurance, ensuring timely responses and implementation of recommendations.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal financial controls, ensuring segregation of duties and risk mitigation across the Trust.

Finance Business Partnering & Cluster Model

• Lead, line manage and develop the Finance Business Partner (FBP) team, ensuring:
  • Consistent standards of financial management across clusters
  • Strong professional challenge and support to school and executive leaders
  • Clear accountability for financial performance.
• Embed a culture of financial literacy, ownership and accountability at school and cluster level.
• Act as escalation point for complex financial issues arising within clusters.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual Trust and school budget-setting process, ensuring:
  • Alignment to Trust strategy and educational priorities
  • Robust assumptions and affordability testing
  • Clear documentation and audit trail.
• Oversee production of:
  • Monthly management accounts and complete consolidation
  • In-year forecasts
  • Medium-term financial plans (3–5 years).
• Provide high-quality financial insight and scenario modelling to support strategic decision-making.

Management Accounts & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to:
  • CFO and Executive Team
  • Trust Board, Finance Committee and Audit & Risk Committee
  • Executive Directors and Cluster Leaders.
• Oversee consolidation of Trust accounts and ensure consistency of reporting across clusters.
• Produce financial reports for the Executive Team, CFO and Trust Board committees (e.g. Finance & Resources Committee).
• Completion of statutory returns including monthly VAT returns

Leadership & Development

• Provide strong professional leadership to the finance function, including coaching and mentoring of FBPs.
• Lead continuous improvement in systems, processes and ways of working, including digital finance systems.
• Contribute to wider Trust transformation activity, including growth, school onboarding and operating model development.

Communication and Collaboration

• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the Trust.
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure that Annual Report and Financial Accounts are
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.

Skills and Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Strong understanding of financial governance, controls, and audit requirements.
• Ability to operate credibly with Trustees, Executives and senior school leaders.
• Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within education, public sector or regulated environments.
• Proven experience leading and developing finance teams.

Desirable

• Knowledge of DfE funding, GAG, and education finance regulations.
• Experience within a Multi Academy Trust or maintained schools environment.
• Experience of cluster or devolved financial operating models.

Qualifications

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB recognised: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).

Work Related Circumstances (including working conditions)

The role will be based at the Trust office and may involve travel across school sites. The post‑holder must be able to travel independently between locations in an efficient and reliable manner. Where driving is the chosen method, a valid driving licence and access to suitable transport will be required.

• Local Government pension scheme​
• Cycle to work scheme​
• Discounted membership for Westfield Health​
• Continuous CPD and training
• BUPA Healthy Minds scheme
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Eye care vouchers for eligible colleagues
• Discount schemes for public service staff
• Free parking at all INOVA sites 

Applications for this role must be made via our Employment Application Form below.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on the 1st July July 2026 and interviews will be held 3rd July 2026 at the Trust offices

Applications should be emailed to execadmin@inovamat.org.