Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organisation: New City College
Location: East London and Essex (multi-sites), full-time, on-site
Salary: £150,000 per annum, 35 days holiday plus an additional 5 closure days (and Bank Holidays), competitive pension and fringe benefits.

Are you a strategic, finance-qualified leader with broader corporate services experience from the education sector who is committed to driving operational excellence across multiple campuses in one of the UK’s leading further education institutions?

New City College, one of the largest and most diverse further education providers in the UK, is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead financial strategy, operational management and estates development.

New City College is at an exciting point in its development. Through a series of mergers, a relentless focus on quality and sound financial management, New City College has become a sector leading post-16 provider. The successful candidate for this senior postholder role will influence and implement the college’s strategic direction, whilst ensuring our core systems and processes are best in class.

New City College is committed to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking learning environment, ensuring the educational success of students from all backgrounds and contributing to community development.


Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: As a finance-qualified leader (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA), you’ll oversee financial planning, budgeting and ensure the College’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Operational Management: Manage and optimise corporate services, including finance, IT, and management information services, ensuring high-quality delivery across the group.
• Estates & Capital Projects: Lead the College’s capital projects and estates management, driving strategic developments across campuses, with a focus on sustainability, procurement and cost-efficiency.
• Technology & Systems: Develop and implement the College’s IT strategy, including e-learning initiatives, to enhance operational capabilities and learning outcomes.
• Leadership & Strategy: Act as a senior leader, deputising for the Group Principal & CEO, and driving strategic projects that align with the College’s growth and educational goals.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Qualifications: Degree and professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) are essential.
• Experience: Extensive experience in financial strategy, budget management, and estates management within the further education or education sector.
• Sector Knowledge: An understanding of government funding streams, education regulation and procurement laws, especially in further education. Experience with Office for National Statistics guidelines for capital projects is desirable.
• Leadership: Proven experience in leading large, diverse teams, delivering complex projects and managing change across multiple campuses.
  
  

What We Offer

• A key leadership role in a multi-site education organisation.
• The chance to lead high-impact capital and strategic projects.
• A competitive salary, excellent benefits and the opportunity to shape the future of further education.
  
  

How to Apply
If you’re a finance-qualified Chief Operating Officer and can demonstrate knowledge of the education sector, then we would encourage you to contact our retained consultant Will Worthington at Morgan Hunt for a confidential briefing and to request the candidate pack.

Contact details: 07884 696 980.

New City College are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Timetable