Job Description & Person Specification s2

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION Business Director/ Chief Operations Officer (COO) Greenacre Multi-Academy Trust POSITION: Permanent - 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year GRADE: £55,000+ negotiable commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience THIS JOB DESCRIPTION COMPLIMENTS NJC CONDITIONS OF SERVICE RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Principal DIRECT REPORTS: Administration and Operations Manager (Grade 8), Finance Manager (Grade 8), Accounting Officer (Grade 8), Human Resources Manager (Grade 8), Head of Kitchen (Grade 6), Clerk to the Governing Body (Grade 5). Primary Purpose of Role:

 To lead the management operation of the Trust and ensure it meets its stated aims  To have responsibility for compliance and regulatory issues  To lead on the effective management and impact analysis of all Trust activities and enable the Trust to expand  To lead and oversee Finance, Human Resources and Operations Management  To lead on Academy conversions  To lead on the development and alignment of Trust policies  To lead the implementation of the Marketing Strategy for the Trust

Key Duties

 To provide an efficient, knowledgeable and effective leadership and management service to the Trust  Establish and maintain outstanding professional relationships, ensure effective communication across the schools in the Multi Academy Trust, LAs and other stakeholders  Lead on project work, as instructed by the Trust including working with new schools joining the Trust  Work in partnership with the Finance Team to ensure the Trust sources best value and delivers within agreed budgets  Work in partnership with school Business Managers and Heads to ensure the schools thrive on solid business foundations  Ensure regulatory compliance including FOI, Data Protection, and Academies and Charities best practice  At all times champion the values of the Trust and be an ambassador and advocate of its mission  Carry out any other duties as reasonably required to contribute to the smooth running of the Multi Academy Trust Leadership

 Provide clear information, advice and recommendations to the Executive Principal, MAT SLT(s), Board and Governing Body, regarding the strategic development of support services, the use of the Trust’s assets and the development of the Trust’s activities, to ensure the best possible learning environment for students.  Ensure that the impact of astute financial strategy and management directly impacts on educational outcomes for all students within the Trust.  Participate and represent the Trust in national and local networks of Business Directors/COOs, ensuring the Trust is alert to new trends and is familiar with current best practice.  Act as a Director within Opening Doors Greenacre (Community Interest Company), designing, delivering and managing the provision of holistic opportunities to adults aged 19-25. To explore and realise new avenues to further this and additional CIC type provision.

Finance

 Prepare The Trust’s annual and medium term plans, in consultation with the Executive Principal and SLT (including SLTs of schools which may become part of the MAT), taking into account performance improvement objectives, future funding projections, and other potential variables.  Ensure accurate and timely financial reports, estimates and financial/annual returns are submitted as required by funding bodies, government departments and Companies House.  Oversee the preparation of an annual budget within a five year financial plan for approval by the Board.  Ensure the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts and other financial and non-financial reports for the Trust and its interests, presenting reports to the Board and Governing Body, and explaining significant variances to all relevant stakeholders, in accordance with agreed timetables.  Provide support, guidance, challenge and information to budget holders.  Plan and monitor the cash flow of the Trust, ensure the implementation of creditor and debtor policies and procedures, and oversee the management of working cash balances, short-term investments and borrowings.  Ensure that the financial and management accounting systems for the Trust are up- to-date and support all accounting and reporting needs.  Ensure the maintenance of appropriate financial regulations and work with budget holders to ensure compliance.  Maintain systems and procedures that ensure financial transactions are recorded and reported accurately, and the effective operation of all financial controls.  Ensure that regular liaison with the payroll provider takes place, to maintain an effective payroll system and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including the preparation of reports and returns as requested/required on payroll payments made including PAYE, expense payments, National Insurance, pensions and any other relevant payments.  Ensure the efficient resolution of all personnel matters relating to salary, pension and HMRC queries.  Advise the Executive Principal, Board and Governing Body on external and internal audit arrangements as required by financial regulations and funding bodies and liaise with auditors and facilitate all audit arrangements.  Research and complete funding bids to external bodies including Government departments to maximise the resources for the Trust. Ensure that any funds received from successful bids are spent appropriately and within timescales.  Maximise revenues from sales and purchases, sponsorship, fundraising, lettings and business activities, without compromising the educational activities and learning environment for students.  Make arrangements for appropriate insurance cover for the Trust. Liaise with brokers/insurance companies regarding claims, dealing with all correspondence and communications.  Ensure that tax obligations are discharged correctly and effectively.  Prepare and maintain the Trust risk register.  Report on all financial and compliance matters to the Executive Principal, SLT, Trust Board and Governing Body as required.

Human Resources In conjunction with the HR Manager, Senior Support Staff at the Trust and the Schools and the HR Advisor:  Oversee the administration of personnel matters for staff, including: appointments, contracts of employment, conditions of service, insurances, legal and other advisors, discipline and grievance matters, and making recommendations to the Executive Principal, SLT(s), Board and Governing Bodies as appropriate.  Prepare annual costed staffing plans for approval by the SLT(s), Board and Governing Body.  Develop, maintain and implement human resource management policies.  Ensure compliance with all relevant employment law.  Ensure the maintenance of confidentiality for all staff records.  Liaise and consult with union and staff representatives as and when the need arises.

Marketing & Publicity

 Promote and market the Trust to a variety of audiences to raise the profile with the local community and seek sponsorship/generate additional income.  Attend events and meetings as identified by the Trust and communicate the Trust vision effectively  Oversee the Trusts’ publicity and marketing strategy

Growth and Project Management

 Oversee the project management of the conversion of both sponsored and converter academies in to the Trust  Undertake due diligence where additional schools wish to join the Trust as an academy  Oversee bids for any capital development and funding across the Trust including Free Schools.  Oversee the efficient project management of capital works across the Trust property portfolio  Ensure the systems in finance, IT, and any other area falling within the COO remit provide value for money and are effective in operation

Procurement  Prepare, implement and monitor policies concerning the procurement of all Trust supplies and services to ensure that value for money is achieved  Manage the effective purchasing and procurement of services for the Trust and to negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements for the schools as appropriate.

In conjunction with the ICT supplier

 Work with the Executive Principal and SLT(s) to maintain and deliver a rolling three – five year ICT strategy, informed by the educational and development plans of the Trust.  Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate ICT infrastructure and systems to support the objectives and aims of the Trust.

Safeguarding  Support the Executive Principal with their responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students including adhering to all safeguarding policies and procedures

Additional Duties

 Produce confidential reports and information as required  Understand the implications of government policies and educational trends and developments  Maintain and ensure regular review of the Trust’s data protection, personnel, fire safety and health & safety policies, and ensure that all required procedures, including Equalities Act requirements are in place and observed.  Ensure that the Trust complies with all examination board requirements – storage of papers etc.  Be familiar and comply with all relevant health and safety, operational, personnel, child protection, data protection and financial regulations, policies and procedures.  Ensure equality of opportunity is afforded to all persons both internal and external to the Trust, actively seeking to eliminate any direct or indirect discriminatory practices/behaviour.  A commitment to their own continuous professional development.  Operate as directed within any setting across and beyond the Trust, mindful of the post-holder’s work-life balance.  Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably requested Person Specification Business Director and Chief Operations Officer

NB: Candidates should ensure that they meet the essential criteria for qualifications, experience and supporting evidence.

Education and Professional Qualifications

Education and Professional Qualifications Essential/Desirable Assessment Educated to Degree level E Application Professional Qualifications in relevant discipline E Application (ADSBM/ACA/CIMA/CIPFA/ACCA/AAT or equivalent) Evidence of continuous professional development E Application Qualified Project Manager (PRINCE 2 Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma or D Application equivalent) IOSH Managing Safely Trained D Application

Experience Essential/Desirable Assessment Significant experience leading the strategic financial planning of an organisation E Application Interview Reference Experience of staff leadership and management, including evidence of achieving E Application Interview performance improvement across diverse teams Reference Experience of strategic business or service planning and the development of E Application business and educational opportunities Interview Experience of the Academy Conversion Process E Application Interview Experience of effectively managing a multi-million pound budget E Application Interview Experience of procuring and managing services and contracts to ensure that E Application value for money and key performance indicators are met Interview Successful track record of managing complex, significant projects from inception E Application to completion Interview Extensive experience working as a member of a senior team E Application Interview Experience of using Accounting Software E Application Interview Experience of asset and facilities management E Application Interview Experience in an educational environment E Application Interview Experience of working within a Multi Academy Trust D Application Interview Track record of successful fund and profile raising activities D Application Interview Experience of interpreting Government education policy and legislation D Application Interview Experience of acting as a responsible accounting officer or company secretary D Application Interview

Knowledge Essential/Desirable Assessment Financial management processes and systems in a complex people-orientated E Application organisation Interview Company and charity law, particularly governance, accounting and reporting E Application Interview requirements Reference Knowledge of Government Policy around Academy Conversion and Multi E Application Academy Trusts Interview Awareness of current IT developments E Application Interview Current Health and Safety Legislation E Application Interview Reference Financial requirements within publicly funded education and regulatory E Application requirements Interview Advanced understanding of personnel procedures and relevant employment E Application Interview legislation Reference

Skills and Personal Attributes Essential/Desirable Assessment Excellent communication skills at all levels E Application Interview Reference Strong numeracy skills E Application Interview Reference Strong IT skills across all common and industry specific programs E Application Interview Reference Strong financial analysis and risk management skills E Application Interview Demonstrable ability to work strategically and to seek and implement creative E Application solutions Interview Inspirational leadership skills, utilised to challenge colleagues, peers and teams E Application Interview A track record of establishing and maintaining excellent internal and external E Application organisational working relationships Interview Resilience within highly pressured environments E Application Interview An entrepreneurial worldview E Application Interview Committed to equality E Application Interview Ability to work across multiple sites, regularly travelling between settings E Application Interview Ability to make and substantiate difficult decisions E Application Interview A commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare for all E Application Interview Exemplary levels of integrity E Application Interview Ability to attend Board and Committee meetings outside normal working hours E Application Interview