Case Study: Deputy Chief Operations Officer for a MAT

Introduction

A UK Multi Academy Trust needed a senior leader across finance and operations.

These disciplines are often separated, and previous attempts through advertising and agencies had failed.

We were engaged to run an executive search, and to provide a robust shortlist with clear evidence.

The brief demanded proven impact, strong stakeholder credibility, and the ability to deliver traction without disruption. 

The challenge

• Secure a leader with deep education sector experience.
• Combine finance rigour with operational oversight across a growing central team and schools.
• Maintain business as usual, and create fast improvement in process and reporting.
• Present a high quality shortlist quickly, and enable timely selection with comparable information for each candidate.
• Cultural fit and stakeholder credibility were essential.

Our approach

We ran a targeted headhunt across trusts and adjacent education bodies.

We calibrated the role and success profile with the client, and agreed the key outcomes.

We mapped the market, and engaged passive leaders from high performing organisations.

Our structured assessment covered financial control, operational cadence, and stakeholder partnering.

Each candidate was documented with an evidence led summary, and consistent scorecards, which supported objective comparison and confident selection.

The result

We delivered the shortlist within six weeks of engagement.

Five ideal candidates were presented with consistent assessment outputs.

The client interviewed promptly, and issued an offer shortly after the shortlist presentation.

The appointed leader brought substantial education experience, and credibility with central teams and school leaders.

In the first twelve months, the appointee refined operating processes, streamlined financial reporting, and increased productivity across the trust, clearly demonstrating the benefits of an Executive Search for a Multi Academy Trust.

Why it worked

Headhunting reached a different pool than advertising or agency routes, and surfaced high performing passive leaders.

A clear brief, a structured assessment and consistent evidence created confidence.

Tight timelines supported momentum, and enabled the client to move decisively from shortlist to offer.

Contact us

If you are a multi academy trust or education organisation planning a senior finance and operations hire or transition, we can help you secure proven leadership.

Consider the advantages of our executive search services specialized for Multi Academy Trusts.

Read More about our Executive Search Services for Senior Leadership Roles in Education

Call: 0207 160 6996

Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk

Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk

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Recruiting an Executive Head Teacher for a Multi-Academy Trust in the UK