The Chief Operating Officer is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing leadership to the School to deliver its mission, vision and transformational strategy and, in particular, to provide strategic, financial and specialist support and direction to ensure the School runs effectively and achieves long-term sustainability.
CONTRACT TERMS:
Hours: 35 hours per week, with additional hours required to meet the demands of the role
Salary: Up to £100,000 per annum
Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park and Covent Garden, London
Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
Main duties will include:
Financial Strategy and Reporting:
* Deliver modelling and options analysis in support of a robust plan for long-term organisational sustainability
* Scope and implement financial and reporting systems to support and track the School’s new five year plan
* Improve board management information and risk tracking at a time of change
* Review the preparation of monthly management accounts and budget-holder reports and recommend any structural changes to budgets that might better reflect the School’s new streamlined “one School” management structure
* Review the annual financial statements and supporting papers in line with the Charities SORP, Companies Act and all other relevant reporting requirements
* Review the year-end file for the auditors and oversee the annual audit.
Systems and Administration:
* Review and rationalise administration across the School in order to improve efficiencies and improve cross-departmental cooperation and understanding
* Review the School’s systems to maximise their effectiveness, integration and user-confidence.
Finance:
* Support the Financial Controller in the leadership of the Finance Team in all aspects of financial management and reporting
* Liaise with the Chair of Finance, Audit, Operations and Risk Committee on all matters of financial strategy, planning and Governance
* Maintain good relationships with the School’s banker, auditors and investment managers
* Oversee the Music and Dance Scheme, especially the relationships with the DfE and Schools Ministers.
Governance:
* Work with the CEO to deliver the recommendations of the governance review
* Optimise the Company Secretary and clerking role to improve the quality of Governor and Executive working.
IT:
* Oversee all information and communication systems to ensure adequate and well-maintained IT resources and infrastructure to meet the School’s future needs
* Supervise and support the IT Manager and their professional development.
Site Operations and Estates Strategy:
* Oversee Estates modelling, space planning and options analysis in pursuit of the School’s new fine year plan
* Support the Head of Estates in the management and maintenance of the School’s building’s portfolio and ensure that adequate levels of site operational support is delivered to all users e.g. front of house, security, catering, housekeeping etc.
* Oversee an efficient and affordable planned maintenance programme for the portfolio
* Maintain good relationships with the Crown Estates, NFU, Royal Parks and RBO as key stakeholders in the School’s property interests.
Legal and Tax:
* Oversee the School’s legal and tax affairs, including leases, American Friends and HMRC returns, etc
* Review all School contracts.
Risk Management and Health & Safety Compliance:
* Oversee the management of risk and Health & Safety, including regular reviews of the Risk Register by SLT (termly) and by the Board annually
* Organise the School’s insurances and liaise with the brokers as necessary
* Oversee and manage the complaints and whistleblowing procedures
* Supervise and support the Director of Risk & Compliance.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
* Relevant professional qualification in management or the finance sector, e.g. IPM, ICSA, MBA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA
* A strong track record of successful leadership experience in a complex organisation
* Direct experience at a senior level in both finance strategy and operations
* Strong financial acumen and financial literacy with good analytical skills and the ability to present financial information clearly and concisely
* First-class communication and negotiation skills, balancing robustness with positive diplomacy with the confidence to represent the School to a broad range of external stakeholders
* A highly visible leader who can work both independently and as a key team member, with energy and ambition to inspire and empower colleagues and stakeholders
* Understanding of charity compliance and management
* Ability to manage change
* Experienced manager and builder of budgets and budgetary controls
* Politically astute and able to influence and nurture relationships in government circles
* Drive, energy and enthusiasm to provide a quality service to all
* Well organised and committed to completing tasks in an efficient and timely manner
* Flexible to adapt to changing priorities and different methods of working
* Easy communication style, able to relate to a wide range of people
* Able to interpret and clearly explain complex financial data to non-finance staff, students and parents
* Values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
* Empathy with the aims and ethos of the School.
SAFEGUARDING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.
Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:
* To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
* To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
* To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
* To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.