Chief Executive Officer

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Company: Link3 Recruitment
Location: Nottingham
Employment Type: [Full-Time/Permanent]
Salary: [Insert Salary Range]

Job Overview:
Link3 Recruitment are seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a multi-academy trust, driving strategic growth, educational excellence, and operational sustainability across our schools. We are deeply committed to our values, fostering an inclusive, high-achieving, and community-focused learning environment. The CEO will work in partnership with the Trust Board, school leaders, and external stakeholders to shape and deliver the Trust’s long-term vision. They will champion a culture of continuous improvement, system leadership, and civic responsibility, ensuring that the Trust remains a leading force in education both locally and nationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership Establish and sustain the Trust’s values, culture, and strategic direction in partnership with the Trust Board, ensuring alignment with its Christian ethos.
• Develop and implement a long-term, sustainable growth strategy, ensuring that investment, due diligence, and risk management are embedded in all decision-making.
• Provide inspirational leadership that enables the Trust to meet its strategic and operational objectives, ensuring financial stability and future-proofing the organisation.
• Create a safe, courageously inclusive, and positive culture across all schools, where staff and students flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.
• System and Civic Leadership Serve as a visible, inspiring, and approachable leader, representing the Trust at local, regional, and national levels, including engagement with the media when appropriate.
• Actively engage with the Department for Education (DfE), Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Ofsted, and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, ensuring robust and professional relationships.
• Protect and further enhance Archway Learning Trust’s Christian identity, ensuring that faith-based values underpin decision-making, leadership, and student experience.
• Play a leading role in the wider education sector, fostering strong local systems to tackle disadvantage and improve educational outcomes for all children.
• Promote and enable ways in which the Trust’s academies and their local boards meaningfully engage with their communities, ensuring responsiveness and accountability. Work collaboratively with civic partners and stakeholders, contributing to the public good and advocating for coherent, high-quality public services for children and families.

Minimum Requirements: To be considered for this role, candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Experience: Proven track record of senior leadership within the education sector, preferably within a multi-academy trust or large educational organisation. Strong experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organisational development. Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage complex teams across multiple schools.
• Qualifications: A background in education leadership, business management, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Skills: Exceptional leadership and decision-making abilities, with a vision for excellence in education. Deep understanding of educational policies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, capable of engaging and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. A commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and student well-being, with a focus on closing the achievement gap. A strong appreciation for the values, traditions, and mission of a Church of England trust.

Location This role is based at Trust’s headquarters (which will be discussed further during interview stages), with regular travel to schools and partner organisations.

Why Join Us? Lead a high-performing, values-driven multi-academy trust with a strong reputation for excellence. Shape the future of education for thousands of students, ensuring transformational impact. Work alongside a dedicated team of educators, trustees, and community leaders. Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader with the experience, passion, and strategic mindset to drive a Trust forward, we would love to hear from you! To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability to (url removed).