Head of Development
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Sutton, SM1 1DA |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 16 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 8 Nov 2026 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Development to play a pivotal role in shaping the future growth of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships, this senior leadership role will lead the development and delivery of strategic growth initiatives, including new provisions, partnerships, acquisitions and expansion opportunities. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled relationship builder with a strong track record of leading complex projects, influencing stakeholders and driving organisational growth within education or the public sector. This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver our Strategy to 2030 and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the identification, development and delivery of strategic growth opportunities, including school and college expansion, acquisitions and new service models.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the Department for Education, Local Authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts and other key stakeholders.
• Manage a portfolio of development projects, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines, budgets, quality standards and strategic objectives.
• Lead due diligence, onboarding and integration processes for schools and organisations joining the Trust.
• Produce high-quality business cases, bids, proposals and strategic reports to support growth, sustainability and organisational development.
Key Requirements
• Significant experience in a strategic development, programme leadership or growth-focused role within education or a related public sector environment.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects, expansions, acquisitions or organisational growth initiatives.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project and programme management expertise, including experience developing business cases and managing multiple priorities.
• A genuine commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
What the school offers its staff
OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:
Rewards & Benefits:
• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme and Free Virtual GP Appointments
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.