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Chief Operating Officer, FEA

Bedford
Posted about 15 hours ago
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Formed in 2017 following the merger of two colleges, our client is the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 18,000 students passing through their doors each year. This is an exciting time for the Group as they embark on a bold new chapter to strengthen their impact across the region and improve the opportunities of those in their communities.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic leadership and management across the Group’s business support services. Working closely with the CEO, Executive Team and Governors, you will help drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement and strategic growth.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Strong

Only hits

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The role covers estates, IT, health and safety, project management, GDPR and catering, with a strong focus on student experience. You will have successful senior leadership experience in corporate services within a large complex organisation – preferably multi-site. Experience of working within internal and external regulatory frameworks, strategic and business planning and contributing to significant change programmes is essential. You should also have experience of working as part of an executive leadership team, alongside strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate strategy into operational plans.

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Contact Information

Our client has appointed FE Associates to support them with this important appointment. Contact Jo.Johnson@fea.co.uk to discuss this exciting opportunity before applying.

Important Dates

  • Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 18 August 2026
  • Interview date: To be confirmed
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Skills

Strategic Leadership
Management
Operational Efficiency
Continuous Improvement
Strategic Growth
Project Management
Health And Safety
GDPR
Catering
Commercial Awareness
Change Management
Business Planning
Regulatory Frameworks
Executive Leadership
Multi-Site Management

Location

Bedford, England, United Kingdom

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