234 Business services officer jobs

Head of Service – Reddo

Reddo is looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial Head of Service to lead our next stage of growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced children’s services leader who can combine strong operational management with a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset.

You will work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to:

• Lead and strengthen day-to-day service delivery

• Develop our team, systems and processes

• Drive quality, safeguarding and performance

• Build strong relationships with local authority commissioners

• Support new business and the mobilisation of new contracts

• Help shape Reddo’s future growth and development

We are looking for someone with experience in children’s social care and local authority commissioning, strong leadership and commercial awareness, and a genuine passion for building and improving services.

If you are ready to make a real impact and help shape the next chapter of Reddo, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Gendered Intelligence is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected, trans-led organisation with real influence on policy, professional practice and the lives of trans, non-binary and gender exploring people across the UK.

The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations: an experienced and committed team of just under 40 people, a distinctive and trusted public profile, and a range of services that reach communities, professionals and institutions across the country. With income of around £1.5–2m, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation through its next phase of development at a time when that leadership matters enormously.

The role offers the chance to shape strategic direction, open new partnerships and income streams, and contribute to national conversations on trans equality and human rights, while working alongside people who are deeply committed to the mission and to each other.

We are looking for someone who combines strategic clarity with operational grounding, who leads with calm and consistency, and who understands both the privilege and the responsibility of this role. We will be honest with candidates about what the role involves, and we expect the same in return.

Full details of the role can be found on our website and in the attached recruitment pack. 

Could you be the next Chief Officer of Just Drop-In?

We're looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader to guide our much-loved charity in Macclesfield into its next chapter.

For 25 years, Just Drop-In has been a lifeline for young people 11–24yrs old across the north of Cheshire East. Every year, we support more than 1,000 children and young people through our Counselling, Mentoring, Wellbeing, and Parent Support Services — and the need has never been greater.

We're looking for someone who brings:

✅ Strong leadership experience

✅ Business awareness

✅ Safeguarding knowledge and experience

✅ Experience of working with children and young people and a genuine passion for helping them thrive

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with deep roots in its community and a team that truly believes in its mission.

If this sounds like you — or someone you know — we'd love to hear from you.

Please see further information and how to apply by downloading the attached document or clicking redirect to recruiter. 

#Hiring #ChiefOfficer #Charity #YouthWork #Macclesfield #NonProfit #Leadership #JobOpportunity

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Dog Training & Client Services to lead one of the charity's most important service areas. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across our Training Department, including Puppy Development, Dog Supply, Instructor Services and Client Services functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to shape the future of our training and client services, lead a dedicated team of professionals, and ensure the highest standards of support for both our beneficiaries and assistance dogs. 

As Head of Dog Training & Client Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and development of the Training Department. 

You will work closely with senior staff to ensure the successful delivery of our assistance dog programmes, while driving continuous improvement, innovation and organisational growth. 

The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is ideal for someone who is passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for both people and dogs. 

We are expanding our Business Support Team and have up to 1.5 full-time equivalent Business Support Officer capacity available.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, or job-share arrangements. We may offer the available hours to two or more successful candidates, depending on applicants’ preferred working patterns and the organisation's needs.

Our offices are open from 9.00 am to 5.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9.00am to 9.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Working patterns will be agreed with the successful candidate, but some planned evening work on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays will form part of the role.

When applying, please tell us:

· how many hours you would ideally like to work;

· which days and times you are available;

· whether you can work planned evenings on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays;

We will consider individual preferences alongside the overall needs of the Business Support Team.

What we are looking for

Are you organised, approachable and confident managing a varied workload?

We are looking for Business Support Officers to help keep our charity’s essential day-to-day systems and services running effectively.

As a Business Support Officer, you will be part of the team at the heart of the organisation. You will help coordinate our administrative, reception, finance, HR, and governance support, ensuring colleagues, volunteers, families, and visitors receive an efficient, welcoming, and professional service.

Working with the Business Operations Manager, your responsibilities will include:

· coordinating day-to-day office and business support;

· responding to telephone, email and in-person enquiries;

· supporting and coordinating reception volunteers;

· managing room bookings and supporting community use of the building;

· processing invoices, expenses and other financial administration;

· maintaining employee, volunteer and compliance records;

· coordinating recruitment, interview and induction administration;

· supporting Board and committee administration;

· maintaining databases and supporting organisational reporting; and

· helping improve administrative systems and processes.

About you

You will have experience of working in a busy office or administrative environment and be able to organise your work effectively while responding to changing priorities. You will also bring:

· experience of coordinating administrative or business support activities;

· knowledge or experience of finance and HR administration;

· experience of supervising or supporting staff or volunteers;

· strong communication and customer-service skills;

· excellent attention to detail and accurate record-keeping;

· confidence using Microsoft 365, databases and office systems;

· an understanding of confidentiality and GDPR; and

· the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

A Level 3 qualification in business administration, office management or a related area would be welcomed. We will also consider applicants with equivalent practical experience.

Previous experience in a charity, public-sector, or community organisation would be helpful, but not essential.

Most importantly, you will be positive, calm and approachable, with a commitment to excellent service and continuous improvement.

What we offer

We want our people to feel valued, supported and able to do their best work. As part of our team, you will receive:

· Generous annual leave – statutory minimum holiday entitlement, including bank holidays, plus an additional 5 days’ paid annual leave each year. For someone working five days per week, this is 33 days’ paid leave per year, including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees.

· Workplace pension – eligible employees will be enrolled into our NEST workplace pension scheme.

· Employee Assistance Programme – access to the Wisdom Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential support for your health and wellbeing.

· Support and development – regular supervision alongside opportunities for learning and development.

· An inclusive and supportive workplace – where different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking are welcomed and valued.

You’ll also have the opportunity to be part of an organisation working to make a meaningful difference to the people and communities we support.

Closing date: 21st September 2026 at 9:00 am

Interview date: w/c 28th September 2026

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

This role is subject to a basic DBS check and satisfactory references.

The Otakar Kraus Music Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Community & Local Business Fundraiser to help us grow support for our work across Richmond and surrounding areas. OKMT uses music therapy and inclusive music projects to improve the lives of over 500 children and adults each year, including people with disabilities, neurological conditions and dementia.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new role within a small, friendly charity. You will build relationships with local businesses, schools, clubs and community organisations; develop sponsorship and Charity of the Year opportunities; support fundraising events and individual fundraisers; and help inspire more people across our community to support OKMT. We are looking for a confident, warm and self-motivated relationship-builder with experience of fundraising, business development or a related field and a track record of generating income.

Key Responsibilities

Community Fundraising

• Build relationships with local schools, clubs and organisations to generate event participation and donations.
• Develop with the Director and Fundraising Manager a case for support and accompanying materials to pitch to potential community or local businesses.
• Organise events with community or business partners and support OKMT’s own fundraising events including our triennial Music Marathon, walks and seasonal appeals.
• Recruit, brief and steward individual fundraisers taking on challenges (runs, rides, marathons, swims, etc.) and community supporters running their own events on OKMT's behalf.
• Assist the Fundraising Manager in growing individual giving initiatives as necessary.
• Support the OKMT team to pitch for Richmond May Ball and other major appeals and lead the process if selected.
• Manage supporter journeys including thank-you communications and impact updates in conjunction with the team.

Local Business Fundraising

• Identify and approach local businesses across Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, Barnes and surrounding areas with tailored propositions for Charity of the Year, sponsorship endorsement and ongoing support.
• Account-manage business supporters through relationship building, regular updates, site visits, networking events and clear reporting on impact.
• Represent OKMT at local business networking events, Chamber of Commerce gatherings and Richmond Business Awards activity to raise the charity's profile.
• Explore opportunities for volunteering and develop a value exchange.

Shared / Cross-Cutting Responsibilities

• Quarterly income and activity targets will be agreed with the Director within the first four weeks, reviewed formally at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, with results reported to the Board.
• Maintain accurate records of supporters, prospects and income, and ensure compliance with GDPR and Fundraising Regulator standards.
• Collaborate with the team to capture stories, case studies and consented imagery that bring our impact to life for donors.
• Contribute to OKMT’s social media, e-newsletter and website content where it supports fundraising.

For more infromation, please see the attached job decsription

Online interviews will be on the 30th Sept and 1st and 2nd Oct, and the in-person ones the week of the 12th October. 

Are you an experienced and highly organised operations professional who enjoys making sure an organisation runs smoothly?

We are looking for a Business Operations Manager to lead and strengthen our day-to-day operations. This is an important role within our charity, responsible for ensuring our staff, volunteers and trustees have the effective systems, support and working environment they need to deliver the best possible services for the people we serve.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior managers, you will lead operational activity across:

• office and business support;
• finance and HR administration;
• facilities and building management;
• governance and organisational compliance;
• health and safety;
• the continuous improvement of systems and processes.

You will manage and develop the Business Support Team, coordinate operational priorities, and help ensure our organisation remains safe, efficient, welcoming, and well organised.

About you

You will have experience of managing office or business operations within a charity, public-sector organisation or a similar working environment. You will also bring:

• experience of leading an administrative or business support team;
• knowledge of finance and HR administration;
• experience of facilities or premises management;
• an understanding of GDPR, health and safety and organisational compliance;
• excellent planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure;
• confidence in using Microsoft 365 and organisational databases; and
• a practical approach to improving systems and ways of working.

A relevant Level 5 qualification or degree would be welcomed, but we also value equivalent knowledge and experience.

Experience within a Parent Carer Forum, SEND organisation, charity or community organisation would be an advantage, although it is not essential.

Most importantly, you will be approachable, collaborative and committed to creating an inclusive organisation that provides an excellent experience for staff, volunteers, families and partners.

What we offer

We want our people to feel valued, supported and able to do their best work. As part of our team, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave – statutory minimum holiday entitlement, including bank holidays, plus an additional 5 days’ paid annual leave each year. For someone working five days per week, this is 33 days’ paid leave per year, including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees.
• Workplace pension – eligible employees will be enrolled into our NEST workplace pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to the Wisdom Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential support for your health and wellbeing.
• Support and development – regular supervision alongside opportunities for learning and development.
• An inclusive and supportive workplace – where different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking are welcomed and valued.

You’ll also have the opportunity to be part of an organisation working to make a meaningful difference to the people and communities we support.

How to apply

Please submit an application form explaining how your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements of the role.

Closing date: 21st September 2026 at 9:00 am

Interview date: w/c 28th September 2026

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

This role is subject to a basic DBS check and satisfactory references.

About HCL:

 Open 51 weeks a year, HCL provides accommodation for a Nursery, a professional kitchen and community Café and a flexible space with rooms to hire for a range of activities providing educational and health and social activities such as hosting community meetings and refugee services, a venue for blood transfusion services and a polling station, ESOL and adult learning and social events, bingo and lunch clubs and dancing classes all aimed at combating social isolation, loneliness and anxiety.

Strategic Leadership

• To create a deliverable strategic plan, identify and respond to major external issues.
• Translate our vision into clear operational goals, ensuring long-term growth and stability.

Financial & Governance Oversight

• Stabilise HCL Financially.
• Rebuild relationships with external partners through collaborative working.
• Develop a funding plan for future stability.
• Seek to negotiate Heads of Terms on the lease of the building from Salford Diocese by 2030 or have developed a relocation plan or closure of the centre.

Team Management

• Lead, inspire, and support the management team.
• improve staffing wellbeing, motivation and esteem,
• Implement a plan of continuous professional development.

Partnerships

• Advocacy: Represent HCL publicly, raising awareness of our cause with media, stakeholders, and the community
• Represent HCL at key meetings with existing and potential funders and stakeholders.
• To develop a partnership collaborative strategy across the local voluntary sector, building networks, reducing duplication of and creating effective efficient well governed services for the betterment of the lives of our community.

Core duties are:

• Work closely with and support the Board in the overall strategic, financial and organisational development to secure its long-term sustainability.
• Financial planning, management and reporting.
• Identify funding opportunities and deliver bid development.
• Support Board development in line with modernising effective board Governance.

Organisational Management

• Lead the delivery of new projects and contracts once funding and contracts have been secured, ensuring the provision of all appropriate monitoring information.
• Work with the Senior Management Team to plan the effective delivery of services to ensure the highest possible standards are achieved.
• Ensure the effective delivery of services, by the deployment of staff and volunteers, which is value for money.
• Lead a whole company approach to promoting and publicising the range of activities and services available to the local community.

Operational Management

• Be responsible for HCL's day-to-day operation including, health & safety, safeguarding policies and procedures, customer service and the relationship with our landlord.
• Ensure that all HCL's relevant legal obligations are met.
• Support the use of IT and digital media across HCL's work by ensuring IT systems are secure, well maintained and managed with a development plan to meet HCL's needs.

People

• Co-ordinate and contribute to staff recruitment, selection processes and contracting.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of staff, identifying, organising and supporting team and individuals' training and learning and development opportunities.
• Lead and manage HCL's equality, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and equal opportunities strategies and practices.
• Promote and ensure good practice and compliance with relevant employment law and health & safety regulations in HCL's building and any external sites where staff are working.

Legal and contracting

• Be responsible for legal compliance and good practice across HCLs business processes in line with charity and company law.
• Monitor HCL's funding agreements ensuring accurate and timely reporting to funders.

Please see the Job Description for full details of the role and responsibilities.

Information about Headway Gloucestershire:-

Headway Gloucestershire was established in 1987 and since then has been working to make a positive difference to the lives of people over 18 with an acquired brain injury.  We provide specialist recovery support and respite through the following services

• OurCommunity Links Service provides outreach information, specialist brain injury recoveryadvice for people with an acquired brain injury and their families and supports them as they come toterms with the changed circumstances brought about by brain injury. The service includes benefits advice and collaborative working with other organisations such as Adult Social Services, Housing Providers and other VCSE organisations
   
• Our Enablement Service is centre based and open every weekday offering activities that focus on the five elements of rehabilitation: emotional functioning; cognitive functioning; learning; social interaction and behaviour. This takes the form of a structured timetable so that those with an acquired brain injury can select the activities thathelp them work towards their goals.We work one to one and also employ a group format to harness theunique recovery benefits of peer contact and support. 
   
• OurCarer Support Groups provide a relaxed environment withinthe community where people with an acquired brain injury and their families can meet new people, share experiences and support each other.We provide training events, social events and facilitate familysupport groups. 
   
• Our Peer Support Groups provide an opportunity once a month in different locations for people with an acquired brain injury to discuss topics of interest and to share challenges, tips and provide positive support.
   
• Our Community Hubs are delivered in locations around the county in community venues and are tailored to the needs of the group for up to 3 hours. They include physical exercise sessions, focussed discussion groups, advice and support related to acquired brain injury and the opportunity to develop a local support network
   
• Our Hospital Liaison service is where we attend the Gloucester Royal Hospital once every two weeks at an agreed time to offer support to individuals and their family during the early stages of rehabilitation.

Headway Gloucestershire is a busy, growing charity providing services to people with an acquired brain injury and their families and carers.  Every year we are challenged to raise funds to help deliver our services.

CEO Role

You will lead and motivate a small team of staff and volunteers and work with them to provide a person centred, enabling and outcome focused support service to people over 18 with an acquired brain injury.  You will seek opportunities for planned development and growth and build on the success of our existing services to increase our offer.

You will act as principal spokesperson and advocate for the charity, demonstrating integrity and commitment to key stakeholders, partners and donors to ensure the best outcomes for people affected by brain injury in the Gloucestershire area.

You will be joining at an exciting time as we work together with health and social care partners to monitor and understand the needs of people with brain injury in Gloucestershire and influence the pathway for rehabilitation and longer-term support.

The ideal candidate will have experience of managing a small organisation in the charity or care sector, developing strategy and business plans, a track record of securing funding in a tough financial climate, excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate and develop a team of staff and volunteers.

Headway Gloucestershire is an equal opportunity employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Salary
£50,000 - £52,000 (Pro Rata) with a possible bonus for meeting agreed fundraising targets

Based at
Headway House, Gloucester

Hours
37.5 hours per week with the option of some flexibility depending on business need

Contract
Permanent

Responsible to
The Board of Trustees

To find out more about this role, please email us.

To apply for this position please send your CV and maximum of a two-page personal statement outlining how you meet the requirements for the role.

Make a difference every day by helping a growing autism charity deliver the very best support for autistic people and their families.

Space4Autism is looking for an experienced, organised and people-focused Business & Operations Manager to help drive our organisation forward and ensure everything behind the scenes runs effectively.

Space4Autism has been a lifeline for autistic individuals and their families across Cheshire East since 2005. What started as a parent-founded, volunteer-run charity has grown into an organisation delivering over 4,000 activities a year - social clubs for children and young people, parent and carer support, services for autistic adults, an autism-friendly community café, a charity shop offering work experience for autistic adults, training and workshops, and space for private hire. Everything we do is guided by one simple promise: we listen, we help, we care. 

Now, as we grow, we need someone who can help us grow well - a Business & Operations Manager who will work hand-in-hand with our CEO to keep the organisation running smoothly, sustainably, and with the same care we bring to every family we support. 

The opportunity…

This is a hands-on senior leadership role for a pragmatic, confident operator who's just as comfortable in a budget spreadsheet as they are supporting a team, and who genuinely wants their work to change lives. You'll be a trusted partner to the CEO, taking ownership of the day-to-day so that strategy turns into action - across business planning, finance, funding, people, operations, and governance.

You'll report directly to the CEO and line manage the whole Space4Autism team, giving you real influence over how the charity runs and grows.

What you'll be doing…

Business planning & strategy: help shape, implement, and monitor our business plan, turn strategic goals into clear action plans, and keep leadership priorities, projects, and timelines on track. You'll attend Trustee Board meetings and bring your insight, challenges, and ideas to the table.

Budgets & finance: support budget planning, monitoring, and reporting, and keep a close eye on spend so we stay financially sustainable, working alongside our finance team and external accountants.

Funding & income: help drive our funding strategy and income diversification, track grant requirements and deadlines, and coordinate funding applications and stakeholder communications.

Operations: own the smooth running of the organisation day to day: improving systems and processes, spotting operational risks before they become problems, and supporting governance and compliance.

People Management & Leadership: line manage the whole team, lead on recruitment, and support onboarding, performance, and development, building a working culture that's positive, collaborative, and accountable.

Policy & governance: develop and maintain our policies and procedures, keeping us compliant with legislation and best practice, and supporting our wider governance and compliance reporting.

What we're looking for…

· Strong business management and operational leadership experience

· Proven financial and budget management capability

· Experience managing people, teams, and organisational processes

· Sound knowledge of governance and compliance, including regulatory frameworks, safeguarding, and best practice

· Somebody who is able to occasionally attend off-site fundraisers and other events outside of core working hours

· A track record of supporting organisational growth — scaling services, managing change, building capacity

· A confident, pragmatic decision maker with sharp problem-solving skills

· Excellent organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities

· A hands-on style that works both strategically and operationally

· Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

It would also be great if you have…

· Experience building strategic relationships and partnerships

· A background in the charity, healthcare, or NHS sectors

· Knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, or regulatory frameworks

· An understanding of autism services or neurodiversity-informed practice

· Experience working in a growing organisation or service environment

You'll fit right in if you're…

Proactive and solutions-focused, calm under pressure, a collaborative leader with a strong sense of accountability and integrity and genuinely passionate about improving outcomes for autistic individuals and their families.

What you’ll get in return…

· Salary of £38,000 - £42,000 DOE

· Enrollment into employee pension scheme

· 31 days holidays including bank holidays

· Wellbeing social days

· Charity discount scheme

Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to know…

Please submit your most up to date CV via this advert. It is highly desirable that you also attach a cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and motivations for wanting to join Space4Autism.

Suitable candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone discussion prior to final shortlisting. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend a competency-based interview where you will also be tasked with preparing a short presentation.

If you are successful in the competency-based interview, you will be invited to attend a final meeting with the CEO to ensure you align and to answer any questions you may have about the role and the charity.

We are anticipating a high volume of applications for this role and while we will endeavor to respond to all applications, if you have not been contacted prior to the closing date, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.

Disability Confident Employer

Space4Autism is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (reg no. DCS021234). We guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for this role, as set out in the job specification.

If you'd like to apply under this scheme, please let us know by stating this clearly on your CV / covering letter and telling us that you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme. You're welcome to share as much or as little detail about your disability as you're comfortable with, we only need enough information to confirm you meet the criteria.

If you're invited to interview, please also let us know of any reasonable adjustments you'd need to take part. For example, accessible interview arrangements, extra time, alternative formats for materials, or a different interview format. You can tell us this at the same time as applying, or at any point once you've been invited, and it won't affect your application in any way.

#BusinessandOperationsManager

#BusinessandOperations

#OperationsManager

Assistant Services Director

We are seeking an experienced senior services leader to oversee high-quality homelessness and housing services across London and the South East.

Position: Assistant Services Director
Salary: £49,237 per annum
Location: London and South East
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract
Closing date: 21 September 2026

About the role

Depaul UK is looking for an experienced Assistant Services Director to provide senior operational leadership across a portfolio of homelessness and housing support services.

You will lead and develop Service and Pathway Managers, ensuring services are safe, effective, compliant and delivering excellent outcomes for young people and adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Key responsibilities include:

· Leading high-performing services and management teams across London and the South East

· Ensuring excellent safeguarding practice and regulatory compliance

· Monitoring service quality, contracts, KPIs and performance

· Overseeing housing management, voids, arrears and rental income

· Ensuring accommodation meets health and safety requirements

· Managing relationships with commissioners, local authorities, landlords and other key stakeholders

· Supporting budget setting, monitoring and remedial action

· Leading mobilisation plans for new and changing services

· Coaching and developing managers and supporting workforce development

· Championing client involvement and co-production

· Deputising for the Area Director when required

About you

You will be an experienced operational leader with a strong track record of managing services, managers and performance.

You will have experience of contract management and compliance monitoring, alongside a good working knowledge of housing and homelessness issues. Experience of working with vulnerable people is essential.

You will be confident setting clear standards, developing high-performing teams and leading through change. You will also bring excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with commissioners, partners and colleagues.

You will be self-motivated, resilient and comfortable balancing strategic priorities with the day-to-day demands of delivering high-quality services.

About Depaul UK

Depaul UK has been tackling homelessness since 1989. From its beginnings as a single housing project in North London, the charity has grown to provide accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK.

Inspired by the values of St Vincent de Paul, Depaul UK believes in the intrinsic worth of every person and takes practical action to help people build brighter, more independent futures.

Benefits include 26 days' annual leave, increasing with service, pension contributions of up to 7%, tailored training and development, flexible working options where suitable, a cash health plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access and a range of retail, travel and wellbeing discounts.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Assistant Director of Services, Head of Services, Regional Head of Services, Regional Operations Manager, Head of Operations, Housing Services Manager, Homelessness Services Manager, Service Delivery Manager or Assistant Area Director.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person who can help us grow our fundraising and generate vital income to support our work with unpaid carers across County Durham and Darlington.

This is a varied role where you’ll lead on developing fundraising opportunities, from researching trusts and foundations and preparing high-quality funding applications, to building relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters.

About the role

You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to identify funding opportunities and help us demonstrate the difference our services make to carers.

Your work will include:

• Researching trusts, foundations and other funding opportunities
• Preparing funding applications, proposals and expressions of interest
• Developing community fundraising and individual giving
• Building relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Developing corporate partnerships, sponsorship and Charity of the Year opportunities
• Supporting local people and groups who want to fundraise for us
• Preparing reports for funders and helping us demonstrate the impact of their support

We’re looking for someone with experience in fundraising, business development, grant applications or income generation, alongside strong written communication and relationship-building skills.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, proactive and shares our commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers.

Please visit our website to download the full Job Description, Person Specification and Application Form.

Permanent | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Service to join our senior management team.

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead eight services with nine direct reports, spanning substance use and services for children and young people. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, significant senior leadership experience within substance use services is essential, including experience of leading CQC-regulated provision and maintaining high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance. 

You will also need a strong understanding of safeguarding and the governance required to deliver safe and effective services for children and young people. Direct operational experience of Children & Young People services would be valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong safeguarding and CYP governance experience alongside substantial substance use leadership. 

This permanent appointment offers the opportunity to provide long-term leadership to a significant portfolio and help shape the future development of Cranstoun’s services. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

Citizens Advice Stevenage is an ambitious and innovative member of the Citizens Advice network. We have expanded our services and offering to meet the increased demand in the area, doubling in size over the last few years. 

As a positive subsequence, we are looking for a Head of Finance & Business Support, who will become a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing the financial stewardship of Citizens Advice Stevenage. To lead on financial governance, business support operations, and compliance, ensuring the organization operates sustainably and meets all legal and regulatory obligations. The role is pivotal in safeguarding the charity's financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and enabling effective service delivery. 

Financial Leadership 

• Prepare, review, and present draft and final budgets for approval by the board, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Oversee financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards, including variance analysis and annual balance sheets, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Manage the reserves policy, ensuring regular review and alignment with operational needs and financial risks. 

• Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring integration into the organization’s risk register and adherence to appropriate mitigations.

• Ensure that the day-to-day finance and back-office function is high performing and compliant, safeguarding effective and efficient financial management processes. 

• To co-ordinate the proactive and timely dissemination of high-quality financial information to services, the CEO, and Board such as annual budgets, monthly management accounts, cash flow analysis, financial forecasting and monthly business performance figures.

• To ensure that the organisation has in place, robust and compliant financial systems and procedures; and that these are complied with by all budget holders, ensuring that any oversights are fully investigated and reported upwards as necessary.

• To lead on the preparation of statutory accounts, provide year end accounts, provide appropriate support and assistance to the organisation’s auditors and delivery of recommendations arising from the Audit process.

• To ensure that all statutory returns are complete in a timely and effective manner, including those in relation to VAT, PAYE, NIC and SSP, and that appropriate compliance dates are met for the Charities Commission and Companies House.

• Oversee the transactions, activities and processes of the external payroll provider.

• To monitor and advise on current and future tax legislation, with a view to optimisation.

• To support service managers in the preparation of bids and contract negotiations and provide financial activity analysis and reports in line with specific project reporting requirements.

• To monitor, report and make recommendations regarding the Investment and Reserves Policy to the Board.

• To oversee the payroll function to ensure employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.

• To monitor and control creditors and debtors, ensuring invoices are paid on time and the risk of bad debts is minimised.

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory frameworks, including the Charity Commission, Companies House, FCA, ICO, and other relevant bodies. 

• Maintain and regularly review financial systems, controls, and policies, ensuring they are effectively implemented and aligned with legal requirements. 

• Conduct due diligence for pension, redundancy, and other liabilities, ensuring plans are in place for management and mitigation. 

• Support the trustee board in understanding risks related to projects and contracts, providing assurance of compliance with funders’ requirements. 

• To lead on the Risk Management process, advising the CEO and managers on risk matters, and reviewing the risk register on a regular basis, reporting to the Board of Trustees.

• To check, amend and monitor the Financial Procedures Manual; reporting material breaches to the CEO and Board of Trustees, as required/in-line with governance.

• Working with the senior leadership team monitoring and updating Insurance matters as required, reporting to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Business Support Operations 

• Lead on organisational business continuity planning, ensuring resilience during crises and alignment with the charity's objectives. 

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of key policies, ensuring they reflect legal obligations and organisational values. 

• Manage IT systems and cybersecurity measures to protect organisational data and operations, ensuring compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials. 

Strategic Contribution 

• Provides proactive strategic financial advice and guidance to the Trustees and wider leadership team, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance against agreed targets, identified risks and key performance indicators. 

• Provide financial and operational insights to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and financial accountability across the organisation. 

• Funding strategy: Support the CEO and board to regularly review the sustainability of its income sources and their impact on achieving charitable purposes in the short, medium and longer term.

• Work with the CEO and Head of Impact and Development to prepare the funding strategy that should go beyond immediate budgetary considerations and look at the wider funding landscape. The organisation needs to understand potential emerging opportunities and the organisation's readiness to pursue them. 

Team and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with trustees, funders, regulators, and key stakeholders, to ensure that Citizens Advice Stevenage meets its financial, regulatory and legal obligations. 

• Provide leadership and support to finance and business support teams, ensuring professional development and effective performance management. 

People management and development  

• Develop and implement a culture of continuous learning that will equip and develop people to deliver outstanding delivery. Responsibility for the training and development plan for the Finance and Business Support ensuring it is in effective operation including maintaining records of training needs identified and training attended.  
   

• Working with the rest of the leadership team ensure the organisation delivers a fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent employee and volunteer experience, taking account of our EDI aims and in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010. 
   

• Ensure Open and timely communication that provides information about the organisation and context for decisions that are made, helps to build trust and confidence and earn legitimacy. 
   

• Ensure the effective performance management and development of staff through regular supervision sessions, appraisals and learning and development.  
   

Person Specification 

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified, CPE up to date.

• Strong financial management experience at a similar level within the charity/not for profit sector 

• A proven track record of leading, developing and inspiring small teams 

• Experience of strategic business & financial planning, forecasting and budget management. 

• Sound experience of producing month-end management accounts and audited year-end financial accounts 

• Experience of managing and using financial systems 

• A working knowledge of relevant legislation (regulatory, legal and financial) in the context of a charitable organisation 

• Experience of managing change and change programmes 

• A track record of initiating, leading and managing associated risks 

• Strong influencing, negotiating and collaborative working skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely in writing or verbally 

• Confident IT skills; confident using Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel

• Experience designing and introducing new financial processes, procedures and reports

• Working knowledge of QuickBooks software [advantageous]

• Experience working with a Board of Trustees [advantageous]

• Understanding of Charity Commission and Companies House reporting requirements

• Project and/or professional services experience

• Understanding of Charity Law

• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector

• Understanding and experience using the Charity Governance Code

• Experience in working with Charity SORP

• Legal experience – as so far as they can scrutinise and review basic contracts and their revenue recognition requirements and VAT implications

• Strategic and forecasting experience