Charity operations officer jobs

The People Matter Trust is a Christian Charity based in Eastbourne helping jobseekers reach their full potential.  The organisation gained the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2022 and is Matrix accredited. The Board of Trustees are seeking to recruit a Chief Executive Officer for a position that will become vacant due to retirement during the autumn of 2026. The post will be fulltime (35 hours per week).

We are looking for someone who can:

• Lead strategically while maintaining a strong operational awareness
• Build financial sustainability through diverse income streams
• Develop and manage partnerships across sectors, including Churches and para-Church organisations
• Ensure strong governance, safeguarding and risk management
• Lead with integrity, emotional intelligence and sound judgement

This role is about building on strong foundations to strengthen what works, creating stability and enabling the organisation to grow safely and sustainably.

If you are a thoughtful, values-led leader who can balance ambition with realism and are motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation where the work is both professional and person-centred, we would love to hear from you. 

Under the 2010 Equality Act, schedule 9, there is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the Senior Management Team (CEO and Director of Operations), and Board of Trustees to be practising Christians, to ensure the protection of our strong Christian ethos and values.

People Matter is an inclusive employer.  However potential applicants should be aware that our office premises are located on 2nd floor of a multi-occupancy building with no lift and we are unable to accommodate wheelchair users.

The salary for this post is £41,000 per annum.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Friday 3rd July 2026

Interviews will be held during the period 20th to 21st July 2026.

Registered Charity number: 1062467 

We are looking for someone who is a qualified or part-qualified accountant (including qualified by experience) to take responsibiity for the full day-to-day running of the finance function, ensuring accurate financial records, strong controls and timely reporting.

You will have experience in a hands-on finance role and in producing management accounts and charity statutory returns. You'll have a strong accounting knowledge and good excel and accounting systems capability. Ideally, you'll have experience in small organisations in the charity or social impact sector and of business partnering.

Very importantly, you'll be collaborative and team oriented, able to manage competing priorities effectively and be adaptable and comfortable working in a fast paced and entrepreneurial environment.

You'll work closely with our part-time Finance Director to:

• deliver all core financial operations
• produce high quality management information
• maintain compliance with charity regulations
• support financial planning and decision making
• manage and analyse the financial performance of the charity's trading arm

Key responsibilities:

• day to day financial management 
• management accounts and reporting
• support of budgeting and forecasting processes
• financial control and compliance
• year end audit preparation and liaison
• compliance with fund and grant accounting requirements
• payroll 
• HMRC compliance including gift aid returns
• trading financial management and analysis
• system and process improvements
• stakeholder suport
• support to Finance Director

The Society of Authors (SoA) is the UK's largest trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators. We’ve been advising authors and speaking out for the profession since 1884. 

We’re currently looking to welcome a Finance Manager to our team.

The role

The Finance Manager leads on the operational management of the finance function to ensure there are robust financial controls, effective reporting and efficient day-to-day financial operations across the organisation, including our ancillary charities and literary estates. The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships across the organisation with all staff, member volunteers, senior colleagues, board members and charity trustees.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Finance Manager has significant responsibility for:

· Management accounts and reporting

· Budgeting and forecasting

· Cashflow oversight

· Audit and compliance

· Financial controls and process improvement

· Operational financial analysis

Responsibilities

Day-to-day financial management 

• Manage the day-to-day finances for the organisation. Ensuring all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and kept updated including banking and sales and purchase ledgers.
• Manage the finances for our 14 charities. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are kept updated.
• Undertake monthly reconciliations ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the organisation including the partial VAT exemption calculation.
• Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of any restricted funds for the charities ensuring that monies are allocated as per donor wishes or grant specifications.
• Prepare any ad hoc budget request and figures for other departments or the management.
• Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Support with funding bids and reports for donors and grant-making bodies.

Budget process management

• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer on preparing the annual budgets for the organisation and our ancillary charities.
• Prepare quarterly figures for review, explaining any variation from budgeted figures.
• Monitor the actual spend against budgets for all the charities.

· Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the needs of the organisation and our charities in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Charities.

• Work closely with all Departmental Heads to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget. 

Statutory reporting

• Assist the Chief Operating Officer with the preparation of the organisation’s accounts.
• One of the main points of liaison with the external auditors, ensuring all supporting papers are collated for an efficient and effective annual audit to take place.
• Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts and agreements.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place to safeguard the financial assets of the organisation.
• Lead on preparing all our charity accounts.
• Assist the COO to ensure the organisation and its ancillary charities are compliant with statutory bodies and external institutions including:

o Companies House

o Certification office

o Charity Commission

o HMRC

o  All banks and payment processors

Financial risk management

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the organisation.
• Develop, update and produce long-term cashflow forecasts for both the organisation and our ancillary charities.

· Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels. 

Governance support to the Finance Sub-Committee and Charity Trustees

• Assist in the preparation of all associated papers and minutes for the Finance Sub- Committee.
• Assist the Chief Operating Officer in preparing papers for Board and Charity Trustees.

 The duties above outline the broad areas of responsibility. The SoA reserves the right to vary these duties to suit the requirements of the business.

 Person specification

Essential

• Minimum part-qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the organisation.

· Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases. 

• Experience of using Sage 50 Cloud Accounts.
• Significant experience and confidence in managing a full range of finance operations in a small or medium sized organisation in the not-for-profit sector.
• Confident presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills.

· Resilience in working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback. 

· Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate. 

• Ability to work with the Chief Operating Officer to develop the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies for the society and its ancillary charities.

Desirable Skills

· Specialist knowledge of Charities, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

· Experience of working for a trade onion or a membership organisation.

· Tax and charities law, including a good understanding of partially exempt VAT status.

 What we offer

As a progressive and ethical not-for-profit organisation, we offer a range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. We are a London Living Wage and a Disability Confident – Committed employer.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Death-in-service benefit (8 x salary)
• Employee assistance programme
• Flexible, hybrid working practices.
• Family-friendly, disability-confident inclusive culture
• Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays.
• Salary exchange pension scheme
• Interest-free annual travel card loan
• *Office closure over Christmas
• Private healthcare

*Colleagues can work over the Christmas period, although the building is closed. For those who wish to take additional time off, colleagues take these days from their annual leave allowance.

As an employer, we nurture a working environment in which staff can grow and develop. We recognise the value of flexibility in the way we work with a positive culture of hybrid working practices.

Inclusion, diversity, and representation are at the core of our values, and we work to tackle structural discrimination and prejudice. Part of this commitment means that we are looking to increase diversity in our organisation at all levels. We strongly encourage applications from a broad range of social, cultural, educational, and underrepresented backgrounds

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

Be Our First Hire. Build the Infrastructure that Saves Lives.

About Us
We are a newly registered, fully-funded UK health charity embarking on a variety of health-related Missions.  Having secured Charity Commission approval and robust initial funding, we are now ready to step out of the planning phase.

Duet Health Foundation is starting with significant funding and access to external resources to support our initial campaigns which will include;

- Addressing significant safety issues related to certain commonly used medicines, gathering data on adverse events and deaths in order to campaign for ways to mitigate this.

- Raising awareness of rare diseases which are being missed. These can significantly affect sufferers’ lives, and while they may be relatively easy to diagnose and treat, are often simply not recognised by primary healthcare providers.

We are seeking our first employee—a visionary Director of Operations—to build our operational infrastructure from the ground up and turn our strategic vision into a highly impactful reality.

The Role

As our first hire, you will be a key part of the operational architecture of the charity. Working closely with the Founders, you will help transition the organisation from a newly approved legal entity into a fully functional, compliant, and active campaigning force. This is not a role for someone who just wants to manage existing systems; it is for a builder who also wants to create them.

The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role within the organisation, responsible for creating the operational backbone of the organisation. This role ensures that the organisation’s systems, people, suppliers and processes operate smoothly, safely and compliantly, enabling high-quality delivery. The Director of Operations will provide strong day-to-day operational leadership and discipline, freeing the Founders to focus on strategy, partnerships and organisational growth. The postholder will be highly organised, practical and accountable, with a strong focus on implementation and follow‑through.

To apply for this role, you will need to have significant operational management experience in a charity or similar environment. You will have demonstrable experience of managing complex operational systems and will have proven experience of workforce planning, operational delivery and implementing organisational change. You will have experience of managing suppliers, contracts and procurement processes and will have a strong understanding of operational compliance, risk management and audit readiness. Overall, you will be practical, organised and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work across teams and with trustees, suppliers and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Blueprinting: Design, implement, and oversee all required documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), financial controls, and risk management systems.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure total alignment with Charity Commission regulations, particularly the CC9 guidelines regarding political and health campaigning.
• Information Governance: Establish secure data sharing, privacy frameworks, and GDPR structures for future collection of sensitive patient and clinical data.
• Strategic Scaling: Manage third-party vendors (legal, IT, Associate contractors etc) and eventually support building the infrastructure for future recruitment.

About You

• Experienced: You have at least 5 years’ experience of operational management within the UK charity sector of the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry, or healthcare regulation (e.g., MHRA, NICE).
• A "Builder": You thrive on both teamwork and autonomy. You have a proven track record of setting up systems, policies, and teams from scratch.
• Governance Savvy: You have a solid understanding of UK charity law, compliance, and financial frameworks.
• Locally Based: You live within 25 miles of Camberley, Surrey, allowing for regular, in-person collaboration with the Founders.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape a charity's DNA from day one. You will have substantial autonomy, and the opportunity to play a key part in building an organisation that will directly improve patient safety and rare disease outcomes across the UK.

The Founders of the charity are a married couple who have both spent their working lives in healthcare and health research, particularly focussing on  developing treatments for often-neglected patient groups.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Operations Manager to lead and empower a team of Operations Officers as we transition from Youth Without Limits to World Ready—strengthening our commitment to accessibility while preparing young people with the skills they need for life.
 

In this role, you will oversee a geographically dispersed team supporting a diverse and growing network of Licensed Organisations (LOs) delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). These partners include schools, colleges, charities, local authorities, youth organisations, and secure settings.
 

As a key member of the leadership team, you will drive performance, champion quality experiences for young people, and play an active role in delivering strategic priorities across the organisation.
 

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing, remote team to deliver against SMART objectives and KPIs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture aligned with DofE values and behaviours.
• Oversee delivery standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance across your team’s portfolio.
• Support your team to identify and engage new Licensed Organisations, particularly those supporting strategic growth and accessibility.
• Build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships across partner organisations.
• Analyse performance data and KPIs to drive decision-making and implement improvement plans.
• Oversee grant processes, including approval, monitoring, and evaluation of funded projects.
• Ensure effective delivery of training pathways across the network.
• Lead and support network engagement activities such as meetings and events.
• Collaborate with leadership colleagues to implement business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to national projects, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the organisation externally, staying informed on policy developments and sector trends.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
 

The deadline for applying for this role is: 28th June - midnight 
 

1st  interviews will take place on: 6th July to be held via MS Teams
 

2nd interviews will take place on: 13thJuly - to be held in Person. 
 

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

Camden Disability Action (CDA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our mission as a leading user-led charity for Disabled people.

As COO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across the organisation, ensuring CDA delivers high-quality, accessible, and impactful services. You will translate our vision and strategy into effective day-to-day operations, driving performance, consistency, and continuous improvement across all areas of delivery.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees to support organisational strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability. You will bring strong strategic insight, alongside the ability to lead people, systems, and services with confidence and clarity.

You will have responsibility for core operational functions, including HR, Finance, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Communications, as well as oversight of service delivery and contract management across CDA’s portfolio. You will ensure our infrastructure and processes are robust, compliant, efficient, and aligned to our values.

The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced leader, able to balance strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You will also act as deputy to the CEO when required, providing trusted leadership across the organisation.

Due to the nature of the Chief Operating Officer role and the space-based approach of the Greenwood Centre, it cannot be delivered remotely. The post requires regular in-person operational delivery. However, we are open to offering one day of remote working per week, where practical.

CDA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ people, and others who are underrepresented in the charity sector and leadership roles. We are also open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares, where this can support the successful delivery of the role.

Job Title: Head of Business Operations
Salary: £40,000 per annum (£32,000 per annum pro rata) + 10% company pension on successful completion of probation
Contract: Permanent
Base: The Brain Charity, Norton Street, Liverpool, L3 8LR
Hours: Part Time - 30 hours per week
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: 4

Summary of Role

The Head of Business Operations will play a key leadership role within The Brain Charity, leading and overseeing the effective and safe delivery of a range of business and operational activities. This includes responsibility for premises management, health and safety, data protection compliance, ICT systems, and operational services such as room hire and café provision.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior colleagues, the role will ensure that systems, processes and services run efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and support the charity’s wider objectives. The postholder will also lead on continuous improvement, oversee operational performance, manage budgets and commercial activities, and develop sustainable income-generating services that support people living with neurological conditions.
 

Key Responsibilities

Management of Physical Assets

• Hold responsibility for the organisation’s assets register.
• Ensure that all buildings owned by the organisation and their fixtures and fittings are maintained to a high standard in a cost-effective way.

Health & Safety, Security & Business Continuity

• Provide leadership and assurance on the effectiveness of Health & Safety controls across the organisation.
• Ensure the safe, secure and continuous operation of the charity’s premises, including oversight of access arrangements, security controls, and incident response.
• Ensure Health & Safety and food safety policies are in place, effectively implemented, embedded into day-to-day operations, and consistently monitored to maintain full compliance across all operational activities.
• Ensure statutory checks, monitoring activities and remedial actions are completed, documented and reviewed in line with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain organisational readiness for incidents affecting premises safety, security, or continuity of service delivery, and act as the designated Deputy within the Business Continuity Plan, carrying out responsibilities in line with the defined scope and actions of the plan.
• Act as a designated security key holder and first point of contact for premises alarm activations and building security incidents, ensuring appropriate timely response and escalation.

Data Protection & GDPR

• Support and contribute to ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation across the organisation.
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team in meeting data protection responsibilities, including compliance reporting and engagement with the ICO and Subject Access Requests where required.

ICT, Digital & Systems Oversight

• Provide oversight of ICT infrastructure, Microsoft 365 accounts and CRM systems, ensuring they support operational and business objectives.
• Produce and present quarterly reports covering ICT performance, KPIs, system risks and improvement activity.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts for IT support services, including due diligence, contract management and renewal.
• Support ICT and CRM development initiatives in line with organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Cyber Essentials requirements and oversee the organisation’s cyber security posture.

Operational Management

• Take responsibility for improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of the café, room hire services.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the promotion and advertising of business activities, including room hire and café services.
• Lead and manage facilities refurbishment and improvement projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Oversee contractor engagement ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and contractual requirements during works.
• Ensure appropriate insurance policies are in place, regularly reviewed and maintained in line with organisational risk exposure.
• Act as the operational lead for insurance-related matters, including renewals and claims support.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters relating to business activities as required.
• Monitor and analyse business data, producing reports and delivering presentations to senior management and the trustee board.

Financial Management

• Set and manage budgets for existing product and service delivery.
• Forecast sales targets and monitor progress against these.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters related to business activities as required.

People Management

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and ensure they are adhered to by all staff within your department.
• Monitor, performance manage and improve the efficiency of all direct reports.
• Support the professional development of all direct reports.
• Provide ongoing and regular formal supervision through the organisation’s supervision and appraisal framework.
• Motivate staff to achieve their KPIs through quality controls.
• Monitor, train and support all volunteers.
• Delegate tasks to achieve the overall aims of the organisation in line with own responsibilities.
• Contribute to The Brain Charity management rota when required. 

Other

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and to adhere to these.
• Actively support promotional and fundraising events for The Brain Charity, attending a minimum of 1 fundraising or client-focussed event over the course of a year.
• Assist and support volunteers within the team as and when required.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks which may be required by the charity from time to time.
• Regularly provide cover for all aspects of the department you belong to during any absence relating to your colleagues.

Are you an experienced charity leader ready to drive strategy, sustainability and frontline impact for an organisation supporting vulnerable young people experiencing social/emotional/domestic difficulties in school?

Mentor link is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our Stourport based charity into its next phase due to the retirement of the Founder and CEO. Strengthening financial resilience, governance, partnerships and service impact whilst delivering high-quality, mentoring support.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role with full strategic and operational accountability.

About Mentor link

Mentor link supports vulnerable young people experiencing social/emotional or domestic difficulties in schools across the West Midlands. Based in Stourport on Severn Worcestershire the position is full time  circa £60k per annum and permanent subject to 3 months’ probation.

Please see the full job description attached

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife.

We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.

As the Trust continues to grow in scale, ambition and complexity, we are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Operations to help strengthen our organisational systems, support our team and enable the effective delivery of our strategic vision.

Location
Hybrid working – with regular attendance across BART offices, project sites and meetings within the Bristol Avon catchment.

Reports to
Chief Executive Officer

Hours
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible working arrangements considered.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Operations will play a central leadership role within Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, ensuring the organisation operates safely, effectively, efficiently and sustainably as it continues to grow.

This is a strategic and hands-on operational role overseeing organisational systems, support governance, HR, compliance, health & safety, programme management support and internal operations.

Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will help manage the organisations systems and culture needed to support high-quality delivery across a growing environmental charity.

The role will suit someone who thrives in dynamic organisations, enjoys problem solving and optimising systems, understanding and making sense of complexity, and is motivated by supporting teams to deliver meaningful impact and achieving the organisations goals.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Leadership & Operations

• Lead and oversee day-to-day organisational operations across the Trust
• Develop and improve internal systems, processes and operational procedures
• Support organisational planning and delivery against BART’s strategic objectives
• Work closely with the CEO and senior managers to support organisational growth and resilience
• Contribute to organisational decision-making and leadership culture

People & HR Management

• Oversee HR systems, policies and procedures
• Support recruitment, onboarding and staff development processes
• Help foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
• Support managers with operational people-management matters
• Coordinate staff wellbeing and professional development initiatives

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with charity, company and employment regulations
• Support the CEO with governance processes, trustee reporting and organisational policies
• Oversee organisational risk management systems
• Ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and compliance frameworks are in place
• Lead on operational health & safety systems and organisational compliance

Organisational Systems

• Support organisational budgeting and financial monitoring alongside the finance and Senior Leadership team
• Oversee operational procurement and contract management systems
• Support implementation and optimisation of organisational systems, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and IT systems including cyber security
• Improve internal reporting and programme coordination systems

Programme & Delivery Support

• Support operational coordination across BART programmes and projects
• Help ensure teams are appropriately resourced and supported
• Improve organisational project management systems and workflows
• Support efficient collaboration across delivery teams
• Contribute to organisational development opportunities and partnerships

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience in operational management, organisational leadership or business management
• Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and organisational risk management
• Experience supporting HR and people-management processes
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work strategically while also being comfortable with operational detail
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and organisational software systems

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within the environmental, charity or public sector
• Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments
• Experience supporting organisational growth and change management
• Familiarity with CRM systems and operational databases
• Understanding of health & safety systems within field-based organisations

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
• Enjoys enabling others to succeed
• Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
• Is calm and adaptable in a growing organisation
• Has strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills
• Wants to help a small organisation grow and deliver its goal of restoring rivers, landscapes and communities

Why Join BART?

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s growing rivers trusts at a pivotal stage in its development.

You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team delivering meaningful environmental change across the Bristol Avon catchment, while helping build the organisational foundations needed for long-term impact.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas close
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 9% Employer pension contribution
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee wellbeing support
• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation with real environmental impact

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.

Our client has supported children and young people across Berkshire for over 85 years; they champion safe spaces, trusted relationships and opportunities that help young people develop confidence, skills and aspirations. They are values-led, inclusive and youth-centred, working with communities, schools, partners and their member network to improve outcomes for young people across Berkshire. At an exciting time of growth, they are now recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join their small, committed team.

The Operations Manager is a pivotal senior leadership role within the organisation, responsible for strengthening the operational backbone of the organisation. This role ensures that the organisation’s buildings, systems, people, suppliers and processes operate smoothly, safely and compliantly, enabling high-quality youth work delivery. The Operations Manager provides strong day-to-day operational leadership and discipline, freeing the CEO to focus on strategy, partnerships and organisational growth. The postholder will be highly organised, practical and accountable, with a strong focus on implementation and follow‑through.

To apply for this role, you will have significant operational management experience in a charity, public sector, education, community or similar environment. You will have demonstrable experience of managing multi‑site operations, facilities or complex operational systems and will have proven experience of workforce planning, operational delivery and implementing organisational change. You will have experience of managing suppliers, contracts and procurement processes and will have a strong understanding of operational compliance, risk management and audit readiness. Overall, you will be practical, organised and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work across teams and with trustees, suppliers and external partners.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange a call to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.

Please note this role will be hybrid-working, based either from Newbury or Reading, with regular travel across Berkshire.

Our client is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will undertake an enhanced DBS check and references.

FWAG SouthWest is looking for a Head of Operations to help lead our organisation through its next phase. This is a senior leadership role with real influence over how we deliver our work, support our team and respond to the changing environment for farming and wildlife.

About us

FWAG SouthWest is an environmental charity working with farmers and land managers to deliver practical change on the ground. We combine an understanding of farming businesses with environmental expertise to support better outcomes for nature, climate and food production. Our work brings people together: farmers, communities and partners to deliver change at a local and landscape scale. As farming responds to new policy, markets and environmental pressures, our role is to help shape and deliver solutions that work, supporting resilient farm businesses alongside climate-resilient landscapes and nature recovery.

The role

As Head of Operations, you will lead delivery across the South West, working through a network of county teams and specialists. Your focus will be on strengthening our ability to deliver. Supporting team leaders to grow capacity, manage workload and deliver high quality work in increasingly complex projects. You will work alongside teams to remove barriers, improve systems and step into delivery where needed helping to ensure work progresses and opportunities are achieved. Working closely with the CEO and senior team, you will help translate strategy into delivery and ensure we remain effective, responsive and financially sustainable. You will also play a key role in how we respond to change across the sector, supporting teams to navigate new policy, funding and partnership opportunities.

About you

We are looking for an experienced leader who is motivated by enabling others to deliver. You don’t need to have experience in the environmental sector. We are open to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who can bring strong leadership, a collaborative approach, professional skills and share our values.

What matters is your ability to:

• Support and develop people to increase their capacity and confidence

• Work alongside teams to solve problems and keep delivery moving

• Manage complex programmes and competing priorities

• Put in place practical systems and structures that support delivery

• Build strong relationships across a regional organisation

An interest in farming, land management or the natural environment is important, detailed sector knowledge is desirable.

For further details and a full job description and person specification, please see attachments below.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a charity with a strong reputation and clear purpose.

You will:

• Help shape how we deliver across the South West

• Lead and support a skilled and committed team

• Work on issues that matter for the future of farming, climate and nature

• Be part of an organisation rooted in practical action and trusted relationships

Further information

o Salary £56,650 – £61,800, dependent on experience

o Permanent contract

o 37.5 hours per week, but applications from those looking for 4 days (30 hours) per week will also be considered

o 25 days per annum, rising by a day a year with service to 30 days per annum, plus public holidays and an opportunity to buy or sell annual leave 

o Flexible working hours

o Pension scheme - employer contribution 4%, employee contribution 4% with salary sacrifice applicable 

o Employee wellbeing scheme and Employee assistance programme

o Support to undertake relevant external training and qualifications

o Group life insurance scheme 

o Professional subscriptions relevant to the post supported 

o Regular travel across the South West will be required and therefore access to a vehicle is essential

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a well-established and highly respected grant-making charity, supporting a wide range of causes across the UK. With a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of those in need, the Foundation provides funding to charities working across areas including welfare, education, youth, community, environment, faith, arts, and heritage. Known for its collaborative and impactful approach, the Foundation plays a vital role in strengthening organisations and communities nationwide.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation at the heart of impactful grant-making. The role will play a key part in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, supporting internal teams and charities they support, and helping to maintain high-quality processes that underpin the Foundation’s work.

You’ll be at the centre of the organisation’s activity—providing hands-on support across administration, logistics, and operational processes—making a tangible difference to how the organisation functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Operations to ensure systems and processes run efficiently for staff and applicants
• Provide project support for technology improvements and development initiatives
• Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve data and system-related issues
• Deliver training and provide ongoing systems support to the team
• Support system upgrades, including configuration, testing, and troubleshooting the grantmaking system
• Manage the database day-to-day, including processing decisions and payments, reporting, maintaining data quality, and ensuring GDPR compliance
• Maintain and review operational processes and procedures to ensure effective organisational functioning
• Oversee website management, stakeholder enquiries, and provide general operational support to colleagues as needed

Person Specification

• Experience in an administrative or operations-based role, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit environment
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proactive and solutions-focused, willing to engage and support where needed
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Confident using Microsoft Office systems and/or CRM databases
• A genuine interest in the work of the Garfield Weston Foundation and the wider charity sector

What’s on Offer

• Salary: c£35,000
• Location: On-site, Mayfair, London
• Contract: Permanent, Full Time

How to Apply
We are partnering with The Talent Set on the appointment of this position. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the “apply now” button. They aim to respond to successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Garfield Weston Foundation is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.