Chief executive business manager jobs

Job Title: Operations Manager – Osborne Partnership

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full time equivalent).

Salary: £53,508 dependent on qualifications

Responsible to: Chief Executive - Senior Management Team (SMT)

Responsible for: 4 x Senior Service Managers

3 x Service Managers

Responsible for the safe delivery and environment of the Osborne Centre (both Partners and staff) delivering a range of quality services for our Partners (service users) and ensuring that the management systems are in place and operational.

Qualification(s) Level: Applicants with Level(s) 5 Leadership & Management  Social Care/ Education/ Health (particularly with adults with learning disabilities) or similar qualifications (including degree equivalents or better), are especially welcome however we will consider applicants with alternative qualifications and experience subject to expressly agreeing to upskill on the job and provided there is an evidentiary trail that can show evidence of a caring mentality and empathy with our service user group and or in a home care environment or other learning type institution.

Overall purpose:

To manage all aspects of the ‘Operations’ of Osborne Partnership and supporting the strategic development of the organisation alongside the Chief Executive to ensure a  fully functional and operational service for the overall benefit of our Partners (service users) day learning and support development as per the Charities aims and objectives of Education, Skills Attainment, and Employability Skills for adults with learning disabilities.  

To actively train and support Partners to gain independence skills, life skills, and other skills through a ‘mixed ability’ support service that includes supporting the training of Partners through formal qualifications (Entry level NVQ teaching & support), on the job training, and internal qualifications and benchmarks.

To ensure that the service is:

- Properly monitored and utilising an internal database for the recording of information (Storii);

- Delivered on the basis of an agreed organisational and service Scheme of Works/ Service Plan as well as Partner Individual Learning Plans (ILPs);

- Reviewing Partner progress on a quarterly basis showing ‘distance travelled’ by individual Partners;

- Serviced by managed, trained and motivated staff;

- Delivered under the highest standards of health & safety and safeguarding welfare for our Partners.

Role:

To develop, support and deliver the day to day operations of the Osborne Partnership, in partnership with other senior Managers, and Service Managers, with a particular focus on the quality agenda as it relates to Partner services, service development, benchmarking, and external accreditations. The role will ensure that Partner services are engaged in a cycle of continuous review and improvements and providing Service Managers with the tools and support to deliver the highest standards of service through building confidence and expertise, and identifying service and personal development training where appropriate.

Main Duties:

1. To support the development and best practice of all Osborne Partnership service areas to ensure relevant, meaningful, and objective focused delivery for Partners.

2. To work with the relevant Service Managers and Project Supoort Officers (PSOs) to review current service delivery and to provide an objective, supportive, but challenging voice in the development of services.

3. To benchmark Osborne Partnership services and delivery against similar services in the borough and wider afield.

4. Working with other senior managers, identify and action new service areas of delivery commensurate with the Osborne Partnership Memorandum and Articles of Association and subject to Partners consultation and approval.

5. To identify, research, and action plan frontline external accreditations that will provide a objectifiable list of outcomes that will support and benefit Partners; staff development; and the professional standing of the Osborne Partnership.

6. To support senior managers in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures as they may relate to updated legislation; new service provision; Partners welfare, safety and development; staff development and benefits; or any other relevant area of service.

7. To line manage (including appraisals) relevant Service Managers as leaders of services ensuring that they understand the concept of continuous improvement and are supporting Project Support Officers (PSOs) to do likewise.

8. To ensure that Service Managers have identified and developed service schemes of work, annual development training plans for Service Managers and their PSOs in line with continuous improvement principles and to ensure best practice activities for Partners.

9. To work with senior managers to identify and action activities/ services/ initiatives/ documents/ plans that will support the on-going professionalisation and modernisation agenda of the Osborne Partnership

10. To actively support other senior managers in the day to day delivery of the Osborne Centre service provision ensuring health and safety at work principles are adhered to; safeguarding of Partners is paramount; that staff are adequately prepped and prepared for delivery of their services; and that a professional service approach is adhered to at all times.

11. To be the primary development Officer of the Storri database as it relates to Osborne Partnership, information gathering (and mindful of GDPR), and Partmner journeys travelled in the service.

12. To identify personal development opportunities and requirements as dictated by the role.

13. Any other reasonable task as defined as a management role and directed from time to time by the Chief Executive. 

14. To undergo training necessary in relation to the requirements of the post.

15. To undertake any other duties consistent with the overall purpose of the post within the competence of the post holder.

N.B.   As the Osborne Partnership works with and supports vulnerable adults, all posts require post holders to be in possession of a current DBS clearance (formerly Criminal Records Bureau – (CRB).

Job Title:  Operations Manager

The following skills, experience and qualities are required for the position of Operations Manager:

ESSENTIAL

1. Demonstrable evidence of having caring qualities and empathy for our service users group either through direct employment experience or on a personal carers basis.

2. Experience of working with people with learning difficulties or in a wider social care setting or in a home environment (carer), or in a learning institution

3. Demonstrable experience of leading operational team(s), motivating colleagues, and communicating a service vision and an ability to facilitate the development of individuals and groups in a work context.

4. A flexible approach to the work situation sufficient to cope with a variety of tasks and situations.

5. A good general education, sufficient to communicate verbally in a clear manner, and to complete monitoring forms and write reports in a clear and concise manner.

DESIRABLE

1. Qualification in Leadership & Management at Level 5 (or above) and willingness to train in other areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults (see below).

2. Ability to break down tasks into achievable steps for an individual with learning difficulties.

3. Training/ qualification in areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults, e.g. Safeguarding, Lifting & Handling, more general Health & Safety, etc.

4. Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Act, etc.

5. IT skills.

6. Full driving license.

The Big House is looking for an energised Finance and Operations Director to lead the charity's finance, HR, operations and legal functions. This role is suited to a strategic thinker who is happy to get stuck in with hands-on tasks. The role covers five key areas.

Financial adminstration: Magage end-to-end financial processes including invoicing, bank reconcilations, budget management

Strategic business and financial planning: Work with the CEO to design and deliver an organisational strategy backed up by robust financial planning

Fundraising: Support the fundraising team to track pipeline value and secured income against targets and provide accurate reports to funders

HR and business operations: Oversee the HR function of the charity, foster a positive work environment and design and deliver effective hiring, onboarding and performance review processes

Production managment: Oversee the management of The Big House theatre and film productions, carefully managing external delivery teams and ensuring projects run to agreen timelines and to budget

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Development Manager to help grow and embed our early help and family mental health services across the UK.

This is a senior, outward-facing role focused on securing statutory income, developing high-quality tenders, and building strong relationships with local authorities, Family Hubs and strategic partners. A key priority will be positioning KidsTime Workshops as a recognised, commissioned early help offer within local authority family support systems.

Working closely with the CEO, you will identify high-impact opportunities, navigate commissioning processes, and help ensure more children affected by parental mental illness receive timely, preventative support.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in local authority commissioning, business development or statutory income generation, who understands early intervention and wants to use their skills to create lasting social impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

This is a senior, trusted role at the heart of the organisation, responsible for the smooth running of the CEO and Executive Office and for providing high quality governance and administrative support to our Boards and committees. Working closely with the Co Chief Executives, the role supports strategic delivery, organisational planning and cross organisational projects, while also playing an important part in shaping how we work together as a values led organisation.

Based in Covent Garden, the role would suit someone with experience of working within a senior executive or private office environment who brings sound judgement, discretion and a collaborative approach. A background in theatre is not essential, but an appreciation of the social and cultural value of the arts and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion are important.

For full details of the role, please see the job pack. 

If you’re a purpose‑driven CEO with a deep passion for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to steer a trusted charity as it transforms for a sustainable future.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic revitalisation. As a leading animal welfare charity with a proud history since 1965, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the animals in our care receive the very best support.

As Chief Executive of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you’ll lead a proud organisation delivering rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, and providing lifetime care for animals with complex needs across Dorset and Devon since 1965. You’ll harness the charity’s tangible local footprint across three rescue centres and a network of retail shops to elevate outcomes, scale supporter engagement, and embed operational excellence.

You’ll be the catalyst for significant strategic change—partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to set bold transformational objectives and KPIs. You’ll transform our operating model to meet current and future needs, oversee a data and IT modernisation programme to strengthen insight, efficiency and compliance (from donor management and welfare tracking to retail operations), steward budgets and risk with rigour, and act as the charity’s primary spokesperson to media, partners and the wider community.

The role is full‑time, based at Head Office in Church Knowle, Dorset, with regular travel across centres and shops, and offers a competitive package including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. We welcome experienced CEOs and senior leaders who bring strategic planning, change delivery and inclusive leadership.

The Role

As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and vision. You will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and implementation of a revitalised strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our values and ambitions
• Driving operational excellence across all areas, including animal welfare, fundraising, retail, and administration
• Championing a ‘One Charity’ culture, embedding consistent ethics and best practices across all teams and locations
• Acting as the primary spokesperson, enhancing our profile and engagement with supporters, partners, and the wider community
• Overseeing financial stewardship, risk management, and the effective use of data and technology to support organisational goals
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and charity governance requirements

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about animal welfare and ethical leadership. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the charity, animal welfare, or related sectors
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and income generation
• Experience in data and IT management, including digital transformation
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills
• A commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare

Experience in retail operations, fundraising, and working with Boards of Trustees is desirable.

What We Offer

• Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility for additional hours as required
• Competitive salary (£65-80k depending on experience) and benefits, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), business expenses, and mobile phone provision
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve

Join us at this pivotal moment and help shape the future of Margaret Green Animal Rescue. If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and drive, we would love to hear from you.

NACE is a national education charity focused on evidence-informed school improvement and provision for more able learners, and a challenge for all approach to the wider quality of education for all learners. 

We are looking for a Chief Executive to strengthen our voice, grow our membership community, increase demand for NACE resources and services and deepen our impact across the sector.

The Opportunity

As CEO you will be the strategic lead and public face of NACE, building partnerships, amplifying our influence in national conversations, and ensuring our offer continues to deliver clear value for members. 

You’ll work closely with a skilled central team and associates, and with a supportive Executive Board, to realise an ambitious growth plan while safeguarding quality and financial sustainability.

Flexible and portfolio working will be welcomed.

What you’ll lead

Profile & influence:

Position NACE as a recognised and authoritative voice in school improvement for more able learners. Through “challenge for all” strategies in curriculum and pedagogy, by securing speaking opportunities, thought-leadership pieces and strategic policy roundtables; build trusted relationships across MATs, system leaders and sector bodies.

Membership growth:

Deliver a clear value proposition and growth strategy that increases recruitment and retention, secures long-term sustainability, and nurtures a strong sense of community among members.

Partnerships & income:

Develop productive alliances (education, charity and commercial) and responsible income streams (e.g., sponsorships, funded programmes) aligned to mission. 

Team & operations:

Lead and develop the central team and wider associate network; delegate effectively so you can focus on growth, profile and stakeholder engagement; ensure robust budgeting and prudent stewardship. 

What you’ll bring

Sector and system understanding, with credibility to engage senior decision makers and an ability to translate evidence into compelling practice.

Proven ability and track record in scaling reach, membership or audiences through clear propositions, effective marketing/ communications and partnership building.

Excellent communication skills, to include clear, accessible writing and confident presenting for diverse audiences.

Inclusive, collaborative leadership where you develop people, build cohesive teams and work well with trustees; bring sound financial judgement and understand sustainable business models. 

What success looks like in year one

Noticeable uplift in membership recruitment and retention, underpinned by a clear value proposition and data-informed improvements to the offer.

Increased national visibility and demand for resources and services through regular sector platforms, strategic partnerships and stronger recognition of NACE’s contribution to school improvement.

A confident, motivated team with clear roles and delegated operational leadership, enabling you to concentrate on external growth and influence.

Please see the full Job description attached

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to fair, inclusive and bias-aware recruitment. If you need adjustments at any stage, or the information in a different format, please let us know. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and career paths; selection is based on evidence against the criteria in the person specification.

NACE is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, Board members are simultaneously Trustees of the charity and directors of the company. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary governing documents of the charitable company.

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a respected voice in social change and activism.

Leading a small, committed team, the Chief Executive will set the strategic direction, secure and steward funding, and ensure effective delivery of programmes and services. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, act as an ambassador for the Foundation, and foster strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role suited to a versatile leader with a passion for social change and building communities, who thrives in a small charity environment.

About the role:

This maternity cover role offers the opportunity to work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, supporting effective leadership and strong governance at Single Homeless Project. As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you’ll be right where leadership, governance and momentum meet, helping SHP stay focused, responsive and ambitious. You’ll support the organisation to make confident decisions and keep moving forward with purpose, often by ensuring the right conversations happen at the right time and with the right information in the room.

You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Management Team and Board of Trustees, bringing clarity and structure to complex priorities. Day to day, this means preparing leaders for meetings, coordinating senior leadership and Board activity, managing the flow of papers, actions and follow-up, and ensuring governance processes run smoothly and transparently. From supporting strategic discussions to keeping track of commitments and decisions, your contribution will shape how the organisation operates and how ideas turn into action. It’s a role that rewards sound judgement, discretion and the confidence to anticipate what’s needed before it’s asked for.

If you’re organised, calm under pressure and motivated by impact, this is an opportunity to make a real difference from behind the scenes. You’ll join a values-led charity that doesn’t stand still, offering meaningful experience at the heart of a mission-driven organisation and the chance to play a vital part in driving lasting change.

This is a hybrid role, typically based in our King’s Cross office two days per week, with flexibility to work from home in line with business needs.

About you:

• You’re highly organised and thoughtful in how you work, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex or fast-moving priorities.
• You exercise sound judgement and discretion, and are comfortable handling sensitive information with care, professionalism and confidence.
• You enjoy working closely with senior leaders and Trustees, supporting effective decision-making and strong governance without needing to be in the spotlight.
• You’re proactive and perceptive, able to anticipate what’s needed, follow things through and keep momentum going.
• You’re motivated by purpose and impact, and take pride in enabling others to do their best work within a values-led organisation.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 25th January at midnight

Interview date: Week commencing 2nd February at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require a basic DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

Chief Officer

Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) provides free, independent, and confidential advice and information to the residents of Woking, and anyone who works in the Borough, particularly the most vulnerable, to help with the problems they face.  We are the only organisation locally that can and does address client issues holistically, across areas such as debt, housing and welfare benefits, not just single issues, and this is increasingly important as client problems become more complex.

We are looking for a Senior Manager who will bring both innovation and experience to lead a valued local charity.

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer

• Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Woking,
• Represents Citizens Advice Woking to funders, partners and stakeholders,
• Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers,
• Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service,
• Represents the organisation in Woking and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026/27 will be to:

• Manage CAW’s external relationships with our funders and the Woking community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects, and their continuation,
• Collaborate closely with the other Surrey LCA Chief Officers to respond to the changing funding landscape. In parallel, continue to identify and deliver local projects for local funders,
• Ensure that suitable alternative premises are secured, and the transition is managed as smoothly as possible,
• Ensure the staff and volunteers are enabled to work effectively, particularly during this period of disruption,

The Chief Officer has an important leadership role, working closely with the Operations Manager, who has line responsibility for the staff and, generally, the internal CAW operation.  The volunteers are managed on a day-to-day basis by the Advice Session Supervisors, who are critical to ensuring the quality of advice to clients, and the smooth running of the office. 

How to apply

To apply for the role of Chief Officer at CAW, please see the Job Pack on our website.

You will need to send us your CV and a maximum 2 page supporting statement. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification and outline why you are interested in becoming the CO of Citizens Advice Woking.

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th Febraury

Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we reserve the right to close earlier if applications from sufficient suitably qualified candidates have been received

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Mslexia, the UK’s best-loved writing magazine for women, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase of growth and impact.

Founded in 1999, Mslexia is a national publishing and outreach charity dedicated to addressing gender inequality in literature. We support over 50,000 women writers through our magazine, books, competitions, courses, events and online community. Financially independent for more than 20 years, we now want to build on our success, strengthen our sustainability and extend our reach.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected, values-driven organisation with a strong brand, loyal audience and passionate team.

About the role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership for Mslexia, working closely with the Board of Trustees and leading a team of talented staff.

You will be responsible for:

• Setting and delivering organisational strategy with the Board.
• Leading and supporting the staff team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Overseeing financial management, budgeting and long-term sustainability.
• Developing and diversifying income streams, including commercial activity, partnerships and fundraising.
• Acting as the public face of Mslexia, championing its mission locally, regionally and nationally.
• Strengthening governance, systems, policies and risk management.
• Building partnerships and promoting the Mslexia brand and influence.

We are looking for an inspiring, values-driven leader with the vision, credibility and skills to lead a purpose-led organisation.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public, commercial or related sector.
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing multiple income streams.
• A track record of leading and motivating teams.
• Experience working with a Board or similar governance structure.
• Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to turn vision into action.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Experience in the arts, culture or creative industries.
• Experience of hybrid earned / grant-funded income models.
• Events or publishing-related experience.

Why join Mslexia?

• Lead a nationally respected charity with a clear social mission.
• Work with a skilled, passionate and supportive team.
• Shape the future of women’s writing and gender equality in literature.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• City-centre Newcastle location.

How to apply

Mslexia is working with Jobs with Purpose to recruit to this role. You can access a detailed candidate pack below, including a job description and person specification.

To apply, please forward a detailed CV and a supporting statement (maximum three sides) explaining how you meet the requirements of the person specification and any other information relevant to the role to David Robinson at Jobs with Purpose.

For a confidential discussion about the role, email David with your availability and brief details regarding your experience and interest in the position.

Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 12 noon
Interviews: Week commencing 16 February 2026

Mslexia is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Remote working with some UK and international travel

We are looking for an ambitious, experienced and passionate Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) to join The Lifescape Project, leading the evolution, management and delivery of our financial and operational capacities as the organisation grows.

Our impact as a charity depends on excellent financial management and the efficient provision of supporting operational structures, policies and ways of working. As the organisation grows and diversifies, we need a dedicated Chief Financial and Operations Officer to lead the management and development of these critical functions in close liaison with the CEO. The CFOO will be second in command to the CEO and a key member of the Management Team.

About us and the role

We are a small and quickly growing UK-registered charity whose mission is to protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that pursue this mission.

We use the approach of combining disciplines to design and deliver our work because the biodiversity crisis is driven and impacted by social, economic, legal and other complex factors. It is increasingly recognised that the urgent transformative change needed for a sustainable future on our planet is most effectively achieved through this approach. The Lifescape Project has a unique ability to apply these diverse areas of expertise to our mission whilst maintaining the agility of a smaller organisation in delivering our work.

Working in pursuit of our 2020-2026 strategy, the Lifescape Project has seen rapid growth in its impact, team and revenue since commencing work in 2020. Our annual revenue has increased from £265,000 in FY 2020/2021 to £1.2m in FY 2024/2025, with further growth expected in the current FY. Our team has grown from just one to a team which will number 20 at the time of the successful CFOO candidate joining. This growth to date and planned future growth requires constant evolution of our financial and operational infrastructure and an experienced hand to guide this process, which is the core purpose of the CFOO role we are seeking to appoint.

We are excited to be hiring for this role, which will be transformational for the organisation, allowing us to develop our approach to financial and operational matters and support the continued growth of our team and impact. The role will act as second in command and will deputise for the CEO when absent. We are therefore looking for a highly capable and experienced finance and operations leader with the vision to ensure that we continue to grow in a sustainable, effective and efficient way.

We currently have a full-time manager and officer in our Finance and Operations team (F&O Team), which the CFOO will be joining to oversee, develop and guide all relevant functions. With the small size of the team at this time, the CFOO will be expected to jump into the detail in some areas. In the short term this will include delivering some of the more complex areas of the F&O team’s work, such as the audit process, multi-year financial planning and legal compliance, with support from other team members and external advisers as appropriate. If we continue to succeed in delivering our growth strategy, the role will progress over the medium term with increasing team size/supervisory duties and reducing involvement in immediate implementation. Remuneration would also increase in line with growth and assuming strong performance in the role.

For further information, please download the job pack below. Candidates must review the entire job pack before applying.

To apply, please email a cover letter and CV (each a maximum of 2 pages).

Closing date: 9.00pm on 29th January 2026, however we will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve our discretion to extend the deadline if necessary.

First interview: First round interviews are expected to take place virtually on Microsoft Teams between 3rd-6th February.

Second interview: Second round interviews are expected to take place between 23rd-27th February.

Assessed task: There will be an assessed task which candidates will be asked to complete, either before the first round or second round interview.

Start date: The role will commence as soon as possible from 1st April 2026, subject to the successful candidate’s availability.

About us

Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside (CFLM) is a leading local charity that connects people, businesses and partners with the grassroots projects making a real difference across our region. We manage charitable funds, support community initiatives, and drive meaningful, measurable impact across Lancashire and Merseyside. Our mission is simple: strengthen communities, empower local people, and create lasting change where it’s needed most.

Role Summary

This role brings together operational leadership, executive support, and administrative coordination. You will ensure the organisation runs efficiently day-to-day while also driving longer‑term improvements that support CFLM’s strategic goals - including achieving annual surpluses and meeting ambitious income targets.

As the operational lead, you will work closely with colleagues across all departments and manage key relationships with external providers in HR, IT, and facilities. You will also play a central role in governance processes and provide high‑quality administrative support to the CEO and Deputy CEO.

Projects you will lead on include completing UKCF Quality Assurance and implementing the UKCF CRM (Salesforce) system.

Please see the full job description and Person specification.

Responsible To: Chief Executive
Location: Remote, but with flexibility to travel for in person meetings
Salary: £38,336 - £44,427 pro rata, per annum (dependent on experience) plus 8% pension contribution
Duration: Permanent established role
Hours: 0.8 FTE (29 hours 36 minutes per week), flexible
 
The Head of the CEO Office will provide leadership to the CEO Office team and serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This role will be responsible for the three specialist areas which form the CEO Office: People Services, Governance and Executive Support.
 
This role is responsible for delivering the People Services function for the organisation, including the development and implementation of People Services strategies, plans, policies and processes. You will lead the People Services team in delivering high quality support and advisory services.
 
This post requires the individual to understand, anticipate and react to the organisation’s changing needs, to think critically, make decisions, and offer solutions to problems with expert professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality. To implement Butterfly Conservation’s (BC) objectives through leadership of the CEO Office team, setting and managing budgets, targets and workplans while inspiring and enabling staff to achieve their best.
 
Specific Tasks:
 
Delivering the People Services function
 
Responsible for delivering a high-performing People Services function ensuring all interactions adhere to BC’s inclusion and organisational values. To lead, manage and be accountable for the function, including:

• Aligning workload with BC’s Strategy and annual business plans.
• Advising, coaching, and enabling the People Services team to deliver effectively and create an engaging, supportive, and empowering environment.
• Ensure monthly workforce reporting systems are in place and actions followed up where required.
• Lead on Employee Health and Wellbeing initiatives, promoting a culture of engagement and self-responsibility.
• Implement, monitor and evaluate performance management systems and processes.
• In conjunction with the CEO and SLT, procuring external specialist support and/or legal advice as needed to minimise risk to the organisation.
• Act as the escalation point for complex employee casework, including dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, retirement and redundancy, ensuring that the SLT members’ roles remain objective and that safe formal processes can occur if required.
• Account management for providers of BC’s People Services Workforce Systems, ensuring Service Level Agreements are met and partnership opportunities are maximised including Occupational Health, EAP services, Hireful and BreatheHR.
• Oversee and manage ‘Charity Learn’ BC’s online learning management system, to include setting up annual statutory training for all staff and creating bookable in-house training sessions as required.
• In conjunction with the CEO and SLT, develop and implement a People Strategy to include areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, and staff engagement.

 
Governance, Risk and Management Information & Reporting
 
Accountable for the smooth running of BC’s core governance activities and trustee meetings, including:

• Overseeing the risk and audit process for the CEO Office, bridging as needed between the Finance Directorate and the CEO Office Directorate.
• Ensuring all core legal requirements are met and that the trustees comply with their duties in accordance with the Articles of Association.
• Ensuring relevant statutory returns are submitted to Charity Commission and Companies House.

 
Executive Support

• Ensure the support function to the CEO and SLT is delivered efficiently and effectively, including direct line management of the Executive Assistant to the CEO and SLT PA’s.

 
Management and Development of Team members
 
Responsible for managing a team of five direct reports and undertaking all People Manager duties, including:

• Setting objectives, workload planning, holding 121 meetings and regular reviews.
• Conducting Performance Development Reviews and giving timely direction and feedback.
• Building engagement within the team and creating an environment of trust and wellbeing.
• Coaching and developing team members to ensure professional and personal growth and career development and supporting any training needs.
• Role modelling people management in line with BC’s values and competency framework, setting a good example from the CEO Office.

 
Strategy, Planning and Budgeting
 
Working with the CEO and SLT on the annual and long-term business cycles, including:

• Supporting with the creation of BC’s Strategy as required.
• Creating annual Directorate work plans to deliver actions and outcomes in line with BC’s strategic priorities ensuring teams within your responsibility have clarity and direction.
• Working with Finance to ensure that the function has adequate budget to match the work plans and supporting with budget refresh and reforecasting.
• Supporting the Directorate with workforce planning and resource management as required.
• Responsible for the CEO Office budget.

 
Relationship building, partnering and culture development,
 
Operating as a strong ambassador for BC and the CEO by:

• Cultivating and nurturing excellent working relationships both internally with all colleagues and trustees, and externally with branches, volunteers, partners, suppliers, funders, and sector networks.

 
General:

• Promoting and exemplifying BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
• Aligning with the mission and strategic goals of BC; commitment to species conservation, the environment and nature recovery.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
• Undertaking all duties and responsibilities in compliance with BC policies, processes and code of conduct, role modelling inclusive behaviour to enable a diverse workforce.
• Be cost conscious and respectful of funders’ money. Make good financial decisions to minimise cost and maximise impact by the charity.
• Actively participating in on-going professional development activities, committing to personal and professional growth and development.

 
Candidates must have the right to work and be resident in the UK.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early before the advertised closing date and time.

Closing date: Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 23:59.
Interviews will be held 9 February and 12 February 2026.
 
REF-226 149