Chief executive jobs

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Director

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director to help lead a multi-award-winning charity into its next phase of growth and impact.

Position: Director
Salary: £52,500 - £57,500
Location: Hybrid – at least 4 days per week in the office (N7), with regular travel to prison sites
Hours: Full-time
Closing Date: 10th July 2026

About the Role

The charity supports people serving prison sentences through creative music and peer-led employment programmes. Working closely with the existing Director and Board of Trustees, you will help shape and deliver the organisation's strategic vision while ensuring the successful delivery of programmes across multiple prison sites.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading strategic planning and organisational growth
• Developing and delivering fundraising and income generation strategies
• Securing grants, contracts and partnership opportunities
• Overseeing financial planning, budgeting and reporting
• Managing contracts and relationships with prison and sector partners
• Leading and supporting a dispersed team
• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation with funders and stakeholders

About You

You will be a strategic and hands-on leader with:

• Significant leadership experience within the charity, criminal justice or wider social impact sector.
• Experience as a senior leader, Director, CEO or member of a leadership team.
• A strong track record in fundraising, income generation and partnership development.
• Experience securing and managing contracts, organisational operations and financial oversight.
• Strong strategic, operational, and financial management skills.
• Experience leading and supporting dispersed teams in complex environments.
• A strong understanding of prisons, rehabilitation and the barriers faced by people within the criminal justice system or related sectors (homelessness, substance use, rehabilitation).
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with a practical, hands-on approach.
• A genuine commitment to social justice and belief in the transformative power of creativity, music and peer-led support.

About the Organisation

Established in 2014, the charity delivers creative music and peer-led employment programmes in prisons across London, Kent, the Midlands and the North East. The organisation works alongside people facing significant barriers, helping them develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment while creating meaningful opportunities for long-term change.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations Director, Executive Director, Director of Services, Head of Programmes, Director of Operations, Managing Director, Director of Partnerships, Charity Director. #INDNFP

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. 

We are looking for an Operations Assistant, to support the Executive and Operations team in administrative and travel support delivering campaigns to accelerate a fair phase-out of oil and gas in the UK. We have grown rapidly as an organisation over the last five years and are looking for a new member of the team to provide cross-organisational support as we head into the next phase of our development. We’re looking for someone with energy and enthusiasm to provide comprehensive executive support to the Executive Director, and support to underpin the smooth running and efficiency of our operations. It is a varied role that will suit a versatile and strong “generalist” who can handle complexity and is proactive and resourceful. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Operations Team across a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

Orion Education is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape the next stage of the Trust’s development. This is a pivotal executive leadership role at a critical moment for a forward-looking, values-led organisation with eight schools across Bromley and Kent.

Orion is driven by a clear mission: to improve outcomes, transform lives and enable social mobility. Its work is underpinned by the values of trust, kindness and endeavour, and by a belief that strong culture, academic rigour and excellent leadership can make a lasting difference for young people and their communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and wider Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will provide clear, disciplined and strategic financial leadership across the Trust. You will ensure that Orion has the financial strategy, systems, governance and decision-making capability required to support sustainable growth, operational resilience and improved outcomes for pupils, particularly those who are most disadvantaged.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the Trust’s long-term financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Providing high-quality financial insight to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensuring robust financial governance, compliance, risk management and assurance.
• Overseeing statutory reporting, audit, cashflow, financial controls and regulatory requirements.
• Implementing curriculum-led financial planning across the Trust.
• Supporting school and Trust leaders to make evidence-informed decisions about staffing, resources and investment.
• Driving value for money through procurement, contract management, systems improvement and standardisation.
• Building financial frameworks that support sustainable growth and potential future school integration.
• Developing finance colleagues and contributing to a strong, collaborative and accountable culture.

This is a role for a finance leader who can operate with both strategic ambition and practical grip. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear advice, build confidence among non-finance leaders, and ensure that resources are aligned to educational priorities.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
• A strong track record in financial strategy, planning, control and governance.
• Experience of operating at executive or board level in a complex organisation.
• The ability to manage significant budgets, risk and resources with confidence.
• Strong judgement, integrity and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and develop others.
• Commitment to Orion’s mission, values and ambition for young people.

Just as importantly, you will be a leader with cultural tenacity, accountability with purpose, imaginative intelligence and the capacity to connect with colleagues, pupils, communities and partners.

In return, Orion offers:

• A senior executive role with real strategic influence.
• The opportunity to join an ambitious Trust at an exciting stage of development.
• Competitive salary of up to £125,000 per annum.
• Pension provision and a strong commitment to professional development.
• A culture that places wellbeing, inclusion and belonging at its heart.
• The chance to make a lasting contribution to pupils, schools and communities.

Orion Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Phil Southern at Ivy Rock Partners.

Since 1899, Birmingham Settlement has been working to create opportunity and choice – connecting and empowering people through action, activities, and shared learning to build and sustain wellbeing for all.

Chief Operating Officer

Salary up to £56k per annum (depending on experience)

35 hours per week average (flexible)

25 days A/L + contributory pension scheme

Birmingham Settlement is looking to appoint to the new role of Chief Operating Officer to help us continue to deliver the safe, high-quality services our people want, deserve, and expect.

Working closely with the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer will help translate strategic vision into operational delivery by ensuring the Settlement has the systems, people, and processes in place to achieve its goals. This includes operational support and leadership: working closely with managers and service leads to drive the Settlement’s delivery and people strategies, embedding culture, and organisational development to create and take opportunities while also delivering effective financial management, governance, compliance, and risk management.

To succeed, you will have significant experience in the charity sector at a senior level with a proven track record in service delivery and charity compliance, you will have excellent communication and leadership qualities with ability to motivate and inspire to get the best out of people as well as an understanding of the issues the Settlement strives to challenge. As a critical member of the Settlement’s leadership team, you will play a key role in supporting sustainability, development and implementation of our longer-term strategic plans. This will be a very busy but rewarding visible and hands on role that cuts across all aspects of the charity as we continue to grow and develop.

For an informal / confidential chat please call Theresa Gniadkowski.

No agencies please.

For an application pack visit our website or email us or write to Human Resources, Birmingham Settlement – Sports & Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9SH.

Closing date: Wednesday 8 July 2026

Interviews:  Thursday 16 or Friday 17 July 2026

Birmingham Settlement is committed to Equality of Opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Registered charity number 517303

Foundation for Jewish Heritage

Head of Development

£60,000

Remote but with access to London for a weekly meeting one day per week

Full-time

Permanent

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage is the UK’s only dedicated organisation focused on preserving and activating Jewish built heritage as a catalyst for education, culture, memory and community renewal.

Over the past decade, the Foundation has grown from a small specialist charity into a recognised leader in the field of Jewish built heritage. It has secured major support for nationally significant projects, including a £6 million flagship heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government, Garfield Weston, Wolfson and Rothschild.

The Foundation is now entering an important new phase. Alongside major project delivery, it is taking on a wider UK role, supporting communities and historic synagogues across the country, including places such as Liverpool, Bradford, Leicester, Brighton and Merthyr Tydfil. It is also developing European partnerships, particularly in countries such as Poland and Germany, and strengthening relationships with North American and Canadian supporters.

The Foundation’s work is about more than saving buildings. Historic synagogues and heritage sites are gateways into the stories of Jewish life, identity, migration, civic contribution and cultural memory. They offer a powerful way of engaging Jewish and wider audiences with the richness and complexity of Jewish history in Britain and across Europe.

The Foundation has reached a point where its fundraising structure needs to match the scale of its ambition.

Until now, much of the fundraising has been led directly by the Chief Executive, supported by trustees, consultants and external bid writers. This has delivered significant success, particularly around major heritage projects and institutional funders. However, the organisation now needs a more structured, proactive and relationship-led fundraising function.

The Head of Development will work closely with the Chief Executive, trustees and a new Fundraising Committee to broaden the donor base, strengthen major relationships, develop new income streams, and ensure that the Foundation is no longer dependent on a small number of individuals or on the Chief Executive holding most fundraising relationships personally.

This is not simply a fundraising support post. It is a strategic development role for someone who can combine relationship building, major donor fundraising, compelling written communication, careful stewardship and long-term pipeline management.

The successful candidate will help turn the Foundation’s growing profile into sustained philanthropic support.

We stand with individuals facing addiction - not as outsiders, but as a community rooted in peer support, lived experience, and human connection. 

As Operations Manager (OM), you’ll lead safe, high‑quality services, guide a committed frontline team, ensure compliance, strengthen partnerships, and drive performance across all operations; keeping our work moving from outreach and hotspot engagement to groups, community stalls, and the everyday moments where trust is built. As part of BUBIC’s commitment to meeting people where they are, the post holder will also share night‑outreach duties with the Team Leader, working one evening per week (5pm-midnight, typically Wednesday or Friday) to reach those most visible and vulnerable at night, enabling early intervention, safer engagement, and stronger pathways into support. If you want your skills to fuel transformation and strengthen a community from within, this role gives you the platform to do exactly that.
 

In addition, this role is pivotal in delivering BUBIC’s Strategic Plan, driving business development, staff development, service expansion, and organisational governance:

Business Development Contribution
The OM strengthens partnerships, supports funding strategy, provides operational evidence for bids, and contributes to growth initiatives such as pop-up BUBIC models and harm reduction bus feasibility.

Staff Development
The OM leads one to ones for the core staff and team leader, providing reflective practice, training, and wellbeing activities, and supports workforce planning aligned to strategic priorities.

Service Development
The OM oversees safe, high-quality delivery of outreach, groups, dual diagnosis support, Gateway training, and pilots’ new services including outings, life-skills programmes, and community presence initiatives.

Governance & Profile
Working with the CEO, the OM ensures oversight of compliance, safeguarding, GDPR, reporting to Board and sub-groups, and contributes to annual accounts, supports AGM delivery, and strengthens organisational visibility through external representation

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership

• Job Title: Head of Governance and Risk
• Location: Thame (Oxfordshire) 
• Working arrangements: Hybrid, 2 days per week on-site
• Salary: £65,000 per annum
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Affinity Trust is a national charity dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. We are looking for an exceptional governance professional to join our senior leadership team as our new Head of Governance and Risk.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this is a high‑impact role at the heart of our organisation. You will lead governance and assurance, act as Company Secretary, oversee corporate risk and business continuity, and advise the Board and Executive Team.

As a trusted strategic partner, you will help ensure we meet our statutory and regulatory obligations, strengthen decision-making, and uphold our values.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading governance, assurance and Board/Committee support
• Acting as Company Secretary and ensuring statutory compliance
• Managing risk, internal control and organisational resilience
• Overseeing the performance of external legal advisors
• Providing governance oversight of data protection and information compliance

This standalone role requires significant expertise, confidence and integrity. You will bring strong knowledge of charity and company law, excellent Board-level communication skills, and the ability to balance strategic insight with hands‑on delivery.

If you are a values-driven professional who wants to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Priorities for the First 12 Months

• Strengthen the organisation’s governance framework and Board reporting cycle.
• Lead a structured review of the corporate risk register and associated assurance processes.
• Embed a refreshed business continuity framework, including scenario testing.

• Support a Board effectiveness evaluation and implementation of any recommendations.
• Review the performance and value-for-money of external legal advisors.
• Enhance processes for data protection and ICO compliance oversight in partnership with the SIRO.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly capable governance professional who brings:

• Strong technical expertise in charity governance, risk, and regulatory compliance.
• Confidence advising senior leaders and Trustees.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and influencing skills.
• A proactive, values-led approach with the ability to work autonomously.
• The ability to juggle strategic insight with hands-on delivery.

You don’t need to have worked in a large team — this role is well-suited to someone who thrives in a standalone, high-responsibility position.

Please note, all roles are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, at the relevant level for the position. This check will be paid for by us.

Location: London based, requiring two days per week at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1.

Interviews: Week of 6 July 2026.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer.

About the role

Driving sustainable growth and sector impact

We’re looking for an ambitious and values-driven commercial leader to shape the future sustainability and growth of our mission-led organisation.

As Chief Commercial Officer, you’ll lead the commercial strategy at the heart of the organisation – driving income growth, strengthening membership engagement, and building high-value partnerships that amplify our influence and impact across the voluntary sector.

As a member of the Executive Team, you’ll translate organisational priorities into a clear and ambitious commercial vision, ensuring financial resilience while delivering genuine value for members, partners and stakeholders.

Why this role matters

In a challenging and fast-changing funding and policy environment, strong commercial leadership is critical to ensuring sustainable impact. In this role, you’ll:

• drive sustainable income growth that supports long-term organisational resilience
• strengthen and grow engagement with a 17,000-strong membership community
• build influential partnerships that extend reach, reputation and impact
• lead innovation across commercial services, products and customer experience
• contribute at the highest level of organisational leadership and strategy.

This is a role for a commercially astute, strategic and collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of income growth, partnership development and mission-driven impact.

Why join us

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO on our website.

For more information and to apply, please click on the Redirect button. We’re not able to respond to or provide feedback on every application received. 

Learn more about our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion on our website.

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.

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£55k per annum

This is a newly created role. with responsibility for financial management owned previously by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Finance & Operations. In the refreshed structure operational and finance functions are separated.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively. You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance.

Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time:
1. Financial stability, control and risk management
2. Artistic and charitable ambition
3. Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth

Over the last two years the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations. We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions.

The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial leadership
• Financial reporting and insight
• Festival and programme support
• Sustainability and development support
• Systems and data
• Compliance, governance and risk management
• Leadership and team management

Essential Knowledge, skills and experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits 
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
• Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment

For full information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website.

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Please complete the online application using the links on our website. 

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

For 1 in 5 people worldwide, the Bible remains inaccessible in their own language. Wycliffe Bible Translators has been working to change this since 1953, and with over 4,000 languages in active translation today, the pace of progress has never been faster. But the work is far from done — and the people behind it need a leader who can help them thrive.

We are seeking a strategic Director for People to join Wycliffe’s leadership team. You will have a track record in senior people leadership, with deep expertise across talent development, member care, and organisational culture. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will oversee both the care and support of 250+ mission members serving globally, and the people strategy for a 65-strong remote-first UK staff team. Monthly in-person gatherings are held in the Oxfordshire area.

For a seasoned People and Culture leader with a heart for global mission, this is a rare opportunity to join a remarkable organisation at a pivotal moment. Carnelian have been appointed to lead the search. 

ABOUT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME:

With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK, welcoming over 600,000 people each year. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium (dating from 1899), and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene. With c.400 live performances annually in our main house, we present nothing but the best in touring musical theatre, ballet, dance, opera, pantomime, drama, and comedy. Our Patrick Studio welcomes a range of smaller-scale productions and is an important base for dance and for the development of new artistic work.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Job Title: Director of People & Culture            

Department: Directors

Job Title of Line Manager: CEO & Artistic Director    

Direct Reports: Head of People, Culture and Talent

Contract: Permanent, Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Onsite at Birmingham Hippodrome with flexibility for hybrid working

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 per annum

The Director of People & Culture sits within the Executive Leadership Team and, along with the Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Creative Programmes, Director of Operations and Executive Director. The Executive Team are responsible for striving towards achieving the vision to create ‘a distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart’ and succeeding in the mission to ‘provide that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences’.

The Director of People & Culture plays a key strategic leadership role in shaping an inclusive, values-led and high-performing organisation where people can thrive. Working as part of the Executive Leadership Team, they lead the development of people, culture and talent strategies that support Birmingham Hippodrome’s mission, people and future growth, while also acting as a key liaison with the Board on people and culture matters.

ABOUT YOU:

You’ll need significant senior leadership experience in People/HR/OD, including with people strategy, organisational strategy, workforce planning, and culture change. You’ll have strong experience of employee relations, consultations, restructures, change leadership, and employment law; plus strong experience of leading EDI&B, managing senior stakeholders, and advising executive leaders and Boards. You’ll have a CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, and ideally additional accreditation in areas such as mediation and leadership development. You’ll also need financial leadership skills with the ability to control organisational people spend and manage budgets.

TO APPLY:

For full details of the role and the person specification, please view the candidate pack.

Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds.

If you would like to arrange a time to have an informal discussion of the role with one of our Directors, please email us to arrange this. We politely request no contact from agencies.