Chief financial officer jobs in Charing cross, greater london

Location: London (hybrid, 3 days/week in the office)

Contract: permanent, full-time

Are you an accomplished finance leader looking to shape the future of a global organisation?

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) represents nearly 20 million transport workers through more than 700 affiliated trade unions in over 150 countries. Working across every transport sector, we campaign for better rights, safer workplaces and fairer conditions for transport workers worldwide.

We are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to provide strategic financial leadership for one of the world's leading international trade union federations.

Working closely with the General Secretary, Executive Board and elected officials, and reporting to the Director of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the ITF remains financially sustainable, resilient and well-governed.

This is an opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a complex international organisation, lead an experienced finance function and provide trusted advice that influences decisions across the organisation.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will lead the ITF's global finance function and oversee the financial stewardship of the ITF Group and its parent organisation, subsidiaries and branches.

Working across a complex international organisation, you will ensure the organisation's financial sustainability while providing strategic leadership across financial planning, governance, investments, compliance and organisational performance.

You will help translate organisational priorities into long term sustainable financial strategies, providing high-quality financial insight that supports effective decision-making by the General Secretary, Executive Board, Congress and senior leadership.

Alongside leading an experienced finance team, you will drive continuous improvement across financial systems, reporting and controls, ensuring the organisation remains agile, compliant and well positioned to support its membership.

What you'll do

As Finance Director, you will:

• Lead the strategic financial direction of the ITF, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Develop financial strategies that support organisational priorities, future growth and organisational resilience.
• Provide trusted financial advice and strategic reports to the General Secretary, Executive Board, Congress, elected officials and senior leadership.
• Lead treasury management, including oversight of the ITF's investment portfolio, reserves and fixed assets.
• Ensure robust financial governance through effective internal controls, financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee statutory financial reporting, tax compliance and relationships with external auditors, ITF lay auditors and other independent auditors.
• Coordinate the development of global financial policies, standards and financial management guidance across the organisation.
• Strengthen financial accountability and governance across the ITF's eleven regional offices.
• Lead the continuous development of modern financial systems that support organisational performance, decision-making and future growth.
• Provide strategic financial analysis to support major organisational initiatives, investment decisions and long-term planning.
• Lead and develop a high-performing international finance function, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify opportunities to improve financial effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.

About You

You will be a strategic and hands on finance leader who combines professional credibility with sound judgement, collaborative leadership and the ability to influence at the highest levels of an international organisation.

You will bring substantial experience of leading financial matters  within a complex organisation and will be equally comfortable discussing long-term strategy with senior leaders as you are ensuring strong financial governance and compliance.

You will have:

• A professional accounting qualification and membership of a UK or internationally recognised accounting body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or international equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership roles.
• Extensive experience of board governance, audit, treasury management, investment oversight and risk management.
• Strong experience of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial control.
• Experience of ensuring compliance with UK financial, tax and regulatory requirements within a UK-regulated organisation.
• Experience leading finance within a complex organisation, ideally with international operations and multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience of developing financial strategy that supports organisational growth and long-term sustainability.
• A successful track record of leading organisational change and continuous improvement.
• Experience of building, motivating and developing high-performing professional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex financial issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Strong digital skills and experience of modern financial systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly when required.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international not-for-profit, membership or trade union environment.
• Experience working with donors and donor compliance requirements.

Why join the ITF?

This is more than a Finance Director role.

You'll help shape the financial future of an organisation that works every day to improve the lives of transport workers across the globe.

You'll join a collaborative senior leadership team, influence strategic decision-making at the highest level and lead a finance function that enables the ITF to deliver its mission with confidence, integrity and impact.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to work internationally, contribute to meaningful organisational change and play a central role in ensuring the long-term success of one of the world's leading global trade union federations.

Our Commitment

The ITF is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Interim Finance Director | Immediate Start | 7-Month FTC

• *£80,000–£90,000 + benefits | 7-month FTC | Hybrid London | Immediate Start**

A pivotal finance leadership role with purpose!

We’re partnering with a highly respected UK charity to appoint an **Interim Finance Director on a 7-month FTC**, this is a full-time, London based hybrid role, starting immediately, during an important period of organisational transition.

This is a hands-on leadership role where **financial resilience, governance and positive change** genuinely matter. The organisation provides supported housing and support to vulnerable and disabled veterans, helping those who have served their country to live with independence, dignity and wellbeing.

The opportunity

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Board and Finance, HR, Audit & Risk Committee, you’ll lead a broad finance transformation and improvement agenda.

Key priorities include:

• Leading and strengthening the finance function
• Completing and embedding outstanding external audit actions
• Developing a robust **five-year financial strategy** and leading the **2027/28 budget**
• Creating a credible pathway from current deficit positions towards sustainable operating surplus
• Refreshing the Finance Manual and financial policies, controls and procedures
• Leading internal audit and assurance
• Improving management accounts, forecasting, KPIs and Board reporting
• Providing executive oversight of finance and IT systems, including **Pyramid implementation**
• Advising the CEO, Board and Committee with clear, decision-focused financial insight
• Building a confident, collaborative and high-performing finance team

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a **fully qualified accountant** with significant senior financial leadership experience, including working with Boards and Audit/Risk Committees.

You’ll bring strong experience across **financial strategy, budgeting, controls, audit, governance, forecasting and organisational change**, with the ability to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.

Why this role?

This is a genuine **delivery-focused interim assignment**. In seven months, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen the finance function, improve governance and reporting, shape the five-year financial strategy and establish a credible route towards sustainable financial performance.

If you’re a strategic, hands-on finance leader available immediately and ready to make an impact, please apply online today I would love to hear from you!

This is a pivotal senior leadership role with full strategic and operational accountability.  Leadership and exceptional communication skills will be critical as The DBR Foundation establishes and grows.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will have a proven track record and experience as a CEO or in a similar executive leadership position.  An extensive knowledge of the implementation of charity governance will be essential in this role. 

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the drafting and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing activities, memberships, fundraising and advocacy.

The Chief Executive Officer will have responsibility for recruitment and establishing a new team, resources and managing key relationships in line with the overall strategic policies, direction, goals and budget, for the purposes of advancing The DBR Foundation’s objectives, purpose and identity worldwide.

The DBR Foundation’s objectives are:

• The improvement of health by furthering the advancement of the theory and practice of Deep Brain Reorienting ("DBR")
• The relief of emotional and psychological distress wherever it may arise by the provision of appropriate DBR training and therapy
• The relief of poverty and distress wherever it may arise by the provision of humanitarian aid, by supporting other like-minded charities

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy & Organisational Direction:

• Lead strategic initiatives and sustainable organisational long-term development
• Drive sustainable growth and measurable impact
• Lead organisational strategy and service development
  

Operations & Service Quality:

• Oversee all operational delivery
• Ensure members are equipped with relevant, up-to-date, and impactful resources

Financial Management, Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance:

• Provide strong financial oversight and sustainability planning
• Ensure regulatory, and governance compliance
• Performance and risk overview to the Board of Trustees

Business Development & Commissioning:

•  Income strategy and fundraising
• Grant applications and partnership funding
• Building relationships and funder partnerships

 People & Values:

• Build a high performing operational team
• Establish a culture that reflects the core values and culture of the Foundation

External Engagement & Stewardship:

• Act as senior ambassador and spokesperson
• Represent the Foundation across statutory, voluntary, education and health sectors
• Strengthen partnerships and influence

Essential Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public or social sector
• Strong organisational and operational management experience
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees
• Proven financial oversight and budget responsibility
• Experience delivering organisational strategy
• Fundraising or income generation leadership experience
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills
• Commissioning and contract delivery experience

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Director with a social enterprise on a full-time, permanent basis. As Finance Director, you will lead the Finance function, providing high-quality financial planning, reporting, control, technical accounting and decision support that enables the COO, CEO, Leadership Team and Board to manage financial sustainability, risk and performance across the organisation.

The role has a particular focus on property finance, including the financial stewardship of the organisation’s mixed-use estate property portfolio, service charge arrangements, long-term asset planning and accounting for land and buildings, alongside senior oversight of charity / and social enterprise accounting and long-term financial sustainability. Please note, the COO retains senior executive ownership of financial strategy, capital allocation and organisation-wide financial sustainability.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with 3 days per week required in their London office.

As Finance Director, you will:

- Lead on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, balancing operational requirements with long-term financial resilience and sustainability

- Maintain an effective framework of financial governance, delegated authorities and internal controls that protects organisational assets and supports sound decision making

- Lead on the performance, capability and continuous development of the Finance function, ensuring effective delivery of finance services across the organisation with a business partnering ethos

- Provide strategic financial advice, challenge and recommendations to the COO, Leadership Team and Board on organisational performance, investment decisions and financial risks

- Contribute to organisational strategy, performance management and transformation initiatives

by ensuring financial considerations are embedded within major decisions and change programmes

- Lead a team of 3

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the not-for-profit sector, in a similar role (evidence of continuing professional development in charity / social enterprise finance, property finance, VAT, audit, treasury or systems improvement)

- Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA etc)

- Have more than 3 years’ experience leading a finance function or senior finance team in a complex organisation

- Be able to work confidently across multiple entities with property ownership within the group (knowledge of, or experience working with asset-owning, organisations and that own, manage or account for mixed-use property subsidiaries assets, including commercial, community or residential elements)

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Are you an accomplished finance executive looking to combine strategic financial leadership with meaningful climate impact?

We're seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team of a mission-driven international organisation working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a complex, multi-entity organisation as it evolves towards a more diversified and sustainable funding model.

As the organisation's senior finance leader, you will provide strategic oversight of finance while leading key enabling functions including funding operations and facilities. Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team, you'll help drive organisational resilience, support informed decision-making and ensure robust governance across an international, remote-first environment.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Develop and deliver long-term financial strategy aligned to organisational growth, resilience and impact.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning and financial performance across multiple entities.
• Strengthen financial resilience through effective governance, controls, risk management and commercial insight.
• Partner with executive leaders to support strategic investment decisions and organisational transformation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Enable high-quality financial reporting, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience as a CFO, Finance Director or equivalent within a complex, multi-entity organisation.
• A recognised professional accounting qualification.
• A track record of leading organisations through change, transformation or evolving funding and business models.
• Experience across multiple funding environments, ideally spanning institutional, commercial and/or philanthropic sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen combined with exceptional governance, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to thrive in ambiguity while maintaining financial discipline and enabling innovation.

This role is ideal for a purpose-led finance leader who wants to apply their expertise to one of the defining challenges of our time. You'll join an ambitious, international organisation where financial leadership is central to enabling climate innovation, organisational resilience and long-term systems change.

Interested?

If you're an inspiring finance leader ready to shape the next chapter of a high-impact international organisation driving positive climate action, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, as such an early application is highly recommended.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.

The Organisation

Sported is one of the UK's leading sport-for-development charities, supporting more than 5,000 community groups across the UK to use sport and physical activity as a catalyst for positive social change. Through a combination of volunteer expertise, grants, learning and strategic partnerships, Sported helps grassroots organisations become stronger, more sustainable and more impactful.

Having undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years, Sported is entering an exciting new chapter. With a clear strategy, strong foundations and a respected national profile, the organisation is well positioned to increase its reach, influence and impact across communities throughout the UK.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will lead Sported through its next phase of growth and development. This is an opportunity to build on a strong platform, strengthening financial sustainability, deepening partnerships and increasing the organisation's influence across the sport and social impact sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of Sported's strategy and long-term vision. 
• Strengthening income generation and long-term sustainability.
• Developing high-performing teams, culture and organisational capability.
• Acting as Sported's principal ambassador with key stakeholders, funders and partners.
• Increasing the organisation's profile, reach and influence nationally.
• Ensuring strong governance, operational performance and impact delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected national charity and help shape the future of grassroots sport and community development across the UK.

The Candidate

We are seeking an ambitious, values-led leader with the credibility, strategic capability and

commercial acumen to guide Sported through its next chapter. Outstanding candidates may

come from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.

You will bring:

•  A successful track record of leading a complex organisation, business unit or function with responsibility for strategy, performance and delivery.
• Experience of organisational growth, transformation or performance improvement.
• A demonstrable ability to secure income, develop partnerships and build sustainable funding streams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, balancing mission, impact and sustainability.
• Experience of working with Boards and building effective senior stakeholder relationships.
• A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams through change and growth.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills, with the ability to represent Sported at the highest levels.
• A genuine commitment to Sported's mission and the role sport can play in creating stronger communities.

Previous Chief Executive experience would be welcomed, though it is not essential. Above all,

candidates will bring a genuine passion for sport for development and a strong belief in the

role sport and physical activity can play in tackling inequality, creating opportunity and

strengthening communities.

For further information and details on how to apply, please click to be apply this will redirect you to the application process.

Closing date for applications (CV and covering letter): 9am Thursday 17th September

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop Build Studios – a small and dynamic built environment charity – and Build Workspace – the charity’s central London co-working space in Waterloo.

This role could suit an experienced sector leader looking for a leadership role, or a rising leader ready to step up.

Working closely with our dedicated Board of Directors and our small team, you will lead the development of the charity, oversee development and delivery of projects and identify new opportunities, partners and funders.

You will also oversee the smooth running of the co-working space, delivering a high quality service to members and promoting a collaborative environment for a diverse group of small and start-up practices.

The role is a part time opportunity (2 days/week) with the potential to expand. Salary £60,000 FTE (pro rated to 2 days/week - £24,000 per annum)

About us

Build Studios is a charity that works to inspire the next generation about the built environment through collaboration and learning. We have been working from our central London base in Waterloo since we were established nearly ten years ago.

We work with our community to improve awareness, access and aspiration for young people to careers in the sector. This takes place through outreach work with schools, careers enrichment and events.

Our engagement with young people takes place at a number of points in their school journey – from our ‘Healthy Homes’ programme with primary pupils, built environment careers enrichment with secondary aged students and digital design for sixth formers – inspiring them about the importance of good city design to their everyday lives. We continue this engagement into the world of work through Alternative Practice, our community of students and young workers, who come together through events and activities, to collaborate with others from across the sector.

Our workspace company, Build Workspace, provides co-working space, support services and events for start-ups and small businesses in the built environment sector.

We aim to attract entrepreneurs, creative young businesses, self-employed specialists and freelancers, providing an affordable, collaborative workspace in a central location, right next to Waterloo and the South Bank.

Profits from the co-working space are ploughed back into the charity.

About You

You will be

- Passionate about the built environment and knowledgeable about the sector

- Experienced in managing people and projects

- Experienced in managing finance and budgets

- Willing to take a hands-on and proactive role across all aspects of the running of a small organisation

- Proficient in presenting and advocating for an organisation or cause

- Able to demonstrate successful fundraising and business development experience

You may also be

- Experienced in developing projects and programmes

- Experienced in working with boards or committees

We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Job Description

The role will involve the following:

Line management: managing and developing Build Studios and Build Workspace’s small staff team, with access to retained HR support agency. Leading annual appraisals and regular 1:1s.

Governance : managing the annual cadence of quarterly board meetings, AGM and associated companies house and charity commission filing, liaising closely with the boards of directors of both companies.

Business Planning: annual business planning, working with the board, staff team and other stakeholders to develop an ambitious annual plan in line with Build Studios five year strategic plan.

Budgeting and financial management: production of annual budget, working closely with the Treasurer and Chairs of Build Studios and Build Workspace; quarterly monitoring of financial performance in liaison with accountants; day to day management of project budgets and payments.

Fundraising: Leading fundraising bids with relevant grant funding bodies, developing new programmes in line with their (and Build Studios’) strategic priorities. Approaching sponsors for financial support, making a compelling case for investment.

Project management: Taking a lead role in managing projects, ensuring delivery, reporting and impact measurement are conducted in line with funder requirements and our own standards.

Communications and marketing: Supporting the team with delivering strong communications and marketing through our various channels (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters). Engaging external agency/freelance support where appropriate. Working with the operational team to deliver timely and effective communications to members in the Workspace.

Operations: Working with operations team to ensure high quality management of the workspace, having oversight of health and safety, space management systems and software and landlord liaison, and maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospective members. Ensuring appropriate operational cover is in place for the workspace during staffed hours.

Engagement: Building positive relationships with Build Studios and Build Workspace members and partners, seeking mutually beneficial opportunities to develop profile and engagement, through events and collaborations.

Other information

The contract of employment will be with Build Workspace, but the post-holder will work across both Build Studios and Build Workspace.

We would expect at least one of the two days to be worked on site at Build Studios (Waterloo, London). The remaining day can be worked flexibly at the office or from home.

Build Studios is actively seeking additional funding from grants and sponsors to grow our outreach and engagement programmes. Future successful funding bids will enable this role to be extended to more days beyond the core 2 days/week.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full DBS check.

The role has 25 days paid annual leave (pro rated to 10 days for 2 day/week role) plus bank holidays. Additionally 5 days’ paid sick leave (pro rated to 2 days for 2 day/week role).

How to apply

Please apply with CV and covering letter, demonstrating how you would be well suited to the role, to Helen Santer 

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st August at 5.00pm

Interviews are scheduled for 1st and 2nd September.

We will offer written feedback to all candidates shortlisted for interview.

No agencies please.

National Zakat Foundation is the UK’s leading Zakat institution, turning Zakat into real, local impact for Muslim communities across the country. NZF provides community-led solutions to poverty, inequality and isolation, with an aim to impact the well-being of all communities in the UK. As our Director of Finance and Governance, you’ll sit at the heart of our Executive Committee, steering Finance, Governance and Risk Management with the rigour of a seasoned CFO and the heart of someone who believes in the mission. You will specialise in financial analysis, strategic planning and business partnering.

This is more than a finance role. You’ll shape strategy, safeguard trust, and give our stakeholders the insight they need to grow our reach and deepen our impact – all while ensuring every pound of Zakat is managed with integrity, transparency and care.

We’re looking for a qualified finance leader (FCCA, ACA or CIMA) with ten-plus years at Director or CFO level, a sharp eye for governance and risk, and a genuine passion for serving the UK Muslim community.

Together, we can make every Zakat count.

Earliest Start Date: 1st December 2026

About the Role

We are looking for a Chief Operations Officer to lead the operations team, join the management team and support the CEO. Your priorities will be to oversee all fundraising, including campaigns, major donors and grant applications. You will oversee the HR of the organisation, including recruitment and disciplinaries. In partnership with the CEO and finance officer you will be jointly responsible for finance within the organisation. You will manage the facilities manager and administrator, ensuring that processes are followed appropriately and the building is maintained in good condition, ensuring we fulfil all legal requirements.

About You

You will be a senior manager who has energy and drive as well as sound judgement. On top of a strong track record in an operational position, you will have the breadth of experience to lead HR and systems, finance, monitoring and evaluation and fundraising. You will have experience in fundraising and funder management and be able to lead on making funding applications and reporting to funders. You will be a clear, analytical thinker who will strengthen the leadership of our charity. You will be an excellent manager of people. Finally, you will be excited about working in an organisation with a unique mission that strives to make a difference in the lives of some of the most disadvantaged young people in London.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected and well-established charity with deep roots in the communities we serve. Jigsaw4u has a strong reputation and dedicated staff and volunteers.

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.  You will drive our strategic priorities, strengthen financial sustainability, build effective partnerships and foster an inclusive, high-performance culture.

We are seeking a values-driven leader who can inspire confidence, champion collaboration and innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families.

The Belay Foundation supports adoptive, kinship and special guardianship families raising children who have experienced early developmental trauma, often alongside neurodiversity. Founded in 2020 from lived experience, Belay offers something many families struggle to find elsewhere: practical, in-home support and expert guidance that’s genuinely trauma-responsive, delivered by people who understand what these families are living through.

Why now? - Belay has just spent a year strengthening its foundations - redesigning services, building organisational capacity and setting an ambitious growth plan. The groundwork is done. What we need now is a permanent CEO with the vision to take a small, high-impact charity and turn real momentum into lasting change - for families and for how the sector understands and responds to developmental trauma.

About the role - You’ll provide strategic and financial leadership across a small team, working closely with an exceptional Board and Belay’s Founder, who remains closely involved as Services Director. You’ll lead fundraising and income diversification, shape Belay’s public voice and ensure the organisation’s trauma-responsive, DDP-informed model continues to deliver real impact as it scales.

This is a rare chance to take the helm of an organisation with an innovative model, a loyal community and genuine room to grow - and to leave your mark on how the UK supports some of its most vulnerable children and families.

This is a home‑based role, but applicants must be permanently based, and have the right to work, in the United Kingdom. For legal, tax, and operational reasons, we cannot consider applications from outside the UK.

Please see the CEO Application Pack for further details, including the full job description and the application/ interview process.

About us:

Are you passionate about financial capability? Join us to develop knowledge, resources and tools that are accessible to all!

At The London Foundation for Banking & Finance (LFBF), our story began in 1879 when a group of visionary bank workers set out to elevate professional standards and leadership in the industry. Over the years, we became a recognised leader in financial services education, offering industry-leading qualifications and setting the gold standard for professional competency.

In 2023 we entered an exciting new chapter as an independent charity, revitalising and refocusing our mission to improve financial capability and empower professionals in the sector. In 2025 we published a new external strategy with our social impact metrics which will lead to our 150 year anniversary in 2029.  We are now seeking a passionate leader in the Financial Capability field to join our senior management team and work alongside our Chief Executive to continue to drive our transformation forward.

Our charitable objective is the advancement of knowledge and education in financial services, and to carry out research and publish useful results for the benefit of the public. In doing so, we seek to improve levels of financial literacy and skills, as well as support those working within or considering a career in the financial services industry.

Our objective is just as relevant, perhaps even more so, today as it has been in our long history. If you're inspired to make a real impact and contribute to the advancement of financial knowledge for the benefit of society, we want to hear from you.

About the role:

In this role, you will be instrumental in implementing our strategic financial capability objectives, which align with our charitable objects and goals. Your responsibilities will include developing partnerships, identifying new markets, expanding our reach, measuring social and commercial impact, and strengthening the organisation’s brand and stakeholder relationships. The role also supports policy, communications, risk management, project delivery and long-term strategic planning in financial capability.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior professional who is looking to apply their expertise in a strategic leadership role while enjoying both the flexibility of hybrid working and flexible part-time hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement strategies to promote and broaden the use of the content from existing financial capability educational material to build income streams.
• Develop a business model for the financial capability content which balances the achievement of our charitable object with income streams.
• Identify and develop opportunities to secure widen the reach of our financial capability content.
• Identify new markets, audiences and partnership opportunities and make evidence-based recommendations on where to focus our effort.
• Develop a suite of metrics for Financial Capability to measure success, to include both social and commercial impact
• Lead and support presentations to win commercial commitment from organisations and stakeholders.
• Play a key role in supporting UK policy development and implementation with regard to financial inclusion and capability - acting upon and responding to initiatives proposed by UK and international policy makers, legislative bodies, and regulatory authorities.
• Leverage strong project management skills to drive and sustain financial capability projects.
• Identify and keep under review the risks associated with the financial capability proposition, reporting on any that have emerged and identifying any potential news ones, putting forward strategies to mitigate the impact.

You will have:

• Worked in a senior executive role in financial capability, preferably at Head of or Director level.
• Knowledge of financial capability issues within the UK
• Excellent business development skills including commercial awareness, negotiation and written and verbal communication skills.
• Project management skills to oversee financial capability plans, and expertise in identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
• Be collaborative and team orientated

What we offer:

• An opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the strategy of the charity.
• A collaborative, adaptable and supportive work environment where integrity and innovation are valued.
• Competitive compensation based on your experience and the charity sector.
• Hybrid working – work from home and work from our London office based in the City: we need you to be in the office on at least two fixed days a month but otherwise we’re flexible.
• Flexible working days and times: we’re flexible on how this role is worked — it could be three full days, five shorter days, or another arrangement that works for everyone.
• We recognise that physical, mental and financial wellbeing is important:
  • so enjoy our generous annual leave (30 days plus bank holidays for full time hours, pro rata for part time hours).
  • join our Private Medical insurance scheme.
  • provision of generous life insurance cover, to provide financial security to your loved ones should the worst happen.

Location note:please see location information below - we actively encourage applications from people across Europe, and a relocation package is available for candidates moving to either country if necessary.

Lead the strategy and team behind Europe’s push for protein diversification.

The Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) is a nonprofit think tank at the forefront of the movement to transform meat production in order to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and animal suffering. Our vision is a thriving world, fed sustainably.

With a nonprofit entity in Belgium, a branch in the UK and colleagues working from seven other countries that make up GFI Europe, we are also part of an international network of affiliates. We advance the science, policies and investment needed to make plant-based, cultivated and fermentation-made meat delicious, affordable and accessible across Europe. Please check out the rest of our website, our 2025 Year in Review and our 2025 Europe highlights blog post to find out more about who we are and what we do.

We are looking for an Executive Director to lead GFI Europe’s strategy and team, play a key role in shaping and advancing GFI’s global strategy, and foster the relationships and organisational strength needed to accelerate the shift towards a resilient and sustainable food system.

How you will make a difference 

You will have high responsibility and high impact. Reporting to, and appointed by, the Board of GFI Europe, you will lead a ~50-person team working from nine European countries. 

You will:

• Enable strategic focus:

  • Align the team around a clear and compelling organisational direction that aligns with the GFI network’s mission and theory of change.

  • Translate organisational direction into high-level priorities in collaboration with GFI Europe’s Leadership Team.

  • Ensure Europe’s strategic decisions are made well – soliciting the right input from the right people, preserving autonomy in areas of specific expertise, and making decisions when organisation-wide trade-offs are required.

  • Take ultimate responsibility for maximising outcomes and impact in pursuit of our mission.

• Provide leadership to the team:

  • Empower, develop and inspire a high-performing, people-centric team. 

  • Lead GFI Europe’s Leadership Team, formed of six department heads, ensuring they continue to function on a ‘first-team’ basis to achieve organisational objectives. 

  • Champion and uphold a values-driven culture built upon transparency, autonomy, collaboration, accountability, and psychological safety. Champion the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion into the team’s day-to-day work.

• Represent GFI Europe in GFI’s international network:

  • Participate in international strategic and coordination workstreams as a member of GFI’s Regional Leadership Group, comprising GFI’s affiliate leads.

  • Act as the primary liaison between GFI’s affiliates and European teams on strategies, processes and goals. Ensure the Europe team can successfully connect with, influence, support and navigate a complex international network, including global workstreams such as fundraising and impact reporting.

  • Participate in discussions about global strategy and resource allocation so as to maximise GFI’s overall mission impact, including communicating GFI Europe’s strategy, resourcing needs and contributions as part of the international GFI network.

• Represent GFI Europe in front of donors and external stakeholders:

  • Work closely with global and Europe-based fundraising teams to help ensure GFI achieves its fundraising goals.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospective supporters and key stakeholders.

  • Serve as a public representative of, and spokesperson for, the organisation by speaking at conferences, events, and with the media. 

• Oversee organisational health:

  • Ensure strong governance, legal compliance, financial sustainability and reporting in partnership with the Board and the Head of Operations. 

  • Be the main legal representative of the organisation, reviewing and signing all legally relevant agreements and organisational documents.

• Perform other duties as appropriate.

Core capabilities needed to succeed in this role:

• Mission alignment. A passion for GFI’s philosophy and mission.

• Strategic judgement. Strong analytical skills and sound judgement, being able to absorb and process a range of types of information, understand the activities that GFI undertakes, and provide leadership and guidance to team members. You have the experience and ability to make strategic trade-offs across projects, functions, teams, countries/regions, programmes, etc – weighing resource allocation, prioritising impact, and communicating those decisions clearly and inclusively to stakeholders. 

• Thoughtful leadership. You align teams behind a clear and impactful vision. You know when to persevere and when to change course, and have led people, both directly and indirectly, to deliver impact. You trust the people closest to the work to make decisions, and you address hard topics when they truly matter. You own mistakes and make a genuine effort to learn and grow from them. You are intentional about remote leadership.

• Understanding the wider context. You can make sense of the political, economic and cultural forces shaping Europe’s food system today and are adept at drawing on patterns and ideas from outside our field to identify possible implications for GFI Europe’s next move. 

• Excellent people skills. High emotional intelligence and an ability to diplomatically engage across perspectives, being able to build and maintain trust with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple cultures, viewpoints and needs within Europe and beyond. 

• Financial literacy. Skilled at overseeing substantial financial resources, including partnering with the operations team on resource allocation. You have held accountability for a significant organisational budget and can interpret financial data to make sound, well-informed decisions.

• Fundraising acumen. You understand how GFI’s strategy, culture, and mission impact shape the organisation’s ability to raise funds and steward donors, and you’re enthusiastic about partnering with the fundraising team to make this happen. You bring an understanding of the philanthropic sector and donor relationships, or of fundraising in other sectors (eg, the private sector or government), while deferring to the fundraising team’s expertise on how donor relationships are best managed.

• Strong communication skills. An ability to convincingly articulate and explain our mission and work and to represent the organisation in the media, with programmatic stakeholders, and with donors. Comfort adapting your tone and message for different audiences across diverse cultures, and excellent verbal and written English skills.

• Flexible approach to work. We estimate that travel will account for approximately six weeks of the year. This will likely consist of two GFI Europe team-wide retreats (3-5 days each), one leadership retreat (2-3 days), other sporadic trips generally lasting 1-3 days, and occasional longer trips of approximately 5-7 days (for conferences and donor or partner meetings across Europe and internationally). In addition, you will need occasional flexibility in your working hours to accommodate coordination with other affiliates around the world.

• Integrity. You do what you say you’ll do, and are discreet when handling confidential information.

It would be an advantage to have the following, though none are prerequisites:

• Sector familiarity. Familiarity with or experience working in the food system, alternative proteins or an adjacent sector in Europe.

• Impact leadership. Strong knowledge and/or experience of being part of the leadership team of a nonprofit, think tank or other social impact-focused organisation.

• Governance and compliance experience. Experience with legal representation and board reporting, and/or experience working on nonprofit compliance, especially in Belgium.

• Fundraising partnership experience. You’ve contributed to fundraising in a supportive capacity – whether managing a fundraising function, advising on donor and prospect strategy, joining donor conversations alongside a development team, or shaping fundraising strategy at an executive level.

• Network experience. Experience working in one or more network models (eg, affiliate or franchise-style, federation, confederation, etc).

• Languages. The ability to work in European languages in addition to English.

The Fine Print:

• Terms of employment: Full-time (flexible hours), permanent. 

• Location: This role can be based in either Belgium or the United Kingdom, where GFI Europe has established entities and where you must have the right to work. We actively encourage applications from people across Europe, and a relocation package is available for candidates moving to either country if necessary.

  • Relocation support will be provided with a budget of up to £8,000 in the UK or €8,700 in Belgium, which can be used for transport, temporary housing, and other relocation expenses deemed necessary.

• Salary and benefits: The salary and benefits packages for all of our roles are researched and benchmarked based on similar nonprofit roles in the country/location of hire. 

  • Belgium: €7,900-€8,900 gross monthly salary (€109,925-€123,907 annually including 13th month and holiday pay).

    • Plus benefits including home-working allowance (if applicable), meal vouchers, eco vouchers, and professional development allocation.

  • United Kingdom: £90,500-£104,000 gross annual salary.

• You can read more about our wider benefits offering on our website. 

• Right to work requirements: The successful candidate must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the country where they are based for the role, and be able to travel within the EU and internationally.

• Application Deadline: 13 September 2026, 11.59pm CEST. We will get back to all candidates after that date, no matter the outcome of their application.

• Right to work requirements: The successful candidate must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the country where they are based for the role, and be able to travel within the EU and internationally.