Chief operating officer jobs

Are you a transformation-focused leader with a passion for people and purpose? We are seeking an experienced Interim COO to help steer a respected international organisation through a pivotal period of change and opportunity.

Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Contract: 6-9 months (must be available to start in January)
Location: London / Hybrid
Start Date: January 2026
Compensation: Up to £150,000 FTE equivalent
Closing Date: 24 November
Final Interviews: 1-5 December

This is a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven transformation balancing operational delivery, financial sustainability, and organisational restructure, all while placing people at the heart of the journey.

Key objectives:

• Deliver a large-scale restructure within tight timeframes
• Achieve significant cost savings while safeguarding core services
• Navigate complex global stakeholder relationships
• Support staff through uncertainty with empathy and clarity

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Lead the implementation of a time sensitive transformation
• Oversee financial planning and cost-saving initiatives
• Ensure continuity of operations and core services
• Support HR transitions and legal compliance
• Foster staff engagement through inclusive, transparent leadership

What you will bring:

• Proven success in leading complex organisational change
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Experience in mission-led or values-driven environments
• High emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure
• A collaborative, pragmatic, and people-first leadership style

This interim role is a real opportunity to shape the future of an organisation making a global impact.

To express interest, please submit your updated CV by midnight on Monday 24th November via the Prospectus website.

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the process. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process.

Are you a collaborative leader with the vision and passion to help our charity grow and become stronger, more resilient, and sustainable? 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join Community Action Redbridge as our new Operations Director – a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. 

With an income of just under £1 million and a diverse portfolio of new and established grant-funded programmes, we’re entering a period oftransformation, with ambitious plans to grow our impact and strengthen our organisational resilience. 

We’re now seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Operations Director to help drive this momentum – leading the way in reimagining how we work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and embedding a culture of shared  leadership, continuous learning, and improvement. 

You will be a natural collaborator and a strong communicator, able to build trusted relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike. In this role, you’ll ensure that our operations run smoothly and effectively – aligningsystems and processes with our strategic goals while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. 

You’ll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across our core functions, including: 

• Finance 

• Human resources 

• Digital and communications 

• Risk and compliance 

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, partners, and colleagues to bring our vision to life, drive forward our strategic priorities, and foster a working culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 

Please note that this role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. As an organisation rooted in community, we believe that regular in-office presence is important to foster collaboration, connection and team cohesion. The role is part-time (28 hours per week), and these hours can be worked over four or five days, depending on your preference 

About Community Action Redbridge 

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. Through our work, we support the development of strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 

At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices, and working collaboratively to create social change. 

We do this by: 

• Strengthening and championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, so local organisations have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive. 

• Supporting local people to drive change in their own communities, through social action, volunteering and active participation. 

• Bringing people and organisations together, from the VCSE sector, public services, and local businesses, to collaborate on shared ambitions for Redbridge. 

How to apply 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter answering the following 4 questions (no more than 500 words each):

1. Can you describe a time when you provided strategic oversight across several functions? How did you align systems and processes to organisational goals, and what impact did this have on efficiency, resilience, or impact? 

2. Tell us about a time you led significant organisational change, for example, improving systems, embedding digital innovation, or redesigning processes. How did you bring people with you on the journey and ensure improvements were sustained? 

3. Please give one example that illustrates your ability to oversee financial management. Include aspects such as planning, monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance, and explain how you reviewed budgets, analysed expenditure, identified financial risks or opportunities, and used this to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. 

4. Community Action Redbridge is driven by values of shifting power, collaborating, learning, and seeing the bigger picture. How have you demonstrated inclusive and values-led leadership in previous roles, and how would you foster an empowering and collaborative learning culture in this role? 

We encourage early applications, as interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. 

COO (International Development Charity)

£120-£140K per annum. Hybrid in London

The Organisation

Our client is a high-profile charitable organisation with a global reputation for driving social change through creativity and collaboration. With a mission to tackle poverty and injustice, the charity partners with communities, policy makers, and cultural leaders to deliver sustainable impact. As it evolves to meet the demands of a changing world, the organisation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help strengthen internal operations, scale delivery, and embed values of equity, transparency, and innovation across its work.

The Role

This is a key appointment to the Executive Leadership Team. The COO will be responsible for leading the charity’s internal operations, ensuring that people, processes, and systems are aligned with the organisation’s strategy and purpose. The role oversees key functions including Finance, Legal & Assurance, Technology and Data, People & Culture, and Governance. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will help drive organisational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and operational resilience.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning, operational leadership, board relations, risk and compliance, digital transformation, and culture development. The role will also lead on governance frameworks, internal controls, and business continuity. The organisation is developing its five year strategy and the role will be vital in creating tactical plans to assist with the delivery enabling the charity to have robust processes and enable growth.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational leadership in the non-profit or social impact sector. You will bring a deep understanding of charity governance, finance, and compliance, alongside experience of managing cross-functional teams across HR, Legal, Finance, and Technology.

You will be values-led, collaborative, and comfortable working at pace in a mission-driven environment. Strong communication skills, strategic vision, and the ability to deliver cultural change and innovation will be essential. Professional accountancy qualifications or equivalent experience overseeing finance functions are expected.

Application Process

Please apply imediately using the link provided. For a confidential discussion, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with a historic theatre in the heart of Oxfordshire to recruit for a new Operations Director. Our client produces and presents world-class theatre for many thousands of audience members each year, along with enriching creative learning opportunities for all ages and communities. As they launch their vision and strategy for the next five years,  the theatre looks to hire a new Operations Director to lead day to day operations, as well as working on an exciting capital project.

The Operations Director is responsible for effective day-to-day operations of the organisation’s buildings and systems and for supporting team members through strong HR. They will lead on health & safety, HR, facilities, contracts, and capital projects, ensuring the theatre remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for all. As a member of the Senior Management Team, they will also play a vital role in shaping long-term organisational strategy, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI), heritage conservation, access, and workforce professional development.

The selected candidate will have proven senior management experience in operations with some exposure to buildings/facilities management and HR. You will bring a strong understanding of health & safety practice and risk management, as well as strong leadership and team management skills. You will be an excellent problem solving with strong communications skills, and bring a passion to drive efficiency and new ways of working. You will also demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Steven Fraser at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
In order to apply please submit your CV only in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Goodman Masson are partnered with an award-winning, pioneering organisation dedicated to preventing human suffering caused by armed conflict, as they seek a Finance & Operations Director to join their Directors' Group.

They work globally with civil society, protecting human rights and promoting humanitarian action. Their brand is built on strategic engagement, reputation, and impact.

You Will Be:

• The financial compass, driving fiscal excellence, rigorous control, and compliance across international operations.
• A strategic partner shaping long-term organisational strategy, providing expert financial advice, and managing organisational risk.
• Hands-on in day-to-day functions, ensuring best-practice financial systems, leading statutory reporting, and managing fund investment compliance.
• A mentor cultivating a high-performing, supportive Finance Team.

You Will Have:

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Leadership experience within an international charity setting.
• Deep technical expertise in Charity SORP, regulatory compliance, and managing complex international finance/currencies.
• Proven experience supporting governance through Board liaison (Audit/Risk).

Salary range is £70,000 - £80,000 Depending on Experience + Benefits.

Applications are being reviewed as and when they are received, therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.

An exceptional opportunity to lead, grow, and transform lives 

Home-Start Richmond, Kingston & Hounslow is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead our trusted local charity through its next stage of growth and innovation. 

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference for children and families — by strengthening our community presence, driving income generation, and ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life. 

About Home-Start Richmond, Kingston & Hounslow 

We believe strong families make strong communities. 
Our trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to parents of young children, helping them navigate the challenges of early childhood and family life. 

Operating across three London boroughs, we are a vibrant, values-driven charity and part of the wider Home-Start network — one of the UK’s leading family support movements. 

The Role 

As CEO, you’ll be both strategic leader and hands-on advocate, driving our fundraising and partnership agenda while overseeing operational excellence. 

You’ll lead our talented team, work closely with trustees, and represent our charity with energy and passion — ensuring we remain a visible and trusted voice for families across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and inspire staff and volunteers to deliver high-impact family support services. 

• Develop and implement a bold, diversified fundraising and income generation strategy. 

• Build and nurture relationships with funders, corporates, philanthropists, and community partners. 

• Act as a confident ambassador, raising the organisation’s profile locally and regionally. 

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees on governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability. 

• Oversee service delivery, safeguarding, and operational compliance. 

About You 

You are: 

• A proven fundraiser and relationship builder who can secure sustainable income across multiple sources. 

• A confident and inclusive leader who inspires and empowers teams. 

• Skilled in partnership development and community engagement. 

• Experienced in charity governance, financial management, and service delivery. 

• Deeply committed to safeguarding, equality, and family wellbeing. 

Why Join Us? 

• Lead one of London’s most respected family charities. 

• Shape our strategy for growth and sustainability. 

• Join a passionate, values-led team and supportive board. 

• Enjoy flexible, hybrid working across three vibrant boroughs. 

How to Apply 

If you meet most but not all of our criteria and are passionate about giving children the best start in life we'd still like to hear from you.

Apply via CharityJob or reach our to our Chair for an informal conversation. 

Home-Start Richmond, Kingston & Hounslow is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Safer Places to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Safer Places is a specialist support service for individuals at risk of, fleeing from, or recovering from domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. We provide a wide range of trauma-informed services to adults, children, and young people across Hertfordshire and Essex, with safe accommodation available to those in need from across the UK.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead Safer Places into its next chapter. This includes enhancing the charity’s service delivery, forging new partnerships, and expanding its role as a Registered Social Landlord to better meet the evolving needs of our communities.
• Embed Safer Places’s vision across the organisation – ensuring it is understood, embraced, and translated into action at every level.
• Have an entrepreneurial mindset to leverage opportunities for the charity to grow. 
• Continue to ensure that Safer Places is recognised for the quality of its services, its commitment to inclusivity, and its highly trained, compassionate staff.

If you are inspired and excited by what Safer Places does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £85,000 - £90,000 p.a.

Location: Hertfordshire/Essex – most working hours will be spent collaborating with colleagues and partners at our offices and service sites, with flexibility for some remote work.

Employment term: Permanent / full time.

How to apply:

Please review the recruitment pack for further information about Safer Places, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 5th December 2025

Both Safer Places and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

JOB PROFILE

JOB TITLE: Lead Trusts & Grants Officer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Full time 35 hours per week

LOCATION: Home working/ Hybrid

DURATION: Permanent

SALARY / GRADE: £32,330

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Senior Trusts & Grants Manager

• Trusts & Grants Officer

• Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

• Chief Operating Officer

• Senior Leadership & Service Managers

• Grant making trusts and foundations

• Major Donors

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Lead Trusts & Grants Officer is responsible for developing and delivering income from mid-value grant making funders, notably trusts and foundations. The role involves managing a dedicated pipeline of opportunities, writing and submitting compelling applications, and stewarding funder relationships. This position works closely with service teams to understand project needs and create accurate budgets and impactful funding proposals. This role will also provide direct line management to the Trusts & Grants Officer, supporting their professional development and ensuring the team's overall success in meeting fundraising targets.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Grants Management

• Pipeline Management: Lead on prospecting, developing and managing the mid-value trusts and grants pipeline, focusing on bids around £20,000 - £70,000, including multiyear grants, ensuring a consistent flow of opportunities to meet team income targets. Developing the skills and ability to manage higher value and more complex strategic bids.

• Application Writing: Develop and submit compelling, high-quality grant applications and proposals for mid-value funders, working closely with service teams, ensuring accurate budgets and income against Adoption UK’s strategic priorities.

• Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of new and existing mid-value funders, providing timely and impactful reports to secure renewed funding, and developing relationships with key external contacts through excellent communication.

• Reporting: Oversee the accurate tracking of all applications, reports, and communications using team tracking methods, and the CRM database, providing regular progress updates to the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, the Trusts & Grants Officer, and service teams, to align fundraising activities with the organisation’s strategic priorities and annual income targets.

• Undertake other duties and projects as directed by the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager and Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications.

Team Management and Development

• Line Management: Provide line management and support to the Trusts & Grants Officer, including regular one-to-ones, appraisals, and professional development.

• Training and Mentoring: Guide the Trusts & Grants Officer on best practices for researching, writing, budgets, and stewarding of small-value grants.

Personal specification

Knowledge and experience

• Track record of successfully securing individual grant awards typically ranging between £10,000 and £50,000. (E)

• Knowledge of fundraising sector with specialist knowledge of grant making trusts and foundations, or similar grant/bid-writing experience (E)

• Experience in writing persuasive proposal documents and bids (E)

• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising policies and process to deliver strategic goals (E)

• Experience in supporting service teams to deliver complex projects on time and to budget (E)

• Experience in successfully stewarding multiple stakeholders including grant managers and major donors (D)

Qualifications and Education

• Graduate level or equivalent significant professional experience in fundraising/bid

Skills and abilities

• Ability to make decisions within area of responsibility, based on defined frameworks, policies, and procedures and/or based on knowledge of regulations and best practice (E)

• Shows good professional judgement (E)

• Can successfully operate matrix management of complex projects at a national level (E)

• Delivers high quality work with minimal supervision and direction (E)

• Able to communicate clearly and engage with stakeholders at all levels (E)

• Is successful in securing positive external relationships with stakeholders and supporters (E)

• Demonstrates personal credibility (E)

• Demonstrates experience and ability in impact reporting (D)

• Ability to research the sector to identify the best prospects (D)

• Has the capacity to deal with complex issues and is good at problem solving (D)

• An exceptional administrator with excellent organisational and writing skills (E)

• Self-starter, used to working to deadlines and delivering against KPIs (D)

Accountability

• Shows previous experience of achievement of income targets (E)

• Shows previous experience of excellent funder or similar relationship stewardship (E)

• Able to contribute to the development of income growth strategy and strategic goals (D)

Behaviours

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders.

• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

• Contributes to an open and honest culture

• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency.

• Leads by example.

• Offers outstanding service to members.

• Promotes cross-functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge

• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

• Values the opinion of others. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect.

• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives.

The Stable Family Home Trust is a values-led organisation where people always come first. Our main purpose is to support adults with learning disabilities to develop the skills and confidence that enable them to live their lives as independently as possible; to participate in their local communities and be valued for the extraordinary contribution they make to our society. We run a varied and exciting day services programme from our three sites in Christchurch, Ringwood and Southbourne, and run supported living and residential living services in Southbourne and Ringwood.

We are looking for a modern people leader who will bring fresh thinking and inspire trust across the organisation; a forward -thinking person who will model the standards of behaviour expected from employees and effectively challenge any employee behaviour that falls below these standards. You will be a confident communicator and decision-maker with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to employee issues.

You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and will have significant involvement in the development of the Trust across all areas, including future workforce development and organisational transformation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive you will be the trusted deputy in their absence, making key decisions relating to all aspects of the organisation’s operations and providing a consistent leadership approach that reflects our organisational values.

To be shortlisted for this role we require an application form to be completed and submitted.

To apply for the role, please click the button to be redirected to our website.

Anaphylaxis UK is seeking our next Chief Executive Officer. This is an opportunity to lead the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to people at risk of anaphylaxis, taking forward its mission at an exciting moment of development and growth.

About Us

Anaphylaxis UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting individuals, families and carers living with serious allergies and anaphylaxis. For over 30 years we have provided evidence-based information, training and advocacy to improve safety, inclusion and quality of life for people at risk of severe allergic reactions. Our services include a dedicated helpline, the AllergyWise® training portfolio (including the Safer Schools Programme), accredited factsheets, an expanding digital offer and partnerships with healthcare, research and industry partners. We champion research, influence policy and work directly with schools, businesses and healthcare settings to reduce risk and anxiety for people with allergies.

The Role

As Chief Executive Officer you will be the senior officer responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, financial stewardship and external representation of Anaphylaxis UK. You will lead delivery of the charity’s strategic ambitions, grow and diversify income, and work collaboratively with a committed small staff team and an active Board of Trustees.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategy delivery, balancing service quality and financial sustainability.

• Oversee governance, reporting, budgeting, risk and regulatory compliance.

• Grow and diversify income to strengthen financial resilience.

• Provide ethical leadership, manage senior staff and build an inclusive culture.

• Develop strategic partnerships and act as public representative.

• Deliver high-quality services and drive digital innovation.

Key details

• Job title: Chief Executive Officer

• Salary: £70,000–£75,000 per annum

• Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

• Location: Hybrid - home based with regular in-person staff and Board meetings (including an average of one weekly meeting with third-party agents in central London); travel across the UK as required.

• Hours / working pattern: Hybrid working with regular face-to-face commitments and attendance at relevant UK conferences.

As our next CEO, you will demonstrate:

Essential

• Minimum five years’ executive (CEO-level or equivalent) leadership with proven strategic and change delivery.

• Strong business development track record, including diversifying income (fundraising, commercial, grants/partnerships).

• Solid financial competence: budgeting, control, reporting and financial stewardship.

• Experience working with boards, good corporate governance and risk management.

• Proven ability to deliver and improve high-quality services.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing across government, health, research and industry.

• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent leader who builds trust with staff, trustees and partners.

• Willingness to travel sustainably as required.

Desirable

• Knowledge of allergy, health or education sectors, or experience in health-related charities.

• Experience developing digital services and improving accessibility of information.

• Experience with corporate partnerships, schools or training delivery.

• Degree or relevant professional qualification.

Please download the appointment brief for full details, including how to apply,

If you would like an informal conversation about this position, please contact in confidence our consultant, Jenny Hills, at Harris Hill via the apply button with suitable times to speak, and optional but appreciated, a CV or professional profile.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th December

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.

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) is entering an important period of growth. Our income sources are diversifying, our public profile is rising and our operations are becoming more complex. With new earned income streams, additional grant funding, VAT considerations and more detailed Board reporting, we are now strengthening our finance function to ensure accuracy, clarity and confidence in all financial matters.

We are therefore seeking a freelance finance professional to provide part-time, ongoing operational finance support. The role involves managing our monthly financial bookkeeping and reporting functions, working closely with our Chief Operating Officer and wider team. Our current provider will continue to handle payroll and year-end audit preparation, but we are moving our day-to-day finance support to this new model.

We are looking for a proactive, highly competent individual who can understand the way NAPAC works and provide accurate, timely and thoughtful financial support. This is a key role that underpins our success and gives confidence to the team, trustees, funders and external stakeholders.

Please download the full support brief for further details including how to apply. 

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for improving the lives of women and families in the perinatal period?

Are you ready to lead the next phase of growth and development of our established Perinatal Mental Health Support charity as Chief Executive?

About Light Peer Support

Light is a perinatal mental health support charity, set up in 2010, which has grown to support parents and their families across South Yorkshire through the provision of peer support and counselling. We’re led by our passion to support mental health during pregnancy and beyond for all families from all communities.  

From our hub in Sheffield as well as in Family Hubs across Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley, we work with families who are experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties in the perinatal period, working in partnership across the statutory and voluntary sector to raise awareness of perinatal mental health difficulties and the support available.

We’re committed to providing services that embrace diversity to support equity in service access and promote equality of opportunity. 

The role

Following the planned retirement of our current Chief Executive, we are seeking an exceptional leader to guide our grassroots charity through its next phase of growth and development. As our new Chief Executive, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to build on a strong foundation of trusted services and demonstrable outcomes. You will provide inspiring strategic, financial, and operational leadership to ensure our services remain sustainable, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and responsive to the needs of parents and families from all communities.

We’re looking for a compassionate, visionary leader with proven senior-level experience who can balance day-to-day operational oversight with stakeholder engagement and longer-term strategic thinking.

This is a pivotal moment for our organisation. You will lead us into an exciting new chapter — strengthening partnerships, creating new collaborations, expanding our reach, diversifying income, and driving innovation in how we support families. As our lead ambassador, you’ll champion lived experience and the value of co-production, raise awareness of perinatal mental health challenges, and influence change locally and nationally to improve the experiences of families at a crucial time in their lives.

We looking to you to bring the following skills and experience:

Senior operational and strategic leadership with at least 3 years’ experience, including successful delivery of public or private sector contracts.

Service growth and development experience, including leading organisational expansion and managing performance, contracts, tenders, and funding or grant applications.

Financial and governance expertise, including budget management, financial oversight, reporting to governing boards, and strong knowledge of governance, compliance, safeguarding, and GDPR.

People leadership, with a track record of managing staff, building high-performing teams, and increasing volunteer involvement.

Stakeholder engagement and networking skills to advance awareness and investment in our mission.

Sector knowledge, including understanding of maternity, mental health and children’s services, and the challenges faced by women and families in the perinatal period, along with the value of timely intervention.

Equality at Light

We believe that every parent deserves understanding, compassion, and the right support at the right time and in the right place.

We’re proud to be a welcoming, inclusive charity, and we want our team to reflect the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences, especially those with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges. We're aiming for a workforce that is truly representative of the communities we serve.

We're a family friendly employer and open to discussion on flexible working subject to service needs.

If you’re an inspiring leader who shares our passion for supporting parents and families — and you’re ready to build on a proud 15-year legacy and shape the future of perinatal mental health support — we’d love to hear from you.

Please note full-time working is 35 hours/week

Closing date 23:59 Monday 1st December 2025

Panathlon Operations Manager

Organisation: Panathlon Challenge (Panathlon Foundation)

Location: UK (Office in Stansted/Essex) – hybrid working possible (office, events, travel)

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Responsible for: Operations team, logistics, event delivery, supplier management, health & safety, systems/processes

About Panathlon Challenge

Panathlon is a registered charity (no. 1072638) providing sporting and volunteering opportunities for young people with disabilities and special educational needs across England and Wales.  The charity delivers over 1,000 external events each year and engages thousands of young leaders to officiate and support its programmes. 

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of Panathlon’s programmes and events by leading the operations function, managing resources, systems, logistics and suppliers, and ensuring high standards of health & safety, compliance, and participant experience. This role is pivotal in enabling Panathlon to scale its impact, maintain operational excellence and deliver a safe, inclusive sporting experience for children and young people with SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations team across event delivery, logistics, venues, equipment, and staffing.

• Oversee the planning, scheduling and execution of events across the UK (both on-site and virtual/hybrid), ensuring budgets, timetables and quality standards are met.

• Develop, implement and maintain operational systems, processes and best practices (e.g., venue booking, transport, catering, equipment hire, staff/volunteer deployment).

• Manage and develop relationships with suppliers, venues, contractors, and third-party service providers.

• Lead on health & safety, safeguarding, risk assessment and compliance for all events and operations (ensuring that the programme is safe, inclusive and meets regulatory standards).

• Work closely with the COO, Event Managers, Finance, Communications, and Fundraising teams to ensure operational alignment with strategy, budgetary constraints and organisational priorities.

• Monitor operational performance, generate metrics/insights (e.g., number of events, participant satisfaction, cost per event, incident reports) and produce reports for senior leadership and trustees.

• Drive continuous improvement: review and refine operations post-event, incorporate stakeholder feedback (schools, participants, young leaders) and introduce efficiencies to enable growth.

• Support the training, development and deployment of young leaders and volunteers involved in Panathlon events.

• Be prepared for travel across the UK, occasional out-of-hours work (event weekends, evenings) and hands-on problem-solving on event days.

Person Specification

Essential skills & experience:

• Proven experience in operations, logistics or event delivery (ideally in the sport, education or charity sectors).

• Strong project planning and organisational skills, able to manage multiple events/streams concurrently.

• Experience of managing budgets, suppliers and operational contracts.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (working with schools, venues, volunteers, regional teams).

• Strong understanding of health & safety, safeguarding, risk management in events or youth/volunteer settings.

• Ability to analyse operational data, generate insights and drive improvements.

• Ability to travel and to work flexibly (including some weekends/evenings when needed).

Desirable skills & experience:

• Experience working with young people with disabilities or in inclusive sport programmes.

• Commitment to inclusion, equity and the social model of disability (working with children/young people with SEND).

• Experience in virtual or hybrid event formats.

• Familiarity with volunteer management and young-leader programmes.

• Experience working in a charity/third sector environment.

Terms & Benefits

• Salary: £40,000

• Holiday entitlement: 25 days + bank holidays

• A chance to deliver meaningful impact and work with a passionate team across the UK

Yeldall Manor is seeking a visionary, faith-driven, and servant-hearted Chief Executive Officer to lead our Christian charity into its next chapter.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential rehabilitation centre supporting men who are struggling with addiction. Rooted in our Basis of Faith, Ethos Statement, and Values, we offer hope, healing, and transformation through Christ-centred care.

For more than 40 years, Yeldall has been a place of restoration and new beginnings — helping men break free from addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and faith.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, spiritual guidance, and compassionate oversight across all aspects of the organisation. You will bring the experience, insight, and communication skills needed to inspire and equip our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners — ensuring that Yeldall continues to flourish in its mission and ministry.

We are seeking a visionary leader with a committed Christian faith — someone who can uphold and model the ethos and values of Yeldall Manor while supporting residents in their spiritual journey. You will be an experienced and compassionate leader, able to guide teams through change and growth, and a gifted communicator who can inspire trust and collaboration across staff, residents, and external partners.

A passion for supporting individuals in recovery and personal transformation is essential. If you are in recovery yourself, you must have a minimum of two years’ clean time.

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its residents. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

This is a permanent position, available on a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) basis. We are happy to be flexible for the right candidate.

If this opportunity excites you and you feel called to lead and serve in this way, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We would like to fill this post as soon as possible, so please apply by 12 noon on Monday 1st December 2025. Early applications are encouraged.

Join us at Yeldall Manor — and help shape a future of hope, healing, and lasting change.