Chief operating officer jobs

Bedford Foodbank is an independent charity operating as a member of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We employ 2 paid full time and 5 part time staff and are supported by 120 volunteers each week. The mission of Bedford Foodbank is to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The vision is to be a beacon of hope and support for those facing financial difficulties providing a minimum of 3 days of emergency food and support.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director role is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the foodbank, ensuring sustainable service delivery while driving income generation and fundraising growth. You will oversee operations, fundraising strategy, partnerships, and compliance, ensuring the charity can meet increasing community need in a financially sustainable way with a passion for tackling poverty.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational aspects of the foodbank, ensuring efficient, safe, and compassionate service delivery.
• Oversee logistics including food sourcing, storage, distribution, and volunteer deployment.
• Deliver a fundraising and grant writing strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the Trustees.
• Managing employees and volunteers to ensure they are supported, motivated, and aligned with the charity’s mission
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools, and other charities.
• Represent the foodbank at events, networks, and public forums to raise profile and funds.
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures including Health and Safety and Safeguarding

Person Specification

• Demonstrable success in fundraising, income generation and grant writing.
• Passionate about tackling poverty with empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds
• Understanding and sympathetic approach to clients, volunteers and referral agencies
• Running a small to medium size charity operation.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of a foodbank.

· Willingness to support and promote the Christian values of Bedford Foodbank

Requirements:

· Right to work in the UK

· Clean UK driving license

· Some evening and weekend work required

Use of AI in applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support aspects of their application – such as grammar, formatting, or drafting. We understand that using AI tools in this way can help you express your strengths more clearly. However, your final submission must be a genuine, accurate reflection of your own skills, experience, and understanding of the role. 

To support integrity and transparency in our recruitment process, we ask that you include a brief note explaining where and how AI tools were used. Applications that appear overly generic, inconsistent with interview performance, or rely heavily on generative AI without clear attribution may raise concerns during the selection process.

Equal employment opportunity

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £45,068 to £51,242 (Negotiable)

37 hours per week – Flexible throughout the week, including some evenings and weekends

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer with a proven commitment to survivor-led practice, outstanding organisational leadership capability, and relevant therapeutic competence, to provide strategic and inspirational leadership for the organisation’s future.

Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) exists to provide compassionate, person-centred, trauma-informed crisis support to people across Leeds and West Yorkshire.  Founded in 1999 by individuals with lived experience of mental health crisis, the organisation has grown to deliver a range of services for adults, children and young people while remaining rooted in survivor leadership and empowerment. LSLCS has a long history of innovation and excellence; receiving multiple national awards.

The CEO holds overarching responsibility for the current service provisions, with the support of operational directors and service managers.  LSLCS challenges and shapes current practices; aligned with the needs of those accessing crisis services, with a strong emphasis on gaining and reviewing service user and team feedback to inform decision-making.  The CEO must be able to review feedback openly, regularly and with genuine curiosity in shaping the future of the organisation.

The CEO provides strategic leadership to ensure that LSLCS continues to deliver high-quality, values-led crisis services.  Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO ensures the organisation operates in alignment with its survivor-led ethos, trauma-informed principles, and person-centred philosophy.  The post-holder champions the mission of LSLCS, strengthens its culture, and maintains the organisation’s reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of crisis support.

The CEO must ensure that the organisation’s governance is compliant with Charity Commission requirements, contractual obligations and all other relevant legislation and guidance, and works closely with the Operations Director (Central Services) to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability and the appropriate, responsible use of its resources.

Join a charity rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and play a central role in our senior leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to use your finance and people leadership expertise to help shape the future of a well-established, values-driven organisation.

Shared Lives South West delivers long-term and short break care and support across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, enabling people to live fulfilling lives within family homes and communities. We are proud of the quality of our work and the positive, relational culture we have built as an organisation, and we are ambitious about what comes next.

As Deputy Chief Executive, you will join our senior leadership team in a pivotal organisation-wide role leading finance, people and core business functions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Leadership Team, you will help strengthen financial stewardship, support a thriving and sustainable people culture, and ensure the organisation remains resilient, well-governed and effective.

This is a broad and influential leadership role offering both strategic responsibility and meaningful organisational impact. You will contribute to long-term planning and decision-making, provide leadership depth and continuity, and deputise for the Chief Executive when required.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with strong organisational finance expertise and a good understanding of people leadership and workforce practice. You may come from the charity, public or wider values-led sector, and you will bring a collaborative, grounded leadership style alongside professional rigour.

For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to an already high-performing organisation while continuing to grow your own leadership portfolio in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.

For full details and to apply please see Applicant Pack attached. 

Other organisations may refer to roles like this as Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, or Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Our vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a rewarding and fulfilled life.

Are you our next Chief Executive?

• Are you passionate about addressing issues around poverty and inequality?
• Do you have the experience and skills needed to lead this innovative place-based funder?
• Are you a creative thinker who thrives on working collaboratively and collegiately?

If so, then you might be the right person to lead Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving.

About Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving

Established over 500 years ago, Cripplegate Foundation has become a pioneering, place-based grantmaking foundation with a reputation for innovation and making a difference. It created Islington Giving, which was the first scheme of its kind, to work with residents and a coalition of funders, businesses and voluntary organisations to create better solutions to the challenges of poverty and inequality. We make grants of over £2 million a year and we have become a major influencer in the grant-giving sector, achieving significant progress, such as:

• Raising over £12 million since 2010.
• Partnering with Islington Council to promote community development and support residents
• Developing innovative and participatory grant programmes
• Pushing forward with ambitious Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals

It’s an exciting (and challenging) time to join us!

Given the challenges in Islington (and beyond), the next few years promise to be pivotal in shaping our future and there are many opportunities for the new Chief Executive to make a difference, including:

• Leading on considerations around the changing political landscape
• Working creatively and innovatively to explore the strategy for the coming years
• Building on our programme of Social Impact Investing and ethical Investing
• Leading a passionate, professional and committed team

About the role and person 

The new Chief Executive could be someone with senior management experience who is ready to lead an organisation for the first time, or they may already have experience of being a Chief Executive.

Whatever your background you will need to demonstrate, amongst other things:

• Experience of leading and managing in a collaborative and collegiate style
• Skill at creating and delivering cross-sector partnerships
• An entrepreneurial style and a record of income generation
• A deep understanding of the issues arising in inner city areas, gained through lived and/or professional experience
• A pioneering, creative and innovative style and a commitment to DEI

If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d be excited to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack. 

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.

After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.

Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:

• Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.

• Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.

This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.

Sahir has been on an incredible journey over the past four years. We have grown, strengthened our services and deepened our roots in the communities we serve. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited about what comes next.

Our CEO is stepping on to their next chapter, and we are taking the time to recruit the right permanent leader for what comes next at Sahir. In the meantime, we are looking for an Interim Chief Executive to help keep things steady, support the team and maintain the momentum we have built.

We are looking for someone who leads with empathy and compassion, works in partnership and brings the confidence and drive to support the organisation through a period of change.

About Us

Sahir is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We are dedicated to fostering a brighter, healthier future for our communities.

We provide practical and emotional support, camaraderie and connection to:

· LGBTQ+ people

· People living with or affected by HIV

We actively confront injustice, combat discrimination and address inequalities. Through advocacy, partnerships and service delivery, we work to create a fairer and more equitable society for the people we serve. Our work is insight led and co-developed with our communities.

About the Role

This is a key interim leadership role focused on stability, continuity and care for Sahir during a period of transition.

The Interim Chief Executive will work closely with the Board, staff and partners to ensure Sahir continues to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services, maintains strong relationships and remains financially and operationally secure.

The role is not about changing direction. It is about protecting what has been built, supporting the team and helping Sahir move confidently towards the appointment of its next permanent CEO.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a senior leader who brings:

· Significant leadership experience in the voluntary, community, health, social care or equalities sector.

· Experience working with a Board of Trustees and supporting good governance.

· Strong financial oversight and organisational management experience.

· A calm, steady and values led leadership style.

· The ability to lead people well through transition and uncertainty.

· Strong relationship building skills and a partnership approach.

· Knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, people living with HIV and people seeking asylum is highly desirable.

What It Is Like to Work at Sahir

We want people to enjoy working at Sahir and to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. As a health and wellbeing charity, we place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, reflective practice and work life balance.

We offer a friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment built on trust, openness and shared purpose.

Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility

Sahir is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.

Lived experience is valued at Sahir, but it is not a requirement. We are interested in people who share our values and want to contribute positively to our communities.

You do not need to meet every requirement listed to apply. If you feel aligned with our values and excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.

 Arts & Cultural Organisation
London / Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
Interim for 3-6 Months

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.

The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration

• Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment

• Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.

• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions

• Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures

• Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations

• Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders

• Supporting the organisation through  with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth

The successful candidate will:

• Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management

• Be qualified accountant

• Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment

• Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills

• Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance

• Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills

• Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.

Arts & Cultural Organisation
Locatoin: London
Hybrid 4 days on site
 

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.

The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration

• Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment

• Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.

• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions

• Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures

• Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations

• Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders

• Supporting the organisation through  with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth

The successful candidate will:

• Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management

• Be qualified accountant

• Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment

• Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills

• Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance

• Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills

• Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (anticipated from May 2026, up to 12 months)
Hours: Part-time – 3 days per week (22.5 hours) Location: NSA Head Office, Malvern, with hybrid working by agreement
Reporting to: NSA Chief Executive Salary: £20,700 - £21,486 pro-rata (FTE £34,500 - £35,811)

About the National Sheep Association (NSA)

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is a membership charity supporting and promoting sheep farming throughout the UK. NSA delivers national and regional projects, events and partnerships to support sheep farmers, influence best practice and strengthen the sector.

Purpose of the role

The Project Manager (Maternity Cover) will be responsible for the management and delivery of NSA-led and NSA-linked technical/research/innovation related projects during the maternity leave period of the substantive postholder.

Following an internal review of responsibilities, a number of non-project duties have been redistributed across the staff team. As a result, this maternity cover role has a clear and deliberate focus on project delivery, coordination and reporting.

Key relationships with: All NSA staff, particularly the NSA Chief Executive, NSA Operations Director and NSA Management Team, as well as key NSA committees, groups and individuals delivering NSA-led/NSA-linked projects and relevant research and development contacts.

Management responsibilities: The NSA Project Manager is part of the NSA management team, which meets regularly to ensure effective internal communication and decision-making. There are no line management responsibilities within this role.

Job role

The postholder will:

Project delivery and coordination

• Manage and deliver a defined portfolio of ongoing and fixed-term NSA projects, including externally funded and partnership projects.
• Ensure projects have clear objectives, deliverables, timelines and budgets, and are delivered in line with agreed commitments.
• Coordinate contributions from NSA staff, committees, researchers, consultants and external partners.
• Monitor progress, manage risks and issues, and escalate where appropriate.

Project portfolio management

• Maintain clear records of project activity, outputs and deadlines.
• Ensure project financial requirements are met and communicated with the NSA finance team, (both existing projects and any new project developments).
• Ensure compliance with funder, partner and governance requirements.
• Support the development and refinement of project plans where required.

Stakeholder and partnership working

• Act as the primary project contact for assigned partners and funders.
• Represent NSA at project meetings and relevant external forums (online and in person).
• Support positive working relationships that reflect NSA’s values and strategic objectives.

Reporting and governance

• Contribute project updates to the management team discussions.
• Prepare input for quarterly Board reports relating to project activity.
• Maintain documentation to ensure continuity and effective handover. Events and knowledge exchange (project-linked)
• Work with colleagues to ensure project outputs are linked into NSA events and activities where appropriate.
• Attend relevant NSA events and meetings to support project delivery and profile-raising.

Person specification

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of managing and delivering projects
• Experience in livestock farming/management at a practical or research/development level
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and partners
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Desirable

• Experience of externally funded or partnership projects
• Experience working in a charity, membership or not-for-profit organisation
• Experience preparing reports for senior management or Boards

Additional Information

• Occasional travel and evening or weekend work may be required, with time off in lieu in line with NSA policy.
• The postholder will form part of the NSA management team for the duration of the maternity cover.

Apply for this role today, or enquire for more details.

To apply for this role, please email a covering letter, CV and completed application form to Aaron Dhanda, NSA Operations Director before 5pm on Friday 13th March 2026.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 24th March 2026.
Please use the same email address for any enquiries regarding the role.

About MAAC

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) funds and delivers a pre-hospital emergency helicopter-led service across the Midlands region (serving six counties). As well as being a charity, we are an independent health care provider that is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  Our mission is to deliver exceptional pre-hospital care and lifesaving interventions through our helicopter-led emergency medical services. With more than 80,000 missions since 1991, we are among the busiest air ambulance services in the UK.

The Opportunity

As MAAC prepares for the planned departure of its current postholder, the organisation is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director is a key member of the Charity’s Leadership Team, providing strategic financial direction across the Group (the parent charity and its trading subsidiary). This role ensures the organisation remains financially resilient, well‑governed, and strongly positioned to deliver its mission for the long term – through working collaboratively with the Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Board members.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Play a key role as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy and fostering strong cross‑department collaboration.  Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and SLT to develop and maintain the three-year strategic plan, ensuring financial projections, assumptions, and scenario planning are based on accurate data and sound forecasting.
• Provide strategic financial leadership that supports long‑term sustainability, future growth, and the delivery of critical services.
• Build strong, transparent, and trusting relationships with Board members by delivering clear, relevant financial reporting and assurance (supporting Board members to carry out their governance responsibilities effectively).  Manage the Audit and Risk Committee’s activities in conjunction with the Committee Chair
• Lead a high‑quality financial management function for the Charity and its subsidiary, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements, governance requirements and accounting standards.
• Manage the full year-end audit cycle, ensuring schedules, reconciliations, and working papers are prepared to a high standard and delivered within agreed timescales.
• Oversee the timely preparation of monthly Group Management Accounts, ensuring high-quality financial reporting is supported by meaningful commentary, variance analysis, trend interpretation, and insights that enable informed strategic decision-making by the SLT and Trustees. 
• Manage the relationship with the Charity’s external investment portfolio fund manager and independent investment advisors - ensuring the Charity receives high-quality professional advice on investment strategy, shareholdings, and cash allocation, and that all recommendations align with organisational objectives, ethical considerations, and risk appetite.

About You

You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial senior‑level experience and the credibility to operate confidently at Board level. Most importantly, you will embody strong values, show high emotional intelligence, and be genuinely motivated to contribute to MAAC’s mission. Charity sector experience is essential -  with a thorough understanding of what it takes to promote financial best practice, control spend and assist with income generation in sizable Not-for-Profit environments. Critically, you will lead through expert technical skillsets and collaborative working —shaping direction, offering robust assurance, and operating as a trusted strategic partner to senior colleagues and Trustees/ Directors.

Reward & Benefits

• Salary of £90,000 - £95,000 p.a. dependant on experience
• Part time working a consideration (4 days per week; days of the week as per organisational need).
• Flexible working (with the option to work from home 1–2 days per week post probation, subject to organisational need).
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme (after 3 months) – matched up to 6%
• Paycare Health Cash Plan
• Gym on-site (free access)
• Death in service benefit x 2 salary
• Access to range of charity discount cards

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained recruitment partner Paul Robinson at RM Recruit Ltd

Post: Head of Finance​

Salary & Band: £43,000 to £52,500​

Department: Finance Team ​

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 39 hours per week​

Line Manager: Chief Operating Officer
Reports From: Finance Team​

Location: Coventry ​

Applications close: 3 March 2026,Interviews: w/c 16 March

PURPOSE OF ROLE: ​
The Head of Finance  will report to the COO, and work closely with the Senior Leadership team, supporting the Theatre’s strategic objectives and decision-making. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership to a small and dedicated finance team and will be responsible for the financial management of the Theatre and its subsidiaries, in alignment with organisational strategic plans and budgets, and in compliance with Charity and Company accounting standards and practices.  This role is hands on and works closely with each department. ​

Key Objectives ​

• Working with the COO to provide Strategic Management: Budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.​
• Oversee day to day financial operations, leading and managing the Finance team​
• Support the COO to ensure regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met, especially in relation to charity accounting regulations ​
• Managing statutory accounts, external audits, and specialist areas like VAT and Theatre Tax Relief.​
• Implement efficient and effective Finance reporting to meet the evolving needs of the business, supporting deep dive analysis for the Executive team where required​
• Working with the COO, and SLT on risk management

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It isn’t meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes of legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time

Responsibilities ​
Financial Leadership and Strategy ​

• Lead and deliver the financial strategy for Belgrade Theatre to ensure long term financial sustainability. ​
• Support the COO in shaping financial planning and risk management. ​
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow plans aligned with strategic priorities. ​
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support organisational decision making and business planning. ​
• Deputise for the COO when required. ​

Financial Operations and Systems Optimisation ​

• Oversee and continuously improve financial processes and systems​
• Work with external contractors and internal teams to support integration projects between EPOS, CRM, and accounting systems, reducing manual processing and improving data accuracy. ​
• Proactively identify opportunities for further automation, system improvements, and app integrations that enhance control, reduce costs, or increase capacity. ​
• Ensure efficient month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and reporting. ​
• Maintain oversight of ledgers, payroll, VAT and banking arrangements. ​
• Ensure compliance and accuracy in grant and restricted fund accounting. ​

Reporting and Analysis ​

• Produce monthly management accounts for the COO and work with the COO to produce quarterly reports for the Finance Committee and Trustee Board meetings. 
• Report on performance against budget, forecast, and prior year, including cash flow and balance sheet commentary. ​
• Provide clear and concise analysis and recommendations to support decision making. ​
• Oversee preparation of detailed project and grant reports for funders and assist the development team with the financial aspects of fundraising bids. 

Governance, Compliance, and Risk 

• Manage the audit process, ensuring delivery of compliant and timely statutory accounts in line with Charity SORP and Companies Act requirements. ​
• Act as key point of contact for external auditors, HMRC, and other regulatory bodies. ​
• Work with senior colleagues to ensure appropriate financial controls, risk management, and business continuity plans are in place. ​
• Maintain awareness of developments in charity finance legislation and best practice.​

Leadership and Team Development ​

• Line manage and develop the finance team.​
• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development, building a collaborative and accountable team culture. ​
• Work closely with colleagues across departments to improve financial literacy and promote robust financial management across the organization​

General ​

• Work at all times within the Theatre’s policies, including but not limited to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dignity at Work, Environmental, Health and Safety and Code of Conduct for Staff  ​
• Develop a strong understanding of the Belgrade Theatre brand, act as an ambassador for the Theatre in general​
• Act as the central point of contact for all staff, partners, local authorities and suppliers in connection with Finance related activities​
• Work in line with the Belgrade’s core values of inclusion, collaboration, evolution and authenticity​

Undertake any other duties which are consistent with the function and seniority of the role including:

• supporting the Executive in delivery of the strategic aims of the business.​
• attending staff meetings and training courses​
• supporting Guest Nights and Fundraising events

What We Are Looking For

EXPERIENCE​

Essential:​

• Significant, proven experience in a senior finance role, including both strategic and hands-on delivery (qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA). ​
• Experience working with modern cloud-based accounting systems. ​
• Proven ability to design and embed effective financial controls and processes. ​
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports. ​
• Experience liaising with auditors and preparing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity SORP. ​
• Strong financial and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail. ​
• Ability to work strategically while remaining hands-on in delivery. ​
• Proactive problem-solver with a track record of delivering system and process improvements. ​
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to explain finance clearly to non-financial colleagues. ​
• Collaborative, supportive management style with the ability to motivate and develop staff.  Experience of leading a small team.​
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and resilience, with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities. ​
• Commitment to the mission and values of Belgrade Theatre.​

Desirable:​

• Experience in theatre accounting, Theatre Tax Relief (TTR), and the TTR claims process.​
• Experience preparing consolidated management and statutory accounts. ​
• Experience with Access, or similar modern finance tools. ​
• Familiarity with CRM and EPOS systems and integration projects. ​
• Experience in VAT for charities, including cultural exemption. ​
• Experience of working with Funders, e.g. Arts Council England.​
• Experience managing through organisational change

Other Information

• The Belgrade operates a House Agreement based on the UK Theatre (formerly TMA)/BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) Agreement and its Staff Handbook outlines the terms on sick pay, maternity leave and pay, paternity leave and pay, grievance and discipline and other relevant staff matters​
• Employees’ health and safety is of paramount importance, and Management insists that an employee obtains written express permission to take on any paid work or other employment during periods of TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) or holiday. No permission will be given for the first 28 days of holiday as this is a statutory requirement​
• On appointment the successful candidate must be able to provide the correct documents as proof of their right to work in the UK.​
• The candidate’s contract of employment with the Belgrade Theatre does not come into force until the first day of work​
• Staff are entitled to tickets for shows at the Belgrade Theatre, subject to particular conditions and 10% discount at the Theatre’s Café and Bar

• Start date: ASAP​
• Probationary period: Three months​
• Notice period: Four weeks during probation, three months following​
• Working Hours: Your normal hours of work will be 39 hours per week over Monday to Friday. You are expected to offer reasonable flexibility in your working arrangements where it is considered necessary to undertake the duties you have been employed to perform and in the interests of the Theatre. There is no provision for payment of overtime​
• Overtime: Is not payable but 6th day working and excessive additional hours will attract TOIL (time off in lieu) if agreed in advance with the Line Manager​
• Pension: Auto-enrolment, with Belgrade currently making 3% employer contributions which will rise in line with legal requirements. The Theatre’s appointed pension provider is NEST. Further details are available​
• Holidays: 25 days a year plus 8 Bank Holidays, increasing by a day per year to a maximum 30 days plus 8 Bank Holidays​
• Location: This role is based at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

How To Apply

Upload Your Up-To-Date CV ​

​Provide A Cover Letter​

Your covering letter should include why are you interested in this post (e.g. what qualities you think you can bring to the job, your relevant skills, any additional information you feel supports your application). ​

We recommend that you tell us what you can about yourself, with reference to the Job Description & What Are We Looking For sections. Please also include any relevant qualifications or training courses attended.​

Your covering letter should be no more than two sides of A4/500 words​

Alternatively, we can accept applications in other formats, including voice note or video.​

Your video/voice note of no more than five minutes in length.​

​What Has Attracted You To This Role And Why You Want To Work For The Belgrade Theatre?​

​"We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications."

​​Our Commitment to Equality​

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.​

We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.​

If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us

with the subject line ‘Application Assistance’. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application

​EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM​

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.​

Please complete our monitoring form via this link: Diversity and Equal Opportunities form.​

​“At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an​ environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and​contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us​ as a vibrant community.”​

Winner of Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards and nominated for Best Production at the Black British Theatre Awards.

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The Booker Prizes have a unique place in the literary sphere, enjoying an enviable reputation as a cultural institution that is highly respected, much loved and hotly debated throughout the world. Over the past 50 years, more than 600 extraordinary books have been brought to the attention of the public, influencing reading tastes and transforming culture in Britain and beyond, along with the careers of hundreds of writers from around the globe. 

The Booker Prize Foundation is a registered charity, established in 2002, which is responsible for awarding the Booker Prize and the International Booker Prize. It exists to inspire more people to read – and write – the world’s best fiction. In adding a year-round, far-reaching digital portfolio, the Booker Prizes are now the globally recognised home of great writing. 

Other aspects of the Foundation’s work include the funding of Braille and audio editions of Booker Prizes books through the RNIB, Books Unlocked, a long-standing reading initiative in prisons, and the UEA Booker Prize Foundation Scholarship, awarded annually to a candidate for the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Many past scholars have since met with acclaim as published authors. 

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

The role

Working to the COO, the Finance & CRM Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function and overseeing the operation, data quality, and user support of the organisation’s new CRM system. The role encompasses financial processes, CRM data and reporting, governance, and wider organisational activity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Administration

• Manage finance operations: ledgers, payment runs, reconciliations, VAT and Gift Aid where applicable.

• Work with the external payroll bureau to prepare monthly payroll.

• Liaise with HSBC regarding direct debit set-up and management.

• Run and validate financial reports and prepare monthly management accounts.

• Provide support in updating Companies House and Charity Commission records.

• Liaise with Somerset House regarding office administration.

• Support the external audit with reports, schedules and response to queries

CRM and Systems Management & User Support

• Manage daily CRM operations and provide support for reporting on contacts, organisations, events, fundraising, and prize submissions.

• Carry out system admin including user access, fields, workflows, and reports.

• Perform regular data quality checks and cleansing.

• Act as first-line CRM support for staff including onboarding new users.

• Manage access permissions.

• Liaise with CRM supplier, logging and tracking support tickets.

• Communicate system updates internally

• Support CRM-related compliance and data protection.

• Create simple CRM process documentation.

• Support CRM use for planning and delivering events.

• Oversee CRM workflows for prize submissions including tracking and outcomes.

• Ensure secure and GDPR compliant event and submission data.

• Maintain Breathe HR including onboarding and staff record updates.

• Liaise with external IT support to resolve basic queries.

Person Specification

Essential

• Part qualified accountant or qualified by experience.

• Understanding of administrative and finance processes.

• Experience using a CRM system.

• Strong data management skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage external supplier relationships.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity sector.

• Experience with IT or HR systems such as Breathe HR.

• Experience providing user support and administering a CRM.

• Knowledge of data protection and GDPR.