Chief operating officer jobs in Bromley, greater london

As EA to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role has a primary focus in providing comprehensive administrative support to the COO, in collaboration with the wider Directors’ office team and the COO’s direct reports.

They will be responsible for delivery of smart and strategic diary management for the COO and handling administrative tasks on the COO’s behalf. This role will provide varying levels of support for the Finance & Audit Committee, NT Food & Drink Board, Enterprises Board, and the Financial Planning Group. This will be done in close collaboration with the key contacts (internal and external), including, where appropriate, acting as central point for preparation of related papers, meeting scheduling; comprehensive minute-taking may also be required.

A key organisational focus over the next year will be delivery of substantive capital and improvement works. The EA will play a central and strategic role in the organisation and oversight of the related administrative complexities.

In addition to having primary responsibility to the COO, this role will provide administrative support to the Legal team, including invoice and expenses management, and diary co-ordination where required.

The successful candidate will have the following: 

• Considerable experience in an EA / PA or senior-level equivalent administrative capacity within an Executive environment (business or charity sector)
• Exceptional administrative and organisational skills, with a focus on complex and strategic diary management
• Excellent communication (in all mediums), interpersonal, and organisational skills, including building and maintaining key relationships in a senior space
• Proven experience in safeguarding sensitive and confidential information accordingly, with a core understanding of prioritisation
• Experience in formal minuting and report drafting

If that sounds like you, this may be the role for you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 23rd July 2026 at 12 noon.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Salary: £60,000 (full time equivalent)

Hours: Full or part-time working, we are open to flexible working arrangements and applications from candidates seeking 30+ hours per week. Salary will be calculated on a pro rata basis for part time hours.

Location: The role is home-based, with regular travel across the South East, alongside occasional national travel.

Job Type: 12 months fixed term contract (Subject to the organisation's future strategic priorities and financial position, there may be the opportunity for the role to become permanent)

Chiltern Music Therapy is seeking an Interim Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month appointment to lead an ambitious programme of organisational transformation and sustainable growth. Working closely with our Board and team, you will strengthen our financial sustainability, develop new opportunities for growth and leave the organisation well positioned for its next permanent Chief Executive. 

Hello, we’re Chiltern.

We are a social enterprise providing music therapy, community music services and training across England. Each year, we support more than 2,000 children, young people and adults across health, education, social care and community settings.

For many years, we have been exploring and developing a more self-managing and distributed approach to organisational life — one rooted in trust, autonomy, shared responsibility and reflective practice. This has helped us build a highly engaged and thoughtful team, alongside services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

We are entering an exciting period of change, with a clear ambition to strengthen our commercial sustainability, increase our reach, grow our income and ensure our operating model is fit for the future. This interim appointment is a key part of that journey, bringing focused leadership to help us deliver meaningful organisational change while remaining true to our collaborative culture and values. 

About the role

This is a delivery-focused interim leadership role with a clear mandate to accelerate organisational transformation and sustainable growth over the next 12 months. 

The role combines strategic leadership of the organisation with hands-on responsibility for strengthening financial sustainability, business development, organisational alignment and ensuring the organisation is well positioned for long-term success.

We are looking for a CEO who is excited by creating opportunities. Someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting potential and turning ideas into sustainable partnerships that increase both our impact and our income. A central part of this role is generating new business for Chiltern by developing strategic partnerships, securing larger-scale opportunities and helping us grow in ways that remain true to our values and culture. 

The role requires someone who can comfortably hold both the bigger picture and the operational reality — someone who enjoys being connected to the organisation, understanding how things are working in practice and helping create the conditions for people and services to thrive.

We are looking for a leader who is relational, commercially aware and emotionally intelligent; someone who can navigate complexity with clarity and steadiness, and who is comfortable working within a collaborative and distributed leadership culture rather than a traditional hierarchy.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can operate effectively in a self-organising, values-led, evolving system.

We are interested in hearing from people with senior leadership experience within complex, people-focused organisations.

You may come from health, education, social care, the charity sector, social enterprise, or another relevant service environment. What matters most is your ability to step into organisations during periods of change and quickly build trust, momentum, and clarity.

The successful candidate will leave a lasting legacy by strengthening the organisation's sustainability, capability, and readiness for its next phase of development. 

You'll work within a collaborative and, values-led organisation, but you'll also be expected to provide clear direction, make confident decisions, prioritise effectively, and deliver measurable progress over a 12-month period. 

You will likely bring:

• Experience leading organisational transformation or significant change

• A track record of driving sustainable growth and income generation

• Strong commercial and financial leadership

• Ability to quickly build credibility with Boards, staff and external partners

• Experience delivering measurable organisational improvement

• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills

• Confidence making decisions in complex environments

Experience of self-managing, employee-owned or distributed leadership environments would be welcomed, although this is not essential.

We’ve outlined the essential and desirable experience, knowledge and attributes for this role in the full candidate pack.

We know that strong candidates do not always meet every requirement. If this role resonates with you, we would encourage you to consider applying.

Recruitment process

We aim to make our recruitment process thoughtful, proportionate and human. You will be asked to complete an application form, answering some questions to demonstrate your skills and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview/ strategic leadership conversation with Board members and will be asked to deliver a presentation.

The application deadline is Sunday 26th July at midnight, with interviews/strategic leadership conversations taking place at Irwin Mitchell, London, EC4Y 0AY on Wednesday 12th August.

A full candidate pack is available here, including further information about the role and our organisational approach. 

How to apply

Please complete the application form on our website and email a summary of your relevant experience (maximum 2 pages, traditional CV optional).

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the role, would like to discuss accessibility or reasonable adjustments, please contact us.

We are currently looking for a Executive Office Assistant to join our Executive Office team on a full time permanent contract.

The Executive Office Assistant provides high-level, proactive administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and the wider Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Operating at the heart of the Southbank Centre, this role requires exceptional discretion, sophisticated communication skills, and the ability to navigate a complex, high-profile environment with professional poise.

Please download the attached Job Description for a full overview of this role's responsibilities.

The annual salary stated is based on the Full-Time Equivalent (40 hours per week). If the job is part-time, the weekly hours will be stated within the advert.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on the closing date for the job posting.

We endeavour to keep job adverts open for at least two weeks for prospective applicants to apply. However, if we receive a high volume of applications for a role, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure consideration for shortlisting.

Please note, applications sent via Email or 3rd party agencies will not be considered.

Need reasonable adjustments? Please contact us so we can help make the application process accessible to you. Be sure to include the job you are applying for and your full name.

Key Responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the Head of the CEO’s Office, provide diary management for the CEO, ensuring time is prioritised effectively against organisational objectives. 
• In collaboration with the EA to the COO and Board, provide administrative and scheduling assistance to the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Director, and the Board of Governors as required and directed. 
• Coordinate comprehensive end-to-end travel arrangements for the CEO and COO. This includes the preparation of itineraries, visa applications, and the collation of detailed briefing documents and meeting agendas. 
• Act as the primary point of contact for the Executive Office; meet and greet visitors with professionalism and manage catering requirements. 
• Assist in the delivery of internal and external Executive Office events, managing venue protocols, catering, technical production, and on-site logistics.

Skills & Experience

• Highly organised, with the ability to create and maintain effective administrative procedures and systems. 
• Is a team worker and is able to communicate effectively and establish good working relationships with people at all levels, and is confident when dealing with challenging and sometimes conflicting priorities. 
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy. 
• Takes a problem-solving approach and uses their initiative to make things happen. 
• Proactive, motivated and able to be flexible and responsive to different situations and contexts.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) is a London-based charity transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through equine-assisted therapy and education services. 

As Chief Executive, you will lead the organisation into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board, you will bring operational leadership, drive organisational development, grow and diversify income, oversee site development, strengthen governance, and oversee financial performance, planning and sustainability. You will also act as ambassador, building partnerships and profile.

Essentials:

• Significant senior leadership experience (CEO, Deputy CEO, COO or equivalent) in the charity, education, health, youth or social care sectors
• Strong background in operational excellence, strategy, governance and organisational development
• Experience representing an organisation externally and leading diverse teams
• Demonstrable financial stewardship, working knowledge of day-to-day HR policies and processes, and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Benefits:

• Flexible working 
• Opportunity to lead a high-impact, specialist charity 

This role will suit a senior leader with a track record in growth, income generation and team leadership, who is bold, ambitious and passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable young people. Are you ready to scale impact while protecting what makes a charity special?

Please see the candidate pack for full details. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Location: Greengates Stables, Mays Lane, Barnet, EN5 2AQ / hybrid - 3 days a week on-site

Closing date: Thursday 6th August 2026
Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis. 
Please note: the SLTH interview process with be 3 stages, with the final 1 or 2 candidates invited back for an on-site visit, which will involve the whole staff team and young people/professionals/parents and carers.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Rainforest Trust UK

Rainforest Trust UK (RTUK) (Charity No. 1169111) is a high-impact conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened tropical forests.

This is a pivotal moment for global conservation and for our organisation. As one of the most effective rainforest conservation charities globally, Rainforest Trust has helped protect over 60 million acres of tropical rainforest across more than 67 countries, delivering permanent protection for some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

Rainforest Trust UK is one of the charity’s fastest-growing affiliates, now generating £2m+ annually and supporting a global organisation with $55m+ in revenue with significant ambition for further growth and impact.

The role
We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of our strategic plan driving growth in income, strengthening the organisational capability, and positioning the UK as a leading philanthropic engine within the global organisation.
The CEO will provide overall leadership of Rainforest Trust UK, with a primary focus on fundraising, external engagement, and partnering.
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic clarity and operational execution. The CEO will lead a small team, work closely with the Board of Trustees, while partnering with the global CEO and senior leadership based in the USA.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and organisational leadership

• Lead the delivery of the 2026–2030 strategy, aligning UK priorities with global objectives
• Translate strategy into clear plans, targets, and performance metrics
• Drive organisational focus on outcomes, impact, and growth

Fundraising and external leadership

• Act as a senior ambassador for the organisation in the UK and internationally
• Build Rainforest Trust UK’s visibility and influence within philanthropic networks
• Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of high-value donor relationships

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance including annual audit
• Ensure strong financial controls and effective use of resources
• Support the growth of sustainable income to maximise conservation impact

Governance and Board engagement

• Ensure compliance with UK charity regulation and best practice
• Provide clear, rigorous reporting on performance, risk, and finances
• Work in close partnership with the Board to support effective governance and decision-making

Global partnerships and collaboration

• Build strong, effective relationships with global Rainforest Trust leadership
• Align UK fundraising with global conservation priorities
• Act as a key interface between UK donors and global programmes

Leadership and culture

• Lead and develop a small, high-performing team
• Create a culture of accountability, clarity, and delivery
• Ensure effective organisational structure and use of resources

Purpose & Alignment

• Deep commitment to environmental conservation and climate impact
• Motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting global outcomes
• Alignment with Rainforest Trust’s values of effectiveness, integrity, and partnership

Why Join Rainforest Trust UK
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation where:

• Impact is clear, measurable, and permanent
• There is significant opportunity to scale income and influence
• You can play a direct role in protecting some of the world’s most critical ecosystems

At a time when the protection of tropical forests is more urgent than ever, this role offers the chance to combine purpose with performance delivering meaningful impact at global scale.

Candidate profile
We are seeking a credible, externally focused leader with:

• A strong track record in fundraising, particularly major donors and high-value relationships
• The ability to operate with credibility, influence, and judgement at senior levels
• Experience leading organisations or teams through growth and change
• Experience working with Boards and an understanding of UK charity governance

Above all, candidates will bring a clear alignment to the mission and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver measurable, lasting conservation impact at global scale.

Location: Remote

Salary: £29,000 - £32,000 pro rata depending on experience (£17,400 - £19,200)

Hours of work: 3 days (21 hours) per week

Contract type: Fixed, 12-month Maternity Cover

Why work for Kids Matter?

• Generous annual leave – 25 days (plus bank holidays) per year pro rata, with time off between Christmas and New Year's additional to this allowance.
• Remote working contribution – receive £26/month pro rata towards the costs of working from home and/or using a co-working space.
• Access to coaching sessions, training opportunities and our Employee Assistance Programme (a confidential support service for staff).
• Flexible working across weekdays to suit your schedule.

About us

Kids Matter is one of the UK’s fastest growing children’s charities. Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on children through community-based parenting programmes.

Research shows that group-based early intervention parenting groups are the most effective way to support children in need. We train peer facilitators in local churches - the largest voluntary body in the country - to run our affordable, accessible and highly effective parenting programmes, written by Clinical Psychologists. They come alongside parents and carers, building long-lasting community in addition to encouraging confidence and learning positive parenting skills.

We value difference and diversity, and we want our workplace to be built on shared values of equality and mutual trust, with team members representing the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that exist within the UK. We therefore actively encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, particularly those who are African, Afro-Caribbean, Asian or part of other minority ethnic communities, who have lived experience of the impact of low-income/low-support circumstances, and who are living with a disability or identify as being neurodivergent.

About the role

The Executive Assistant to the CEO role involves:

• Coordinating and maintaining the CEO's diary including organising all appointments, meetings and travel arrangements.
• Identifying, anticipating and preparing CEO information requirements for meetings, appointments and presentations, following up on internal and external requests for information.
• Managing all administration processes relating to the SLT.
• Supporting the CEO and the Fundraising Team with major donor management, including keeping contacts and actions updated, researching prospective donors, communicating with existing donors, coordinating thank you cards and gifts, and tracking secured donations.

About you

Do you have strong attention to detail and accuracy? Can you use initiative and be proactive? Are you a Christian with an active faith in Jesus? Do you have a passion for Kids Matter’s vision of seeing every child in need raised in a strong family?

Then we would love to hear from you!

How to apply

You can apply for the Executive Assistant to the CEO (maternity cover) position by clicking ‘Apply via Website’ and completing a copy of our online application form.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 28th July. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

We also ask for all applicants to submit an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be sent to you to complete following the submission of your application. This form will be used for anonymous analysis to ensure our overall recruitment procedures are fair and transparent. It will never be viewed or used as part of the selection process. It is optional to submit this form.

If you would like any application/interview support or you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the application process, or if you would like an informal phone call to ask questions or discuss the role, please contact Katie Washington (HR & Systems Manager).

Please see the job pack for more details on the role and application process.

Lead a pioneering organisation transforming refugee lives through employment

Chief Executive

Salary: £95k–£99k (including London Weighting)

Location: London | Regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other parts of the UK; minimum 60% office-based, with a greater office presence expected initially.

This mission-driven charity supports refugees to build new lives through meaningful employment. Since 2015, it has helped thousands of individuals gain skills, confidence and access to work—unlocking financial independence, purpose and long-term opportunity.

With over 500,000 refugees now living in the UK and facing significant barriers to employment, the need for high-quality, targeted support has never been greater. The organisation works with individuals, employers and partners to create pathways into sustainable employment while driving systemic change across the sector.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised charity at a pivotal moment. With responsibility for strategy, operations, partnerships and fundraising, the CEO will work closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to scale impact, deepen employer and funder relationships, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver high-quality, life-changing support.

As the public face of the charity, you will play a critical role in building influence, championing the power of employment to transform lives, and strengthening partnerships across business, philanthropy, government and civil society.

We are interested in hearing from leaders who bring:

• Significant experience as a Chief Executive, or as a senior leader within a large social impact organisation.
• Experience developing and implementing organisational strategy, including vision-setting and leading associated change management.
• Significant experience developing strategic partnerships with corporate funders and partner organisations to drive income growth and create employment opportunities for beneficiaries.
• The ability to motivate and inspire staff and volunteers at all levels to maximise their contribution to the organisation's mission.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and represent the organisation externally.
• A deep commitment to equity, inclusion and embedding lived experience in decision-making and organisational culture.
• Experience operating within charity governance frameworks and working effectively with Boards.

This is an opportunity to lead a talented and committed team, work alongside an ambitious Board, and make a profound difference to the lives of refugees across the UK.

To find out more about the role and how to apply, please view the appointment brief on Prospectus website.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date: 9th August
Interviews with Prospectus: Week commencing 24th August
Interviews with Breaking Barriers: 11th September

Put simply, there is nowhere else quite like it. Seven acres of park, playgrounds and Grade II listed community buildings, tucked into the heart of Bloomsbury, dedicated entirely to children and families and where no adult can enter without a child.

It has been this way since 1936 and our jobs and potentially yours, as our new Head of Estates, is to protect this sanctuary for children and young people for generations to come.

This isn’t your average Head of Estates role – it’s a role for someone that cares deeply about their work and someone who will thrive on the prospect of developing and protecting this iconic space for children and young people. The prospect of being able to see the tangible impact of your work in bringing joy to thousands of children and families across London, will hold huge appeal.

What you’ll be doing:

• Overseeing the day-to-day compliance, management and maintenance of our park, playgrounds, sports facilities, and Grade II listed buildings.
• Leading a small, multi-skilled Grounds and Facilities team — recruiting them, developing them, and building a culture they're proud to be part of.
• Overseeing contractors and capital works, from routine repairs to major building projects. 
• Sitting on the Senior Management Team to shape the charity's strategic plans.
• Looking after a grounds and facilities budget of c.£400K.
• Acting as one of four Designated Safeguarding Leads, because looking after this site 
means looking after the children in it.
 

Who we’re looking for:

• An inspiring leader, capable of galvanising and getting the best out of our small but agile team – you’ll thrive on managing people, seeing your team as your greatest asset.
• A systems person, who knows that quality systems and structures are key to consistent, high quality facility management
• Someone who sees the bigger picture but also knows how to balance this with a hands on operational approach when needed.
• Someone with an exceptional attention to detail – you’ll see things that others don’t, set standards at the highest level and help others understand why quality matters.
• An experienced facilities professional, capable of balancing the demands of managing a complex, public space and heritage site.
• A team player – someone with the conviction to own what they do but who also understands 
the value of working and learning from those around them.

If you love keeping things running smoothly and creating a space where everyone feels at home, this role is for you. As our Office and Services Coordinator, you’ll be the friendly first point of contact for children, young people, families, staff, tenants, and visitors. You’ll bring warmth, professionalism, and great organisation to the front desk and the everyday life of our buildings.

You’ll take charge of room hire bookings, ensuring every customer has a seamless experience. You’ll keep our spaces stocked, safe, and functioning beautifully by managing supplies, equipment, maintenance oversight, and health & safety compliance. You’ll handle queries, calls, and correspondence with confidence and care.

This is a role for someone proactive, organised, and people‑focused — someone who enjoys being at the centre of a busy, community‑driven environment. Your work helps create a welcoming, efficient space where everyone feels supported and valued.

If you’re ready to make a real impact in a vibrant community hub, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the organisation through its next phase of development, building from a position of strength. The organisation is in the first year of a clear and ambitious three-year strategy, with a strong core team of staff and a healthy financial position.

The outgoing Executive Director was previously also the organisation’s Advocacy Director, and continued to deliver both functions within one role. For this reason the Board of Trustees is advertising the position in two configurations. Applicants are welcome to express an interest in either:

• Option A — Part-time Executive Director. A 0.6 FTE part-time post which is a leadership and management role only, and does not include delivering the advocacy activities of the organisation. These will be undertaken by a separate part-time Advocacy Director, who carries the advocacy responsibilities covered by the associated Advocacy Director job description.

• Option B — Full-time Executive Director. A single full-time post in which the successful candidate takes on both the part-time Executive Director role and the responsibilities of the part-time Advocacy Director role being advertised concurrently. The successful candidate must meet the person specification requirements of BOTH roles.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Contract: Full-time 
Location: Remote, with at least one all staff in-person meet up annually in the UK 
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum 
Benefits: 40 days holiday + 2 activism days + 1 duvet day 

Why this role matters 

At HOST, we believe that anyone, anywhere, should be able to drive transformative climate and social action - without being held back by operational barriers, financial risk or hostile environments. We host the world’s changemakers so they can focus on delivering the impact only they can create. 

The Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring HOST’s financial management is robust, compliant, transparent and scalable across both our internal operations and our project hosting services. This role brings financial leadership to the organisation, supporting strong decision-making, reliable reporting, effective controls and continuous improvement across our finance function. 

The role sits within HOST’s senior leadership and works closely with colleagues across the Delivery, Partnerships, Legal and Engagement circles, as well as the Board, to ensure we can deliver high-quality support to partners while managing risk and using resources well. 

The role in a nutshell 

The Finance Director leads the Finance Team and is responsible for HOST’s financial management, ensuring strong compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

The Finance Director is part of the HOST Leadership Team and would have line management responsibility for three Finance Managers within the Finance team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee HOST’s financial management, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements. 

• Develop and monitor budgets for both HOST operations and hosted projects. 

• Provide regular financial reporting to the Leadership Team and Board. 

• Lead efforts to improve financial systems, controls and workflows. 

• Ensure robust financial oversight of hosted projects and HOST’s internal systems. 

• Contribute as an integral member of the Leadership Team, bringing financial insight to strategic and operational decision-making. 

• Manage cashflow strategy, including multi-currency considerations. 

• Oversee delivery of monthly management accounts. 

• Develop and report on profitability across HOST’s range of services and offerings. 

• Support HOST’s strategic direction by working with the Leadership Team on KPIs and organisational dashboards. 

• Ensure effective, timely and efficient delivery of the following by the finance function: 

• Records of income and expenditure, including grants, donations, receivables, consultancy receipts and invoices. 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in finance systems and other interconnected databases. 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements and payment service providers for HOST. 

• Month-end reporting, including management reports and accounts such as income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and KPIs. 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance requirements. 

• Payroll services for HOST and hosted projects. 

• Accounting reports for new services. 

• VAT preparation and submission. 

• Records of income and expenditure are maintained: grants, donations, receivables, and consultancy receipts, invoices 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in Xero and other interconnected databases 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions in Xero, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements, and payment service providers for HOST 

• Month-end reporting process by preparing management reports and accounts, such as income/expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and KPIs 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance 

• Payroll service for HOST and hosted projects 

• Accounting reports for new services 

• Managing VAT preparation and submission 

Knowledge and Experience 

• Proven experience as an SME finance leader 

• Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA or CIMA. 

• Experience implementing financial controls and processes. 

• Multi-currency cashflow and treasury management experience. 

• Experience setting budgets and forecasts. 

• Internal audit experience. 

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver projects to tight deadlines. 

• Minimum 5 years’ people management experience. 

• Excellent knowledge of cloud-based working. 

• Knowledge and experience using Sage or other similar accounting systems 

• Knowledge and experience of other relevant software applications, such as Excel, Teams, ClickUp etc. 

• ESG or sustainable finance experience. 

• Software implementation experience. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic thinking 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Attention to detail 

• Planning and organising 

• Time management 

• Interpersonal skills 

• Initiative 

• Confidentiality

• Reliability 

• Leadership of staff

Essential Abilities 

• Ability to confidently discuss financial narratives with senior leaders and Board members. 

• Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and time to meet priorities and deadlines. 

• Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions to work-related issues. 

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with a wide range of people, including handling queries in a tactful and confidential manner. 

• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to business partner effectively with non-finance colleagues. 

• Good organisation and administrative skills. 

• Able to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Ability to undertake a range of financial functions. 

What success in this role looks like 

• Finance systems, reporting and controls are robust, reliable and audit ready. 

• Leadership Team and Board decisions are informed by clear, timely and useful financial insight. 

• Hosted partners receive accurate, consistent and responsive financial support. 

• The finance function continues to improve workflows, systems and reporting as HOST grows. 

At HOST, we believe change starts with people who care. 

If you’re passionate about building strong financial systems that help changemakers thrive - and want to play a key leadership role in supporting climate and social change around the world - we’d love to hear from you. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.