Chief operating officer jobs

This is a unique chance to combine clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion in a role that can make a genuine impact on people’s lives.

Together, we improve the lives of local people affected by cancer.  We provide wraparound holistic support, information, education and wellbeing services to people affected by cancer across Norfolk and beyond.  As demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Charitable Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you’ll help shape the future of our work and ensure we continue improving the lives of local people affected by cancer.

About the Role

As a key member of Big C’s Executive leadership team, you will bring a specialist knowledge of cancer and act as an ambassador for the charity in this area of expertise.

You will serve as the clinical lead for the charity with leadership and management responsibilities of our Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, our Health Academy programmes, and of the teams that deliver them.  This includes collaborating with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable services for anyone affected by cancer.  An example we are proud of is the practical help with social and financial concerns through our Citizens Advice welfare advisors.

You will also support the Chief Executive with the strategic development and direction of Big C’s cancer support services and health academy programmes. This role requires clinical expertise and demonstrable experience to successfully lead the delivery of Big C’s charitable operations to meet rising demand.

On occasion, like other members of the Executive team, you will be required to deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence.

Location: You will be based in Big C’s office in Centrum, a bright and modern building on Norwich Research Park. Informally, some home working is possible, but you will need to work from the office and other Big C sites regularly.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 per annum (subject to skills and experience)

Contract: Permanent

About You

You will be an experienced clinical leader with a strong track record of operating at a senior level, ideally within healthcare or the charity sector. Above all, you will share Big C’s commitment to ensuring that people affected by cancer receive outstanding care, support and education when they need it most.

You will bring:

• Recognised clinical expertise and professional registration, with demonstrable experience in cancer care or related services.
• Strategic leadership experience, with the ability to translate vision into practical, high-quality service delivery.
• Strong people leadership skills, with a compassionate, inclusive and values-driven approach.
• Experience of governance, safeguarding and working effectively with Boards or Trustees.
• Financial and commercial awareness, including budget management and income generation.
• Credibility and confidence to represent Big C with partners, funders and stakeholders.

About Big C

Big C is one of East Anglia’s largest cancer charities, having raised £50 million in 45 years. Each year, our supporters help us raise around £3 million to support people affected by cancer in our community.

We provide holistic care through Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, as well as online and telephone support via our Virtual Support Centre. Income comes from donations, local businesses, grants, legacies, and 12 charity shops across the region.

Why Big C?

Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Big C was recently awarded Gold Accreditation for the third time running in the Best Employers Eastern Region 2025 and offers a supportive environment that values wellbeing and work/life balance.

Our benefits include:

• 33 days holiday (FTE, including bank holidays)
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Company sick pay and life assurance
• Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Some hybrid working with some flexibility in hours
• Opportunities for professional development

Apply Now

Closing date for applications: Monday 26 January 2026

Please take a look at the vacancy pack for further information and the job description. 

When applying, please complete the online application fully.  Information to support your application can be in your attached covering letter or as indicated in the application. 

If you prefer to apply in a different way or require information in an accessible format, please contact Caroline Roberts, People Manager.

Big C are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, young adults and children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a barred list check. Additionally, your application plays an essential part in our choosing the right person for this position. 

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:     c.£75 - 80,000 per annum

Hours:      Full time 35 hours per week

Contract:  Permanent

Location:  The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.

At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.

At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.

As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.

We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.

Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.

**No Agencies please**

#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership 

CEO

We are seeking an experienced and motivated leader to guide a purposeful organisation through its next chapter.

Location: Fully remote within the UK with occasional national travel
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000
Contract: Full time, permanent
Benefits: Pension, generous annual leave, Christmas closure, family leave and sickness policies available on request
Closing date: Monday 9th February

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a new CEO! Can you uphold the thoughtful shaping and delivery of an impactful charity? Do you have senior experience in a purpose-led organisation with financial and business skills you can bring? Then you might be the right person to guide this team.

This is a great opportunity to make a life-changing difference to people living with disability!

If this is something you are passionate about, then a CEO role is a great way to use your professional experience to be a nationwide change-maker.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Whether it’s mobility, daily living, or hobbies and sports, the charity creates solutions that change lives. At the heart of their work is designing and building custom made equipment, tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Volunteers bring together creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving expertise, including metalwork, carpentry, electronics, computer programming, and 3D printing, to deliver solutions that can’t be found anywhere else.

IF YOU JOIN THE TEAM…

You’ll have the rare chance to take the helm of a charity with a powerful social mission and build on their proud 60-year history, stewarding them into a new era of growth. A vibrant, passionate community of innovators and problem solvers will be right there with you.

You’ll join the vision for the charity to be a place where people of all ethnicities and backgrounds feel welcomed to work, volunteer or seek help. The organisation encourages flexible working and a culture that prioritises people, wellbeing, and collaboration.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are searching for a CEO who can help ensure REMAP remains resilient, relevant, and well-prepared to respond to emerging pressures and opportunities.

We are particularly seeking someone:

• Who will strengthen financial sustainability and income generation
• Has a proven track record of senior responsibility
• Energise and support a nationwide volunteer community – strengthening relationships between central staff and locally rooted branches

You do not need to meet every requirement to be considered. If you can demonstrate the experience, passion, and capability to lead with purpose, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT’S NEXT

If you are excited by this opportunity and ready to bring energy and expertise to a mission-driven organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Chief Executive, Executive Director, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Director of Services, Director of Strategy, Director of Programmes, Operations Director, Charity Director, Social Impact Director, Senior Leader, Development Director, Leadership Consultant, Transformation Lead, Governance and Strategy Lead  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

• Provide inspirational leadership and clear strategic direction for the Freshly Greated CPP programme.
• Lead the implementation of the programme with creativity and a strong commitment to its aims and objectives.
• Develop and nurture the key partnerships in Great Yarmouth and beyond that support the programme’s sustainability and growth.

The Executive Director leads the Freshly Greated programme, working closely with the Freshly Greated Consortium, Arts Council England (ACE), freelancers, volunteer Community Producers and the wider local community. The Director manages a small, multi-disciplinary team and is responsible for the programme’s creative direction, partnership development, financial sustainability, evaluation,  compliance and will also develop and lead an ambitious, co-created community-led arts and culture programme that has action research and evaluation at its core. 

Freshly Greated is a year round programme which includes award winning youth participation and intergenerational projects across three neighbourhoods. In partnership with Out There Arts, Freshly Greated create vibrant public celebrations across parks, beaches, and town spaces, inspired by local stories. Last year, 61,942 residents took part in workshops, events, and festivals that are free, inclusive, and locally led. All Community Producers agree Freshly Greated proves everyone is creative, builds skills, and strengthens community spirit - 94% say it increases local pride, and 91% believe it makes Great Yarmouth a better place to live. 

Are you a charity finance leader looking to join an organisation that makes a real difference to people's wellbeing? Want to use your financial expertise alongside broad operational skills? Want to make a step-change, both personally and professionally?

Charity People have partnered with Coeliac UK, to help recruit their next Chief Finance and Operations Officer.

Advising and supporting people for nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK are seen as the global experts in the patient experience of coeliac disease. You will be responsible for leading all our Finance and Compliance requirements as well as our Central Operations functions (HR, Facilities, IT, and Programme Office).

As part of the senior leadership team, you will share responsibility for delivering the new strategy agreed with the Board and work closely with your team to drive an effective organisation. If you enjoy leading transformation, whilst ensuring quality of delivery across functions, this is the role for you. In return you will be joining as the Charity develop the way they work in order to achieve their new strategy - investing in people, technology and research to make life better for people affected by coeliac disease and ultimately find a cure.

Salary: circa £82,000-£87,000 per annum
Contract: 35 hours per week, Permanent
Hybrid: Office based in High Wycombe and you will be required to go to the office at least twice a week

Key duties and responsibilities will include:

• Work alongside the CEO and Senior Management Team (SMT) to develop and implement the Charity's strategy and business plans including setting and managing budgets, targets and outputs and reviewing progress against these.
• Develop and implement the strategy and business plans for Finance & Compliance and Central Operations (IT, HR, Facilities and Programme Office)
• Manage annual and 2-year strategic business planning to produce effective budgets and forecasts for approval by the Board of Trustees
• Lead the Programme Office that leads on standardised project tools, processes and operating practices, providing oversight of cross-functional activities and resource planning across the Charity
• Manage the implementation and maintenance of strong strategic and operational financial planning processes and controls to safeguard the Charity's finances
• Lead the Finance & Compliance and Central Operations teams to deliver against plans and work efficiently and effectively
• Oversee the development, recording, storage and updating of the Charity's Standard Operating Practices
• Develop relationships with relevant suppliers and lead on procurement, contract review and supplier cost effectiveness projects
• Lead the drive for cost efficiency throughout the Charity
• Understand the effects and implications of relevant government and Charity Commission policies, legislation and directives and develop effective strategies to integrate them within the Charity
• Ensure appropriate levels of insurances are in place to fully capture the needs of the Charity and reduce financial risk appropriately
• Provide the SMT, CEO and Trustees with regular and timely financial and operational reporting and insights that clearly identify opportunities and gaps and inform key decisions, planning processes and policies
• Work with Budget Holders to develop their financial understanding and ownership of individual budgets
• Oversee the effective management of financial resources to achieve the best possible ROI, delivering against the charity's objects
• Work with the Trustees to ensure the charity's investments are in line with the investment policies and ethos of the charity, and effectively deployed and properly managed
• Oversee the day-to-day financial and operational management of the Charity, including budgeting, monitoring, risk management and GDPR
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to internal and external HR resource
• Line manage, and work alongside, the HR Manager to ensure that relevant HR policies are in place and adhered to
• Provide leadership, guidance and advice on all HR matters including employment law issues
• Work with the HR Manager, CEO and SMT to strategically plan the HR resource requirements for each department and oversee the appointment of new staff
• Prepare salary forecasts to demonstrate affordability and sustainability of staffing structures required
• Lead the implementation of other HR processes as necessary eg payroll
• Manage the professional development, appraisal and training processes for the Charity
• Work with the CEO and SMT to develop and implement the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for the Charity
• Work with the HR Manager and SMT to ensure that appropriate Diversity, Equality Equity and Inclusion (DEEI) policies and practices are in place, effectively implemented and monitored for the charity
• Oversee the IT set up and training of staff to provide appropriate tools to work effectively
• Oversee the Charity's CRM and database requirement(s) to ensure it enables optimal financial and operational insight, and automation to support the strategic needs of the Charity
• Lead the Risk Management process and Risk Register updates across the organisation with the support of the SMT and CEO
• Lead on Data Protection for the Charity and manage the third party Data Protection Office/r to ensure compliance and reduce risk of data breaches
• Design, develop and manage the Charity's internal audit approach with the support of SMT

Candidates applying for this role must have the following:

• Strong understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
• A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Experience of working in the charity sector with a good understanding of the charities SORP
• Senior level financial leadership and operational management experience
• Experience preparing and presenting financial and management accounts and reports.
• Experience of operational delivery in Central Operations functions
• Working knowledge of best practice programme management
• Supportive leader able to develop staff competencies
• High levels of literacy and digitally savvy
• Motivated, co-operative team player

Candidates shortlisted for this role will be required to answer three detailed questions which will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your experience, skills and personality.

This role will be closing on 7th January 2026
1st Stage and 2nd stage interview dates to be confirmed

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background-e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Hospice of the Good Shepherd to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Hospice of the Good Shepherd provides care and support free of charge to the people of Chester, West Cheshire and Deeside who are affected by life limiting illnesses, and we ensure everyone we support has the best possible quality of life. We help our patients to live as well as possible and to make every moment count.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Bring inspirational leadership and drive to the Hospice.

• Give direction, maintain financial stability and develop the operational management of the Hospice.

• Have a passion for end-of-life care, with the energy and talent to motivate our highly committed teams as we forge a path to a future where we tailor our services ever more closely to the needs and wants of our local communities.

If you are inspired and excited by what Hospice of the Good Shepherd does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £84,500 - £89,000 p.a. FTE

Contract: Permanent / Full-time (37.5 hours p/w) or Part-time (30 hours p/w)

Location: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Gordon Lane, Backford, Chester. CH2 4DG

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Hospice of the Good Shepherd, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

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

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.  

Chief Executive Officer - The Brain Charity
Location: Liverpool-based - occasional travel across Merseyside and the UK
Salary: £75,000 per annum + 10% company pension
Contract: permanent, full-time

Are you ready to lead a values-driven charity that supports people affected by neurological conditions and their families across Merseyside and nationally?

The Brain Charity is a Liverpool-based national charity supporting adults, children and their families affected by any of more than 600 neurological and related conditions. Founded in 1993 by neurologists at The Walton Centre, we have grown a centre-based offer, hospital liaison roles and a national information, training and support service - from practical welfare and legal advice, counselling and rehabilitation (Neuro Gym) to peer connection via The Brain Food Café and employer/school training. We put lived experience, co-production and neuro-inclusive practice at the heart of everything we do: more than half of our staff and many of our volunteers have lived experience of neurological conditions.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategic leadership: Develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and an operational plan with clear priorities that secures the charity’s long-term impact and sustainable growth.
• Values leadership: Model and embed the charity’s person-centred, inclusive and co-productive values across services and culture.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead development of diverse income streams — fundraising, legacies and commercial activity — to strengthen financial resilience.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen senior relationships with NHS partners, local authorities, commissioners and wider stakeholders; amplify the charity’s voice in neuro-health and community settings.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous outcome measurement, quality assurance and contract compliance so our impact drives commissioning and service development.
• People leadership: Stabilise staff morale, lead and develop a high-performing Senior Leadership Team, and promote wellbeing and inclusive working practices.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide timely, high-quality reporting to the Board; oversee budgeting, forecasting and risk management to safeguard financial sustainability.

Who you are:
 

• An experienced Chief Executive or senior director with a minimum of three years’ experience at CEO or equivalent level.
• Proven track record of winning and managing commissioned contracts and delivering against local authority or health contracts.
• Skilled at building strategic partnerships and commanding credibility with senior stakeholders across health, local government and the voluntary sector.
• Confident at leading turnaround and financial sustainability work - experienced in budgeting, forecasting and making difficult decisions when needed.
• A values-led, collaborative leader with high emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to co-production and inclusion.

Why The Brain Charity?

• Lead a respected, person-centred organisation with a unique, wide-ranging offer across advice, emotional support, rehabilitation, social connection and national training.
• A high-impact role where you can stabilise the organisation, professionalise fundraising and scale services strategically.
• Liverpool-based centre with hybrid working and national reach — a chance to influence neuro-health practice and commissioning across the UK.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026

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

Lumos works to realise every child’s right to a safe and loving family by transforming care systems around the world. As we enter an exciting new phase of global growth and organisational transformation, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to the CEO to join our CEO’s Office.

This is a pivotal role providing high-quality executive, organisational and governance support to the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of CEO’s Office. You will help ensure the smooth running of the CEO’s Office, manage complexity with confidence, and enable senior leaders to focus on strategy, governance and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, calm under pressure, and comfortable working at pace with senior leaders, trustees and international teams. You’ll bring strong communication skills, excellent judgement, and experience providing senior-level executive support, ideally in a complex or international environment.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at the heart of a values-driven global organisation, with flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute directly to transformational change for children worldwide.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Closing date: Sunday 18 January

Lumos is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Role details are based on the attached job description.

About Ladywell and FMDM Foundation CIO

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) is an international congregation of Catholic women inspired by the life of Francis and Clare of Assisi. At the heart of their mission is Ladywell, a serene and vibrant multi-purpose site in Godalming, established in 1956, which includes a Care Home, Congregational Leadership Team offices, and a Finance and Administration hub. Ladywell is known for fostering hospitality, personal growth, and a peaceful environment rooted in Gospel values. It also serves as the location for a Franciscan Centre offering programs for day and residential groups. The organization supports its community of sisters with a team of approximately 70 employees dedicated to its mission.

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, rooted in Gospel values, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

In Ladywell, we seek to create a hospitable Franciscan place, where a peaceful atmosphere nurtures life for everyone. As Mission Partners, we do more than work for the Sisters; we work alongside them, each bringing professional expertise to help shape and direct the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership of all financial functions of the FMDM Foundation CIO and the wider Congregation.

Reporting to the General Bursar and working closely with the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) and Trustees, this is a senior and influential role with responsibility for ensuring long-term financial sustainability, robust governance, and compliance with Canon Law, Charity Law, and financial best practice.

The post-holder will play a vital role in enabling the Congregation’s mission and global activities to flourish through sound financial stewardship, effective risk management, and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership of finance and business administration
• Oversee budgets, management accounts, audits, payroll, and statutory reporting
• Advise Trustees and CLT on financial viability, risk, and forward planning
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, SORP, Canon Law, Charity Law and Civil Law
• Lead and inspire the Finance Team, supporting professional development and change
• Manage property, assets, investments, and external professional relationships
• Work collaboratively with international FMDM leaders and bursars
• Attend Trustee Board, Committee, and CLT meetings, providing high-quality financial reports

About You

You will be a senior finance professional who combines technical excellence with integrity, discretion, and a collaborative leadership style. You will be comfortable working in a faith-based, values-led environment and committed to supporting the mission and ethos of a religious charitable organisation.

Essential requirements include:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior-level experience in charity or not-for-profit finance and governance
• Proven experience of budgeting, management accounts, audit, and strategic planning
• Experience reporting to Boards of Trustees
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• High levels of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail
• An understanding of the ethos of the Catholic Church in a professional context
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to travel overseas to countries in which the FMDMs are present, should the need arise

Desirable experience includes:

• Experience within international or religious organisations
• Knowledge of charity property matters and investment oversight
• Familiarity with charity-specific financial reporting (SORP)

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the post holder must have right to work in the UK.

Why Join Us?

• A unique opportunity to contribute your professional expertise to a meaningful global mission
• Work in a peaceful, values-led environment grounded in Franciscan hospitality
• Collaborative working alongside Sisters and Mission Partners
• The chance to make a lasting impact through responsible stewardship and service

How to apply

To apply please write a covering letter clearly stating your interest and reasons for applying to work for the FMDM Foundation CIO as Director of Finance and Business Administration and provide an up-to-date CV to us by 7th January 2025. CV only applications will not be accepted.

First round of interviews to take place week commencing 12th January with those shortlisted to a second round later in January

Role

We seek a Finance Manager to lead the day to day running of the charity’s finances including overseeing the work of our outsourced financial provider. As a grant giving organisation, there will be regular interaction with the programmatic workstreams in this position, offering a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to increase the capacity of a field-leading charity, help empower researchers in the Global South, and contribute to one of the world’s most important climate debates. If you are an ambitious qualified finance professional, this is an opportunity to step into a role with purpose, international influence, and real impact.  

Working with the COO, you will undertake organisational financial planning, budgeting and forecasting so that the senior staff and trustees have comprehensive information for decision making. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Development Manager, this role will support the submission of funding bids and reporting to funders to ensure the continued growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items include:

• Financial Oversight: Overseeing the outsourced finance provider, ensuring service delivery meets organisational needs and deadlines. You will be the primary liaison between our financial services provider and the staff, ensuring that they make payments on behalf of the organisation, runs payroll, completes the bookkeeping via QuickBooks, the monthly management accounts, and the annual statutory accounts. 
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Preparing and monitoring annual organisational budgets including a mid-year adjustment, cash flow forecasts, financial models and annual accounts to support the annual business cycle and fundraising bids.
• Reporting: Finalising monthly management accounts prepared by outsourced financial provider, deliver financial reports for the COO, senior leadership, and trustees, and preparing donor financial reporting.
• Financial Strategy and Investment Oversight: Working with the COO to manage financial resources and reserves including developing the investment policy to support the long-term goals of the charity.
• Audit & Compliance: Leading on annual audits, maintain compliance with UK charity finance regulations, and ensure adherence to funder requirements.
• Programmatic financial support: Working closely with the programmes teams to ensure their payments processes run smoothly with the outsourced financial provider, and regularly reviewing their grant and event expenditure is in line with their own managed budgets.
• Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities to streamline financial processes and implement best practices, such as working with Operations to improve payments & expenses software, opening new bank accounts, or finding new platforms to reduce international payment fees.

Key relationships:

• Supervised by COO 
• Primary liaison with our outsourced financial provider (including a management accountant, payments officer and bookkeeper)
• Works with the Development Manager
• Grants Manager
• Operations team

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

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

Please Note: We do not accept applications via external sites or email. Please apply via our website.

We are recruiting for a new role of Associate Director of finance supporting the COO/FD. The lead employer is the University of Manchester Students' Union who have been working on developing a shared finance service model and so it will be working across multiple organisations in Manchester.

Initially this role will be taking over management accounting responsibility from the COO/FD. It will involve delivering hands on management accountancy duties such as month end processing, balance sheet management, VAT and leading on budgeting and forecasting. The role requires strong technical accountancy and reconciliation skills.

There is significant scope for development in this role once the day to day management accountancy aspects of the role are embedded. This will include developing strategic finance capabilities such as long term financial modelling and working with Boards and committees.

The role is hybrid and there is a requirement to spend time in offices in Manchester, however this can be delivered flexibly and the role holder will be given autonomy over how time is managed. UMSU is an exciting organisation and no two days are ever the same due to the varied nature of activity. This is a good opportunity for someone who likes a varied workload, is passionate about finance and has the drive to shape the role and make it their own

Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.

Details

Salary: Circa £50K to 60k per year, dependant on experience

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened: 19/12/2025

Applications close: 11/01/2026 23:59

Interviews: 26/01/2026

Role Commencing: 01/04/2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.