Department Assistant Jobs in Birmingham

Barnardo's has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated Buyer on a maternity cover basis.

There are currently three Buyers in the New Goods team, each responsible for development and product selection within specific product categories. Over the last few years, the financial contribution that New Goods delivers to Barnardo's Trading Companies has grown significantly, and consequently the size and structure of the team has developed to support the commercial ambition. This role is a fixed-term maternity cover position, with responsibility for key categories including paper products (Cards, Christmas cards, calendars and diaries), stationery, fashion accessories and homeware.

The ideal candidate will need:

• Graduate of a relevant discipline such as business, marketing or management, or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of retail buying within a similar environment or relevant categories such as paper products, fashion accessories and homeware.
• Knowledge of the retail buying process, critical paths and supply chains.
• Commercial awareness.
• Experience of charity retail is desirable but not required.

Some of the key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Buyer (Maternity Cover) is responsible for identifying, selecting and purchasing retail products which meet the expectations and requirements of Barnardo's charity shop customers, so understanding the customer and predicting future trends is a core part of the role. The Buyer is also accountable for achieving the best possible commercial terms across a diverse supply base, and for maintaining positive and beneficial relationships with external suppliers and partners, in order to deliver maximum profit from their product categories. The ability to collaborate with colleagues within New Goods, as well as across retail and trading, marketing and commercial businesses, balancing individual and whole team objectives, is key to the success of this role.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to deliver this role to the highest standard and would like to work for the UK's largest Children's Charity, then please click on the ‘apply now' button below. We look forward to receiving your application.  

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the role described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

As the deputy to the Director of Finance, the Financial Controller is a key finance leadership role responsible for the financial integrity of the organisations finances.  Leading on the financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting for the DBF, Coventry Cathedral and Together for Change, this role will ensure compliance with Charity, Company and Ecclesiastical legislation. Leading and guiding a team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Main Activities and Duties 

1. Reporting, Budgeting, Financial Management, Accounting processes and systems

• Overall responsibility for the production of the DBF monthly management accounts to budget holders by working day 8. Ensure that monthly reviews with budget holders take place; to monitor financial performance & recommend corrective action to budget holders when needed. Provide training & development opportunities to budget holders.
• Working with the Director of Finance to prepare  financial reports and commentary for the various  diocesan committees.
• Preparation of the annual report and financial statements for the DBF. Ensuring compliance with accounting standards & regulations. Liaise with auditors during the external audit ensuring all reports and supporting documentation are available.
• Develop & manage the annual budget for the DBF; in collaboration with budget holders. Provide financial forecasts & analysis to support strategic decision making.
• Maintain accurate records of all funds, ensuring proper allocation & usage. Preparation & submission of timely & accurate financial reports to donors & budget holders of these funds. Monitor & report on restricted & unrestricted funds.
• Lead change management initiatives to improve financial processes & systems. Identify opportunities for process improvement & implement best practices throughout all three organisations. Engage with stakeholders to ensure successful adoption of changes. Monitor & evaluate the impact of changes on financial operations.
• Implement & maintain robust internal controls. Ensure compliance with financial policies & procedures. Conduct regular reviews and audits of financial processes.
• Oversee the calculation, collection & reporting of Parish Share contributions. Ensure accurate & transparent reporting for the Deanery Share allocations. Communicate with parishes to provide guidance & support on Parish Share matters.

2. Leadership

• To provide leadership and clear direction to the team ensuring appraisals with SMART objectives that form the basis of regular monthly meetings reviewing individual and team performance. 
• Working closely with the Director of Finance providing regular updates on the finances of each of organisations that the finance team supports.
• To attend training courses and events to maintain the professional accountancy qualification and competency to ensure that the post holder is aware of best practice and upcoming developments affecting the DBF, Cathedral and TFC.
• Developing relationships with budget holders to understand the drivers for expenditure, proactively providing advice and guidance to build commercial awareness.
• Providing advice and support to parishes on basic queries relating to finance and charity reporting matters.  Using the data available in the department from Parish Finance returns and accounts to understand the impact of the financial health of the parishes on the DBF.
• To deputise for the Director of Finance

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, this key leadership role will be pivotal in developing and implementing strategies across events, community initiatives, challenge events, individual giving, and appeals. As Senior Mass Fundraising Lead, you will grow income, foster long-term supporter relationships, and secure vital unrestricted funds to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma.

The successful postholder will lead our mass fundraising efforts to ensure they are high-impact, supporter-focused, and aligned with the charity’s mission. Whether it’s delivering memorable fundraising events, growing challenge participation, or developing and strengthening individual giving programmes, your work will play a crucial role in achieving ambitious income targets to make a meaningful difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

Who are we looking for?

We seek a dynamic and strategic mass fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies across multiple income streams.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Extensive experience in mass fundraising – including events, community fundraising, challenge events, and individual giving.
• Proven success in developing and executing fundraising strategies to achieve ambitious income targets.
• Strong leadership skills – with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a high-performing team.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities – effectively engaging donors, supporters, and stakeholders.
• A data-driven and innovative mindset, with experience using CRM systems to optimise fundraising strategies.

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

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required

First stage interviews: Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Second stage interviews: Tuesday 29th April 2025

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Strategic thinker with significant experience of developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• Expert knowledge of philanthropy fundraising methodology and current philanthropic trends.
• Experience writing successful five/six-figure high-value proposals to corporates and trusts and foundations.
• Good planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple activities with conflicting demands and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to motivate and influence others.
• Demonstrable success in stewarding supporters/donors, corporate partners, and trusts and foundations.

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

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 29th April 2025

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.