Director of finance and business improvement jobs
The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £85,000 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional to meetings, events and conferences.
What we do
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
About the Role
Responsibilities will include:
- The COO leads the day-to-day functioning of the organisation to ensure smooth, efficient, and effective delivery of services. This is vital for maintaining operational stability and achieving strategic outcomes.
- They design and execute strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and long-term goals ensuring resources are used effectively and priorities are clear.
- They promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement through supporting employee engagement, productivity, and organisational success.
- The COO collaborates closely with the CEO/CFO and other senior leaders to drive strategic initiatives and business growth, ensuring unified leadership and coherent decision-making.
- They partner with the CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Financial oversight ensures sustainability and supports informed investment in strategic priorities.
- Strengthen governance and risk management frameworks, aligned to regulatory expectations and best practice while proactively managing reputational and operational risks.
- The COO cultivates strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and reputation. These relationships are key to influence, collaboration, and impact.
- They lead efforts to improve processes and adopt best practices across the charity to enhance efficiency and keeps the organisation competitive and responsive.
- They ensure that daily activities support the charities long-term objectives.
- The COO mentors other directors and departmental heads and fosters leadership capabilities across teams.
- They establish and track KPIs to identify inefficiencies and guide improvements through data-driven decision-making to enhance accountability and results.
- They evaluate and refine workflows to boost productivity developing efficient processes to reduce waste and improve service quality.
- They act as a bridge between departments and the CEO to ensure cohesive execution of strategic plans preventing silos and promoting organisational synergy.
- The COO serves as a senior figure in national and cross-sector forums, conferences, and strategic partnerships to strengthens the organisation’s voice and influence.
- They demonstrate commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in both internal culture and external programmes to foster a fair and inclusive organisation.
- They work with the CEO, CFO and Director of Growth to identify and pursue new revenue streams and strategic partnerships. This expands the organisation’s reach and sustainability.
- They engage in public speaking, media interactions, and external representation demonstrating clear communication, credibility, and stakeholder engagement.
- They develop and embed evaluation frameworks to assess progress against strategic goals. The measuring of our impact ensures accountability and informs future planning.
- They promote the organisation’s brand at events and through networking.
The COO takes on other responsibilities as needed to support the organisation’s mission.
About You
Essential competencies of the Chief Operating Officer:
- Extensive experience in senior leadership with a proven track record in operations, financial and risk management, and delivering high-performing teams, ideally in the charity sector.
- Strong understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, Marketing, etc.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think strategically and execute effectively.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
- Experience in driving performance and fostering a collaborative culture.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field; MBA preferred
Why Work for NYA?
- NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
- NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
- A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
- NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
- We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 29th September 2025:
A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
A covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
Please note: The covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 80% AI generated content will be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
Youth Work changes lives
Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it.As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.
We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.
REF-223747
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Northern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within six regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.
This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.
As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.
This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.
We’re looking for someone who:
· Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
· Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
· Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
· Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
· Embodies our values and behaviours
Ready to make a difference?
Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.
Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the North West, Yorkshire & Humber, North East, East & West Midlands and North Wales.
Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.
About our benefits
As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:
· A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
· A company car
· A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
· 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
· Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
· Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
· A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
· Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
· A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
· 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
· Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Interest free season ticket loan
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.
Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
More details
For more information and a full person specification, please check on the Job Description button below.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




Location: South London Centre with an expectation of 2 days a week in the centre
At The King’s Trust, every donation helps transform the lives of young people, and behind the scenes, great data and insight make that possible. As our Supporter Data & Insight Executive, you’ll play a vital role in shaping how we understand our supporters, driving smarter decisions and more impactful fundraising.
From building dashboards and analysing trends, to delivering actionable insights that help teams connect with supporters in meaningful ways, you’ll be at the heart of data-driven change. You’ll also develop efficient processes and reporting that ensure fundraising performance is measured, understood, and continuously improved.
This is an opportunity to blend technical skill with purpose, joining a collaborative team where your work will directly influence how we grow income and create opportunities for young people across the UK.
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Havens Hospices, we have a fantastic opportunity for a skilled fundraising manager to make a real impact in their community, shaping the future of individual giving at the charity.
As the Individual Giving Fundraising Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of our Individual Giving strategy, placing donors at the heart of everything you do.
With a strong focus on both acquisition and retention, you will design and implement engaging campaigns across a range of income streams, including Direct Mail, Regular Giving, Lottery, Legacy, and In-Memory giving, line managing a small team of Fundraising Officers.
Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will help to expand our digital fundraising efforts and ensure every supporter enjoys a consistent, meaningful experience. You will monitor performance, uphold compliance, and champion best practice in individual giving, driving long-term support and sustainable growth for our cause.
In this role, you will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of a diverse range of individual giving fundraising activities, you will manage campaigns end-to-end—from shaping the proposition and signing off creative, to overseeing budgets and analysing performance to drive continual improvement.
Working closely with other Fundraising Managers, you will contribute to delivering the departmental strategy, meeting income targets, and managing budgets effectively.
You will also take the lead on key fundraising projects, promoting a collaborative culture both within the team and across departments.
A key aspect of the role involves partnering with the Marketing and Engagement teams to strengthen digital fundraising and donor acquisition strategies, ensuring a joined-up and impactful supporter journey.
At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens.
Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services.
In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most.
At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.
We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Havens Hospices provides specialist care and support for people of all ages who are living with incurable conditions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: Maternity Cover 12 months
Location: Leeds and Newcastle
Interviews: 9th of October
We’re looking for a dynamic Delivery Manager to drive our partnership development work across Leeds and Newcastle! This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of passionate Youth Development Leads, building and nurturing partnerships that directly benefit young people and help scale our impact in two of our key regions. You’ll work closely with employers, training providers, and community organisations to co-create local solutions and open up meaningful education, training, and employment pathways.
This role sits at the heart of our delivery model, blending operational leadership with strategic relationship building. You’ll be managing performance, ensuring compliance, spotting new opportunities, and helping to shape place-based delivery plans that are grounded in what young people need right now.
The successful candidate will need to travel regularly between Leeds and Newcastle to support their team and develop relationships with local partners, so flexibility and a love for collaboration are key! If you’re ready to step into a role that combines people leadership, partnership growth, and a clear focus on outcomes for young people, we’d love to hear from you.
What happens next?
Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need Delivery Manager - Partnership Developments?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Delivery Manager - Partnership Developments!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: 12 months maternity cover
Interviews: 7th and 8th of October
Do you have the creativity and drive to lead some of the UK’s most exciting fundraising events? As Head of Mass Events at The King’s Trust, you’ll oversee a diverse portfolio that raises millions, builds our profile, and inspires thousands to join our mission to support young people.
This is a chance to take centre stage over the next 12 months, leading a passionate team to deliver sector-leading events that capture hearts and imaginations. From community fundraising to large-scale challenges, you’ll bring energy, vision, and expertise to grow income and reach new supporters. Your leadership will not only deliver unforgettable experiences during The Trust’s 50th anniversary year but also ensure every event produces the income needed to achieve our mission of getting more young people into work.
What happens next?
Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need a Head of Mass Events?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Head of Mass Events!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.