Director of operations jobs

About MediCinema

MediCinema is a UK-registered charity dedicated to providing cinema experiences inside hospitals to support the emotional, physical and mental health of NHS patients, their families, and carers. For 25 years, we have brought the power of cinema to hospitals, and in recognition of our impact, MediCinema was honoured with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

We build and run fully accessible cinemas within hospitals, screening the latest films at no cost to patients or the NHS. Our services help reduce isolation, stress, and anxiety, enhancing emotional and mental wellbeing while fostering resilience. We support patients of all ages, including dedicated paediatric screenings at several sites.

We have an ambitious goal to establish a MediCinema in every NHS region across the UK, and rely on long-term partnerships with NHS Trusts, Hospital Charities and the corporate sector to sustain and expand our services.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, this new senior leadership role is central to ensuring MediCinema’s financial sustainability, operational excellence, and people-centred culture. The Director will lead the charity’s finance, HR, and business operational functions, ensuring robust systems, compliance, and strategic alignment with our mission.

This is a hands-on role for a values-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-led environment and is passionate about improving patient experiences through innovative service delivery.

This role will be managing external HR and IT consultants and supported by a part time (1 day per week) assistant.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

· Participate in strategic and business planning processes, supporting the CEO and trustees to develop the strategic plan

· Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) contributing to the strategic direction and day to day management of the organisation.

Finance

· Lead the finance function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, and statutory reporting.

· Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.

· Manage cashflow, reserves, and risk, supporting strategic financial planning.

· Lead on financial reporting to the Board and relevant committees.

· Oversee payroll, pensions, and financial administration.

· Managing the annual audit process and liaising with auditors

· Liaising with tax specialists on VAT, corporation tax and other matters as required.

· Liaising with the Treasurer on all key financial matters on a quarterly basis

Business Operations

· Ensure efficient delivery of office services and a safe, well-maintained working environment.

· Lead on the IT systems and digital strategy ensuring platforms are secure and support business needs

· Work with the external IT consultant to maintain and evolve the infrastructure, systems and processes in place to align with business needs and industry regulation

· Keep abreast of changes and updates to Data Protection legislation and ensure that staff receive regular training on Data Protection and Cyber security

· Manage contracts, suppliers, and internal processes to ensure value and efficiency.

· Support the commissioning of new MediCinema sites, including project planning and stakeholder engagement.

· Lead on the annual insurance renewal process

HR and People Development

· Lead on strategic workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and talent retention.

· Embed inclusive HR policies and practices aligned with MediCinema’s values.

· Provide support and evolve processes to strengthen employee relations, performance management, and wellbeing.

· Support line managers in developing high-performing, motivated teams.

· Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice.

· Work with the external HR consultant on HR admin,including due diligence, onboarding and recruitment.

Governance and Compliance

· Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures across finance, HR, and operations.

· Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements.

· Support the CEO and Board with governance processes, reporting, and policy development.

The Person

Experience and Background

We are seeking a strategic leader with experience across finance, operations, and HR — ideally within the UK charity or public health sector. You may have worked in healthcare, education, or social impact organisations, and bring a strong understanding of compliance, governance, and people leadership. Candidates with a relevant background in SMEs may be considered, but will need to demonstrate a commitment to quickly developing the specialist knowledge required by charity regulations and an aptitude for operating within the third sector.

You will be comfortable working in a hands-on, collaborative environment, with a deep respect for MediCinema’s mission and values.

Skills and Qualifications

· Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT)

· Strong understanding of HR, IT, risk management, and governance in small teams

· Proven experience managing budgets, audits, and accounts (Quickbooks experience ideal)

· Excellent project management and strategic planning skills

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and mentor others

· A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter telling us about your suitability for this role, why it appeals to you and what makes you a strong candidate (no longer than one side of A4). Please note applications will be anonymised.

Closing date for applications: Midday, Friday 30th January 2026 with a view to holding first round interviews in mid February.

We are an equal opportunities employer and an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer.

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Job Description
As the Operations and Visitor Experience Manager, you play a pivotal role at CSC, with full
responsibility for our Centre in Cambridge Science Park and our secondary site, currently in
Wisbech.
An essential part of your role is to drive CSC’s direct revenue streams connected to the Centre.
You will lead your team in generating public and school bookings, and in overseeing community
audiences, private hires, and other groups, ensuring every visitor enjoys a seamless and
welcoming experience. You will also take a proactive approach to increasing visitor numbers,
expanding CSC’s membership base, and researching and developing new revenue-generating
initiatives that strengthen our long-term sustainability.
Your expertise in creating and implementing exhibition spaces will be instrumental in bringing to
life our annual delivery calendar of science themes, which is strategically curated to attract and
engage our audiences while supporting the delivery of our Programmes. You will oversee an
annual budget covering the shop and site facilities.
You will work closely with the Outreach and Innovation Manager to prioritise, schedule, and
maintain products and content in line with CSC’s core Programmes and commitments, ensuring
impactful experiences for all audiences. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications
Manager, you will plan and execute advertising campaigns targeting both the public and schools.
You will also coordinate with the Corporate Partnerships Manager to develop opportunities for
corporate partners to support on-site exhibitions and events, ensuring agreed partnerships are
effectively tracked and delivered.
Beyond operations, you will champion excellence in STEM engagement, providing both positive
and constructive feedback to the Engagement and Logistics Lead to ensure CSC’s offerings
remain best-in-class. This is an opportunity to shape the visitor experience at CSC, ensuring it
remains dynamic, inspiring, and accessible to all.
Key Responsibilities
● Create a welcoming and engaging environment for all visitors to our centres.
● Support and line-manage the Delivery and Sales Administrator and the Finance and
Operational Support Manager.
● Take overall responsibility for Health and Safety across CSC sites, ensuring full compliance
with requirements at both centres. Implement corrective actions where needed, and
oversee training and incident management to maintain a safe and well-managed
environment.
● Achieve annual direct income revenue targets across Visitors, Membership, Shop, Schools,
Parties, and STEMtots (under-fives), track progress, report findings, and take corrective
action as needed.
● Develop and implement strategies to increase visitor numbers and drive membership
growth.
● Research, plan, and execute new revenue projects to diversify CSC’s income streams.
● Oversee asset records, maintenance priorities, budgets, contractors, and expenditures
across the Cambridge and Wisbech sites, ensuring the effective sourcing and delivery of
third-party exhibits and content.
● Deliver an annual plan for exhibition-floor themes, events, and site management,
coordinating with the Outreach and Innovation Manager and the Engagement and Logistics
Lead to align activities with multi-year programmes, partner commitments, and internal
schedules such as training and exhibit maintenance.
● Establish a multi-layered feedback system to collect, analyse, and act on visitor insights,
continuously enhancing our offering.
● Oversee CSC’s volunteering and work experience programme, ensuring recruitment,
induction, and ongoing support are delivered to a high standard.
● Work with the Director of Business Development to identify and address barriers for
schools, supporting bursary applications and additional funding opportunities.
● In coordination with your team, ensure the shop is stocked with appropriate products to
maximise sales, support at-home engagement with STEM after a family visit and promote a
message of sustainability.
● Increase school bookings through strategic planning, aligning with schools’ annual planning
cycles, targeted outreach, and the effective delivery of engagement programmes.
● Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to plan and deliver advertising for
exhibitions, events, and school engagement, ensuring effective promotion of activities at
both the Cambridge and Wisbech centres.
● Manage the budget and oversee all contractors and expenditures related to the Cambridge
site and Wisbech.
● Provide financial support, working closely with the Director of Operations and Engagement
to ensure CSC’s operational sustainability.
Essential Criteria

Experience managing a visitor attraction, including responsibility for income targets and
cost control.
● A creative and engaging mindset, with a proven ability to work with a team to create
intriguing and popular spaces.
● A thorough and operational approach to planning, risk management, and the continuous
improvement of processes.
● Demonstrated success in increasing visitor numbers and driving membership growth
through strategic planning and effective execution.
● Experience in researching, planning, and delivering new revenue-generating projects.
● A strong track record of increasing school bookings through targeted outreach and strategic
programme design.
● Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety management, including experience in
leading compliance activity and training across multiple sites.
● Strong financial acumen, with the ability to support budgeting, forecasting, and operational
financial oversight
● Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
● A strong drive to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes in everything you do.
● Proven ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing priorities.
● A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● A collaborative work ethic, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues and partners
across a wide range of projects.
● Competent and confident in using standard computer applications.
● Achieve a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
● Full clean driving license
● Confident in using IT platforms, databases, and digital communication tools.
Desirable Criteria
● A passion for staying up to date with worldwide developments in science, technology,
engineering, and maths.
● Experience in using spaces to support learning or community development.
● Knowledge of sustainability practices in operations and visitor engagement.
● Project management qualifications or equivalent experience.
● Experience with CRM systems and membership platforms
● Experience in science communication or in working with families, adults, and children.
● Strong customer service skills and experience.
● Level 3 or equivalent qualification in a STEM subject.
Working Conditions

The primary location for this role is Cambridge Science Centre at Trinity Centre, Cambridge
Science Park, CB4 0FN; however, travel to secondary sites and the main office will be required.
One working weekend per month will also be required.

Reporting to: Co-Executive Director

Benefits:

25 days annual leave per annum, plus UK public and bank holidays (pro rata)
Office closure for a week in December and August
Annual leave allocation increases annually by one day (up to a maximum of five days)
10% employer pension contribution
Other standard Foxglove benefits 

About us

Foxglove is a non-profit that exists to make the use of technology fair for all. When Big Tech companies abuse their power, their workers or the planet – and when governments use technology to oppress, exclude or discriminate – we litigate and campaign to fix it.  

Big Tech companies have become so large – gobbling up a huge slice of the global marketplace and an unprecedented treasure hoard of user data – that they’re now more powerful than many states. The harmful effects of this concentration of power are everywhere – threats to our democracy, to our privacy, decimated workers’ rights and platforms rife with disinformation and hate. Big Tech and AI data centres are rapidly expanding, resulting in huge strain on energy and water supplies. Worldwide governments are ploughing ahead with the use of algorithms and mass data systems to cut costs and increase efficiency often resulting in digital tools that entrench unfairness and leave the most vulnerable in society in crisis. All these problems are only getting worse with generative AI. 

Foxglove works to bring the rule of law to the tech and AI giants who have upended our public square, workplaces, and social lives. We have a strong track record. We’ve launched landmark cases seeking structural changes to big tech’s harmful business models, supported 180+ Facebook content moderators fired for trying to form a union to sue Facebook and their outsourcing company, Sama – winning world-first judgements. We're urging competition regulators worldwide to stop Google’s theft of independent news. We’ve filed the UK’s first legal challenge to a data centre permission decision over the government’s failure to properly assess their environmental impact. We’ve forced disclosure of secret contracts between tech giants and the NHS, stopped a racist Home Office visa streaming algorithm, helped make grading fair for UK A level students, forced the government to pause the NHS Data Grab and challenged the Department of Work and Pension’s use of an algorithm unfairly flagging disabled people for benefit fraud investigations.

We are a small but growing team of lawyers, communications experts, and campaigners. Our work is global, and we work in partnership with lawyers, civil society, unions, and people impacted by Big Tech.

The role

As Head of Operations, you will lead all operational functions of Foxglove. You will ensure that our finance, HR, legal compliance, fundraising, systems and internal processes enable the organisation to carry out its mission effectively. You’ll work across Foxglove and closely with leadership, as well as with external partners to build a resilient and well-governed organisation, able to manage growth and complexity while staying mission driven. This role manages one member of staff and multiple consultants.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial Management & Accounting

1.Oversee financial operations: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, expenditure controls, financial reporting, payroll.

2.Ensure compliance with accounting standards, audit requirements and donor / funder financial reporting obligations.

3.Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, banks, and financial service providers.

4.Ensure appropriate and best practice financial policies and controls are in place. 

5.Ensure financial risk is identified and managed appropriately.

Fundraising & Development

1.Contribute to the organisation’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Co-Executive Directors and Head of Strategy.

2.Ensure systems are in place to track and manage grants, philanthropic donations, and other income streams.

3.Support the preparation of funding proposals and reports and ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders.

4.Support relationship management with key donors, foundations and partners.

Operational Systems & Processes

1.Develop and maintain efficient operational processes and systems (e.g. finance, HR, IT, data protection, office management).

2.Ensure proper policies and procedures are in place for procurement, vendor management, travel & expenses, and record-keeping.

3.Oversee the infrastructure that supports remote / hybrid working, ensuring tools and systems support collaboration, security, and productivity.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

1.Lead on organisational compliance: legal, regulatory, health & safety, data protection / GDPR, employment law.

2.Ensure the organisation’s policies and procedures are best practice, legally compliant and up to date.

3.Establish and monitor risk management frameworks and our risk register.

4.Support governance structures (internal reporting, director meetings etc.), ensuring decisions are well informed and documented.

Human Resources & People Operations

1.Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.

2.Ensure policies on equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are embedded in how we work.

3.Foster a positive culture in line with Foxglove’s values.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

1.Lead the operations team, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, performance and support.

2.Work closely with the rest of organisation including the legal teams and advocacy to ensure operations enables, not hinders, impact.

3.Contribute to organisational strategy, helping translate strategic ambitions into operational plans.

Person specification

Below are the essential and desirable criteria for a successful candidate.

Essential

·Minimum of 5-7 years of senior operations / finance / business operations experience, including line management 

·Strong experience of budgeting, forecasting, audit & financial compliance 

·Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, able to bridge between high-level strategy and operational detail 

·Strong risk-management and governance experience; familiarity with compliance, data protection / GDPR, employment law etc. 

·Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities; excellent time-management skills 

·Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex operational, financial or legal information clearly 

·Strong collaboration skills; ability to work across teams; good leadership and people management skills

Desirable 

·Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with proven experience in financial oversight and reporting

·Experience of operating in non-profit / mission-driven / legal organisations 

·Legal or compliance experience

·Experience of international operations, dealing with cross-border legal / regulatory issues 

·Experience of change management and scaling teams or systems 

·Understanding of, or interest in, legal, tech justice issues 

·Experience of hybrid / remote team leadership

·Experience with fundraising finances, grants management, donor reports

Length and salary

This is a permanent full-time role with six-month probation period. 

How to apply

Please make your application via the link to Applied provided by 9am on Tuesday 10 February (please disregard Charity Jobs' deadline), answering the application questions and uploading your CV. We will not review applications sent via a job board or to our email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with first round interviews likely to take place in mid February for selected candidates.

Foxglove does not use AI in its recruitment processes, except to detect applications for AI use. As a tech-justice organisation, we ask the same of our candidates.

Foxglove is growing and we are striving to build a team that is inclusive. We will create a diverse and adaptable environment where we support people to do their best work. We believe an effective and creative team is made up of people from different walks of life. You can read more about how we work and what we offer our staff on our website. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete this process, or have any questions, please get in touch with us.

If you would like to know more about how we process your data as part of the recruitment process you can read our recruitment data use policy on our website.

Head of Programmes / Programmes Director, Level Water

What we're building

Level Water exists to solve a problem that shouldn’t exist: too many disabled children are still missing out on high-quality swimming lessons.

We’ve built a delivery model that works. Families trust us. Pools want to work with us. Funders back us. We’re well-funded (80% unrestricted) and responding to growing demand.

Now we’re entering the next stage: scaling what works without losing quality, care, or joy. This role sits right at the heart of that mission - leading not just how our programmes are delivered, but how we define, measure, and grow our impact.

We’re Level Water - a founder-led charity solving unequal access to swimming for children with disabilities. We’re not a typical charity. We own our swim events and run them like a business, creating a sustainable income stream that directly funds our programmes. That model gives us the freedom to move fast, test ideas, and build something that doesn’t exist anywhere else.

Because we’re self-sustaining, we can make clear, confident decisions about our programme and impact direction. If you want to help tackle unequal access to sport - and shape how a modern charity designs, delivers, and measures programmes at scale - this is your chance.

The opportunity

This isn’t a “keep programmes running” role.

This is a build, lead, and scale a national delivery model role.

As Head of Programmes, you’ll own how Level Water’s programmes are designed, delivered, improved, and expanded. You’ll take a proven model, design for growth  and help turn it into something category-defining - working at pace, making smart decisions, and setting the standard for what inclusive swimming can look like across the UK.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and senior team, lead our brilliant programme function (a Training and Excellence Manager and Programmes Officer), and bring energy and momentum to a part of the organisation that sits right at the heart of our impact.

If you’re excited by growth, complexity, and building something that really matters, you’ll thrive here.

If you’re looking for a role where you can play it safe, this probably isn’t it.

What you’ll actually own

Programme design, quality & scale

• You’ll own how Level Water’s programmes are designed, delivered, and grown - now and into the future.

• Set the strategic direction for our lesson delivery model, ensuring it scales without losing quality, care, or joy.

• Lead and develop the Programmes team, setting clear priorities, standards, and ways of working.

• Ensure programmes are safe, inclusive, effective, and consistently high-quality as delivery expands.

• Build the systems and processes that make great delivery easier at scale, not harder.

Impact, learning & continuous improvement

• You’ll define how we understand, measure, and improve our impact - and use learning to drive better delivery.

• Ensure we gather meaningful insight from families, swimmers, teachers, and partners.

• Turn data and feedback into clear learning that actively shapes programme decisions.

• Lead Level Water’s approach to impact reporting for funders, partners, Trustees, and the Board, alongside the Senior Leadership Team.

• Set clear success measures and use them to guide prioritisation, iteration, and growth.

Strategic partnerships, funding & sector influence

• You’ll build the relationships and credibility that enable sustainable programme growth and wider change.

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with national pool operators and delivery partners.

• Secure and manage national agreements that unlock scale and improve access.

• Work closely with Fundraising to shape strong, realistic programme content for grants and funding proposals.

• Own the programme side of grant-funded delivery, ensuring work is well planned, delivered to a high standard, and reported with clarity and confidence.

• Represent Level Water externally as a credible, influential voice in inclusive swimming, helping to shift culture and practice across the sector.

Who we’re looking for

We care far more about how you work than where you’ve worked or what sector you come from. You don’t need a background in swimming. You don’t need charity experience. What matters is how you think, how you lead, and the energy you bring.

People who thrive here have:

• Ambition for growth. You’re excited by the moment where something good needs to scale - and you want to help shape what comes next, not just maintain what already exists.

• Ownership and momentum. You take responsibility, spot opportunities, and move things forward. You don’t wait for perfect information or permission before acting.

• The ability to hold strategy and delivery together. You can zoom out to set direction and zoom in to make sure things actually work - and you know when each is needed.

• Confidence leading through change. You’ve helped programmes or services evolve through growth, complexity, or transformation, and you’re comfortable making decisions in imperfect conditions.

• Strong relational leadership. You build trust quickly, bring people with you, and create credibility with partners, teams, and senior stakeholders.

• A solutions-first mindset. When things get complicated (and they will), you stay calm, pragmatic, and focused on what will move things forward.

Bonus points if:

• You’ve worked in a scale-up, start-up, or fast-growing organisation.

• You’ve built or reshaped delivery models, partnerships, or systems as things grew.

• You’re motivated by impact and inclusion, and want your work to genuinely change lives.

If this sounds like you - and you’re excited by the challenge of building something ambitious with real-world impact - we’d love to hear from you.

Why Level Water?

Our values - Bold, Driven, Personal, and Joyful - shape how this role shows up in practice. You’ll be expected to bring ambition, move with purpose, care deeply about people, and help build programmes that feel genuinely joyful to be part of.

Bold.
This isn’t a “run what already exists” role. You’ll challenge assumptions, set direction, and help shape the future of inclusive swimming. We want your judgement, your ideas, and your confidence to make clear calls.

Driven.
We’re growing fast, and programmes sit at the centre of that growth. If you’re ambitious about scale, impact, and building something that lasts, there's a real opportunity here to lead what comes next.

Personal.
We’re founder-led and people-first. You’ll work closely with families, partners, and colleagues, balancing high standards with empathy, clarity, and care.

Joyful.
Swimming should be positive, empowering, and fun - especially for children who’ve too often been excluded. You’ll help ensure our programmes don’t just deliver outcomes, but create experiences that build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of the water.

Practical details:

• Flexible working: remote, hybrid, or (even better) office-based in Tunbridge Wells, your choice.

• You'll attend weekend events throughout the summer.

• Some travel required to pools, partners, and events (including occasional weekends)

• Salary: Head of: £46k-57k (depending on experience)

How to apply

We want to hear from you in whatever way best shows us who you are and how you think.

Get creative. We really want to get a feel for your personality and style. A traditional CV and cover letter? Great. A video introduction? Awesome. Whatever format helps you shine and show us who you are. 

Here's what we'd love to know:

1. What’s the boldest change you’ve delivered that improved outcomes for the people your programme existed to serve - and what did you personally do to make it happen?

Before you apply:

If you've got questions about the role, the team, or whether this might be right for you, please reach out. I'm Lucy Powell, Operations Director at Level Water, and I'd genuinely love to chat. 

Deadline: 

We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close this advert once we've found the right person. So if this excites you, don't wait, but do take the time to show us who you really are. 

We'd rather see your best work than a rushed application. If you need a bit of time to put that together, talk to us.

We're excited to meet you. Let's build something brilliant together.

About Us

Freeways and Freeways Trust are linked local charities that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Freeways is a highly regarded provider offering a range of social care support services and Freeways Trust owns and manages a portfolio of properties which support the work of Freeways. Both charities are passionate about helping people to become as independent as possible by supporting them to make choices, learn new skills, and make links with their local community.

About the Role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of both Freeways and Freeways Trust and will be responsible for developing  and delivering financial strategies that align with the charities' objectives while maintaining financial sustainability. This position also involves overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance and leading the finance team to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to set strategic direction and develop financial strategies and budgets.  Develop the financial strategy and five-year budget plan, including capital investment plans and cashflow forecasts that align with strategic priorities and operational plans.

• Financial Management and Control: Oversee finance operations, ensure timely reporting, and lead the annual audit process.  Maintain, review, and update internal financial controls across the finance function, identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks. Be responsible for the review and audit of financial processes across the organisation including for the people we support.

• Organisational Performance: Manage budget-setting and performance tracking, providing insightful analysis to stakeholders. 
• Governance: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with charity law and maintaining essential records with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Leadership, Management and Culture: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and lead the finance team to achieve operational excellence and foster a positive organisational culture.

About You

You will be a qualified and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving financial processes. Your strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills will allow you to explain complex financial information to various audiences and help them understand the impact on the wider charity and the potential future options. You will also possess a solid understanding of financial management, compliance, and governance, along with the ability to lead and develop a team.

Benefits

• 35 days (pro-rata) annual leave entitlement (including public holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to rules of the scheme)
• Free parking on site
• Family-friendly/work-life balance policies
• Free DBS check every 3 years
• Occupational health provision
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour access to a counselling and legal helpline

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS and Adult Barred List check.

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

Our client is looking for an experienced Director of Operations to lead and oversee the organisations national operations, ensuring the highest quality of service delivery and full compliance with all contracts. This role is to support the front-line teams, push for continuous improvement and drive the organisation to grow. The Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership and share clear directions across the organisation to achieve their goals. As a member of the executive team, you will support set organizational strategy, lead operational improvement and credible operational leadership to the CEO, Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.  

You will be leading the operational performance of their services nationwide, to ensure the standard is consistent with their expectations, effective performance management and successful contract delivery which aligns with their financial targets. Provide national leadership of all services with a solid performance against KPI’s as well as ensure adherence to organizational governance frameworks, supporting their development and improvement. Your goal must be to embed a culture of reflective practice, continuous improvement and ongoing professional development. Lead to the resolution of complex complaints and act as a senior representative for our client at strategic meetings with partners, commissioners and donors. It is vital that you build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, service users and key stakeholders. 

You must have significant leadership skills within a multi-site service organisation, proven ability to deliver high-quality services that align with organizational values and demonstrate experience managing operational budgets. It is advantageous if you pose strong experience overseeing national service standards, contract delivery and regulatory compliance. We are looking for a candidate who is driven by values, integrity and resilience. A leader who develops a culture of mutual respect and teamwork, maintains calm and focuses on solutions under great pressure.  

Diversity: 

Our client is committed to equality of opportunity and celebrating diversity and they take great care to ensure that their actions as an employer reflect their ethos.  

They particularly encourage applications from protected characteristic(s), who are currently under-represented within the organisation. They are committed to human rights and creating equitable fair environments they welcome people from all backgrounds regardless of race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age or physical/mental disability.  

Our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, a signatory of the Mindful Employer Charter and they currently hold the Investors in People (IiP) Silver Award. They are also an accredited Living Wage Employer.  

Safeguarding: 

Safeguarding is a term used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to describe measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse, harm and neglect. 

Our client believes everyone regardless of sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion or other diversities has a right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse, including harassment, bullying, and exploitation.  

They are committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment for our staff and volunteers and committed to safeguarding anyone we engage with through their work and the services they provide  

To achieve this, they have a robust safeguarding children’s and adults policy, procedures and guidance in place, designed to help protect everyone who comes into  contact with our client and to provide staff and volunteers with the knowledge to support people when being subjected to any form of abuse. 

To ensure staff and volunteers uphold the highest standards in safeguarding practice, our client  complies  with the statutory legislative requirements and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults. In order to meet this responsibility, they follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants throughout their recruitment process. 

Harris Hill is delighted to partner exclusively with Toynbee Hall to recruit their new Director of Finance & Operations. (Hybrid)

Toynbee Hall has been based in the East End of London since 1884. Throughout our history we have worked alongside communities experiencing poverty, inequality and injustice, offering practical support while also influencing wider social change. Today, we continue this mission through a combination of frontline advice services, community-led programmes, research rooted in lived experience, and policy influencing.

• Location: Aldgate East, London.
• Contract: Permanent, Full Time. Flexible working is available.
• Hybrid working: A minimum of 2 days a week is required in the office.
• Salary: £85.000pa

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Toynbee Hall

Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to Toynbee Hall’s mission and to how we operate as an organisation. We believe we cannot achieve our vision of a fairer future without addressing structural inequality, discrimination and racism.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from groups under-represented in leadership and across the charity sector. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and to providing reasonable adjustments where needed.

About the Role

The Director of Finance and Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring that Toynbee Hall has the financial resilience, operational systems and governance structures it needs to deliver its purpose.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the postholder will lead our finance function, IT and information governance, facilities and estates management, procurement, contracts, commercial lettings, and health and safety. This is both a strategic and a hands-on role: as well as setting direction and advising colleagues, the Director will oversee day-to-day operations to ensure that the organisation is well-run, compliant and efficient.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Ensuring strong internal controls and effective financial systems
• Managing IT contracts, cyber security and information governance
• Leading a small, experienced team and supporting colleagues across the organisation with clear, timely information
• Lead the operation of Information Technology Services, procurement, facilities, estates management and Health and Safety.
• Ensure regulatory and contractual compliance including on H&S and Complaints.
• Support the CEO, SMT, Board, Finance and Fundraising Committee, Audit and Risk Committee so they can make informed decisions regarding our risks, financial strategy and the management of our assets

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation’s financial and operational health, playing a major part in shaping our long-term sustainability.

What You Will Bring:

• Senior financial leadership experience, ideally in the charity or wider not-for-profit sector
• Strong technical knowledge of charity accounting, financial planning, compliance and governance
• Experience overseeing corporate services such as estates, IT, facilities or procurement
• The confidence to work closely with trustees, senior colleagues and external partners
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical, operational delivery
• A collaborative leadership style grounded in our organisational values

Please contact Simon Bascombe at Harris Hill for more information on the role and how to submit your application.

Closing date for full applications: 12pm, Thursday 22nd 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.

THE VACANCY

Location: London – Hybrid (3 days p/w in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Director of People & Culture

Are you an accomplished HR leader with extensive international experience? The ITF is looking for a Director of People & Culture to head the department from our London headquarters, overseeing people operations and strategic workforce planning across 12 regional offices globally.

About the Role

As Director of People & Culture, you will lead the full breadth of the People & Culture portfolio, including workforce planning, global employee relations and compliance, payroll, pensions, benefits, recruitment, learning and development, policy development, and diversity, equity & inclusion.

You will set the strategic direction for the P&C team, oversee governance and compliance and financial planning across multiple jurisdictions, and partner closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the department supports organisational goals.

This role requires a balance of strategic insight, operational oversight, and the ability to lead effectively in a complex, unionised, international environment. You will also act as a trusted adviser on employment law, organisational change, and policy development across our global offices.

Key responsibilities include:

Global Workforce Planning:

Lead workforce modelling, resourcing strategies, and financial planning for all established roles, ensuring accurate reporting and alignment with organisational priorities.

HR Operations & Compliance:

Oversee payroll, pensions, benefits, and employee-related financial processes. Ensure compliance with employment legislation across the UK and all regional hubs, maintaining robust HR governance and data integrity.

Employee Relations:

Provide senior oversight on complex global employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution matters. Liaise with unions, staff committees, and external legal advisers.

Policy Leadership:

Lead policy development in line with evolving legislation and organisational needs, ensuring a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Support negotiations with union representatives.

Recruitment & Talent:

Develop global recruitment strategy, champion inclusive and equitable hiring practices, and support managers in delivering high-quality onboarding and talent development.

Change Management:

Lead on organisational change initiatives, including restructures and major transformation projects.

Culture, DEI & Learning:

Champion a diverse and inclusive culture, oversee the learning and development strategy, and ensure an effective performance and development review cycle.

Leadership of the P&C Team:

Provide strategic direction, coaching, and leadership to the P&C team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery.

About You

You’re an accomplished HR leader with a strong record of delivering impactful people strategies in complex, international environments. You combine deep technical knowledge with the strategic capability to influence, shape, and lead across a global organisation.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Senior HR leadership experience:
A strong track record in leading P&C functions and delivering strategic HR initiatives internationally.

Expert knowledge of employment legislation:
In-depth understanding of UK employment law and the legal frameworks of ITF’s regional hubs, with the ability to anticipate future legislative changes.

Strong employee relations and policy expertise:
Experience supporting unionised environments and developing policies that advance fairness, compliance, and inclusion.

Financial and strategic planning capability:
Experience in workforce costings, HR financial planning, and compensation and benefits strategy on a global scale.

Change leadership skills:
Proven ability to lead organisational change and support leaders and teams through transformation.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills:
Ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels and act with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.

Professional qualifications:
Degree-level education and CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience); chartered status desirable.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a global People & Culture function within a values-driven international organisation. You will shape our people strategy, strengthen our culture, and ensure we continue to be a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace for staff around the world.

ur culture, and ensure we continue to be a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace for staff around the world.

Maudsley Charity funds work led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, research teams at King’s College London, and partners in the voluntary and community sector to help build a more equitable and effective mental health care system in south London. We share what we learn to inform and inspire change across the UK.

We are a grant-making charity focused on advancing and accelerating positive change in mental health care. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who experiences mental illness can access the care that’s right for them.

While our roots are firmly in south London, we seek to amplify the knowledge and evidence generated through our programmes to influence practice nationally. We are a small but growing team (21 staff) with bold ambitions.

The role

Maudsley Charity is entering a new chapter of growth and renewal. We are strengthening our governance, welcoming new trustees, and establishing a Finance, Audit and Development Committee to underpin our ambitions. We are evolving our operating model to ensure we remain agile and effective as we scale our impact.

Following a period of interim leadership in this role, we are now seeking a permanent Director of Finance and Operations who will play a pivotal role in shaping this next phase.

This is a role of considerable breadth and strategic influence. The Director of Finance and Operations will lead our financial strategy, oversee our investment approach, including social and impact investing and manage our property portfolio. The role will also explore innovative funding models and commercial opportunities, ensuring we have the resources and resilience to deliver our mission. Alongside this, it will lead core operational functions; HR, IT, Facilities and drive digital transformation to strengthen our infrastructure for the future.

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button, with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides).

• A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

Timeline

· Closing date - Friday 23rd January 2026

· Preliminary interviews - w/c 2nd February 2026

· First stage panel interviews - Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February 2026

· Final panel interviews – w/c 9th March

Our mission is to foster community-led green space management through collaboration, advocacy, and education.  We believe that green open spaces can be better sustained by empowering communities and our existing network numbers 150 plus members throughout Birmingham. As our Operations Director, you will direct and control the ongoing operations of Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF), to achieve the strategic and business performance objectives required by the Trustees. 

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. 

Birmingham

Permanent

30 Hours per week

Founded in 1962, our clients is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, . Our board of trustees ensures they meet their charitable aims, supported by a dedicated team of well-trained staff.

Our client is extremely proud to have a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities that they work with.

They provide individualised, person-centred services that help people lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Known for their high-quality support, they play a key role in Birmingham's mental health system and collaborate with local organisations to challenge the stigma surrounding mental distress.

They are seeking an experienced and passionate Operations Manager – Registered Services to join their leadership team. You will be one of a team of four Operations Managers who oversee all front-line services .

Line managed by the Deputy Director of Operations, this role is strategically important to their delivery of recovery-based services within Birmingham’s mental health system.

Key Responsibilities will include:

· Work with the Director of Operations, Deputy Director of Operations, and other Operations Managers to co-create and deliver the operations development plan

· Line manage the service managers responsible for each area and support other team members as appropriate.

· Ensure services are delivered in line with their strategic vision and values.

· Ensure that the service(s) is being delivered in line with commissioning requirements, service user wishes and in line with local and national policy and best practice.

· Flexibility to occasionally work outside of usual hours.

· Take part in their senior on call rota.

The Successful Candidate will have:

· Experience of working in a CQC regulated service.

· Good working knowledge of relevant mental health and housing legislation and how it applies to service delivery.

· Knowledge of and commitment to the Recovery model of mental health support

· Experience of mental ill health, either personally or professionally

· Good working knowledge of safeguarding and able to deal effectively with safeguarding issues

· Familiar with good practice in data protection and able to support managers and staff to comply with any requirements

Staff benefits include an attractive defined contribution pension scheme, PayCare which offers employees affordable cover for a range of healthcare treatments, an Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling, a cycle to work scheme, and a comprehensive training programme.

Our client is extremely proud to have a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities that they work with. They strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges as their perspectives enrich their teams. They are also committed to changing the ethnic diversity of our management team and particularly encourage applicants from minority communities to apply for this role.

Their people are key to the success of the organisation, and they are recognised as both a Mindful Employer as well as achieving Gold standard success in Investors in People. They welcome applications from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

How To Apply:

Closing date for applications is Sunday 18th January 2026

Interviews will commence on Friday 30th January 2026

The Deputy Director Talent, Development and Inclusion will lead the development and delivery of all people development, ED&I, inclusive recruitment, and career development initiatives across the National Theatre. This role is central to embedding a culture of learning, equity, and opportunity, ensuring that the NT is a place where everyone can thrive and grow.

The postholder will work across the NT to build inclusive systems, develop talent pipelines, and drive cultural change aligned with the NT’s values and social purpose, ensuring the policy framework is in place to support these intentions. They will work closely with the Deputy Director People Operations and Employee Relations to deliver the People and Culture strategic plan.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience of presenting ideas that convey meaning to build positive relationships to influence change.
• A thorough understanding of and experience of the practical application of inclusive best practices and organisational development.
• Proven leadership in organisational development and EDI in complex organisations
• Extensive in-depth knowledge of ED&I issues in society and the arts.
• A working understanding of inclusive recruitment frameworks and legal considerations

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon