Executive director jobs in London, greater london

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support, so that no one in the London Borough of Merton has to face life’s challenges alone.

We are a dynamic charity focused on delivering a wide range of excellent services to people in Merton. We work to:

• Reduce social isolation and loneliness
• Help people who are experiencing difficulties
• Enable older people to be active and healthy

We support older people to stay independent, offer Talking Therapies to improve mental health, and offer grant funding to tackle poverty. We collaborate closely with the London Borough of Merton, the NHS and a wide range of local charities and businesses and play a key role in Merton’s voluntary sector.

Our skilled, professional and committed team of 55 staff and 270 volunteers work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive community environment and we receive excellent client feedback.

The Role

We are looking for a Chief Executive to provide effective leadership and management of Wimbledon Guild and its team to ensure strategic development and the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Our current Chief Executive will be leaving in December 2026, after 14 years leading Wimbledon Guild. We are in a strong position, with an excellent reputation and ambitious plans for returning to our refurbished building in January 2027.

Our new CEO will be joining us at a time of unprecedented demand for our services, with funding sources under ever increasing pressure.

Chief Executive Officer
Wimbledon Guild
Salary: circa £100,000 per annum
Location: Central Wimbledon

About You

We are seeking an inspirational leader and strategic thinker with a passion for social impact, who possesses:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Significant senior leadership experience within the voluntary, public, charity or community sectors, with a proven ability of developing new opportunities and entrepreneurial activity within an organisation.
• Operational & Financial Expertise: Strong financial competence, including income generation as well as budget management and forecasting.
• Governance Experience: A track record of working effectively with and reporting to a Board or governing body to ensure strong governance, transparency and comply with all relevant legal regulatory and Charity Act requirements.
• Staff Leadership: To maintain a supportive, positive and committed performance culture, and ensure effective recruitment, development, performance management and wellbeing of staff.

How to Apply

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus, Omar Begg or Erica Ritchie via email with a copy of your CV.

Recruitment Timetable

• DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12th July
• INTERVIEWS WITH PROSPECTUS: 20th – 31st July
• INTERVIEWS WITH WIMBLEDON GUILD: Week Commencing 10th August

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,750 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose  

The Director of Finance and Operations plays an important role within the College, providing strategic leadership, oversight and development of a portfolio of corporate support functions. This includes finance, membership, HR, IT and facilities. 

This role has responsibility for a team of 8 members of staff and also forms a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, taking corporate responsibility for the overall direction and operational management of the College. 

Main responsibilities 

1. To lead the strategic and operational management of our finance function 

• Provide strategic leadership and quality assurance for the annual budgeting and forecasting process, delivered by the Financial Controller and finance team 

• Review and challenge monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial performance reports prepared by the Financial Controller, working closely with budget holders

• Present financial reports and analysis to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees to underpin informed discussion and decision-making

• Oversee, develop and maintain effective finance systems to reflect best practice and to help ensure timely and accurate figures  

• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive and Trustees that appropriate systems and controls are in place to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements 

• Provide executive oversight of the annual audit and statutory reporting process led by the Financial Controller, including the production of the annual report, working closely with auditors and ensuring that any management control points are implemented promptly 

• Lead trustee engagement on investment strategy and monitor investment performance 

• Support the operation of the College’s trading subsidiary 

• Co-ordinate the College’s use of restricted funds, ensuring compliance with contractual terms.

2. To foster individual and organisational development

• Monitor and develop our organisational culture, championing our values at every opportunity 

• Empower staff and teams to actively inform the direction of the College and our activities 

• Oversee the delivery of our equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, evaluating progress against key metrics 

• Support the implementation and delivery of our new strategy from 2027.

3. To oversee other areas of our corporate support function 

• Oversee our membership strategy to support sustained growth, identifying new opportunities to develop our offer to UK and international members 

• Lead on operational and contractual efficiencies and service improvement programmes including IT and facilities management, ensuring the smooth running of the organisation, raising productivity, and delivering value for money 

• Oversee all aspects of our HR function, including learning and development, in line with our values and behaviours framework, and new organisational strategy from 2027. 

• Oversee the robust management of risk, data protection, and health & safety compliance. 

4. To lead the department

• Lead and support the team, including through the identification and delivery of professional development opportunities 

• Establish individual and team objectives linked to our strategic priorities, monitoring and holding colleagues to account for delivery 

• Share key updates with the team on a regular basis and champion the department’s work internally 

• Ensure rigorous financial management and long-term forecasting to ensure departmental and College-wide sustainability 

• Support and provide strategic insight to committees, including the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee 

• Establish appropriate structures and processes to drive forward key projects, including collaborative working across the College and evaluating success against identified metrics. 

5. To be an active member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

• Provide leadership and support across the organisation, ensuring consistency of operation, high standards of service and driving a one-team approach 

• Agree organisation-wide policies and procedures and ensure their correct implementation 

• Assume corporate responsibility for trustee and senior leadership decisions 

• Role model our organisational values and behaviours at every opportunity

To undertake other duties as required:  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive

• Some travel may be required, including attendance at our annual congress. Working outside normal hours may also be needed from time to time on key projects 

Person specification 

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience 

• A CCAB-qualified accountant, with at least five years of experience in a senior leadership role 

• Detailed knowledge of charity financial management, budget preparation and reporting, risk, GDPR and health and safety 

• Experience of leading successful growth, such as through the delivery of a membership or fundraising strategy, alongside high levels of organisational productivity and efficiency 

• Experience of delivering against challenging performance targets, and of managing others to do so 

• Experience of HR, IT and Facilities management 

Skills and Abilities 

• Ambitious, dynamic, values-driven leader with established leadership skills and emotional intelligence 

• Successful track record of achieving results in a leadership role 

• Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to adopt a hands-on approach when required 

• Ability to present and write clear reports for non-financial managers, trustees and committee members 

• Highly developed influencing, persuading & communication skills 

• Sound understanding of systems management, including accountancy software and CRM 

• Ability to innovate, recognise challenges, analyse problems and apply effective solutions 

Personal Qualities (Attributes) 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work 

• Commitment to own continuing professional development 

Are you a qualified finance professional looking for a high-impact contract role within an international charity? This is a unique opportunity to join during a pivotal period of growth and transformation, helping integrate UK and US finance operations while ensuring robust financial control, compliance, reporting and governance.

Working closely with the VP of Finance, you will provide strategic financial leadership while remaining hands-on with financial operations, systems migration, board reporting and statutory compliance. This role would suit someone who thrives in a changing environment and enjoys improving processes, systems and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of UK finance operations into a global finance function
• Support the migration from QuickBooks to NetSuite and Barclays to HSBC
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities
• Prepare board reports and provide financial insights to senior stakeholders
• Lead UK audit activity and support statutory filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Review and improve financial policies, processes and reporting frameworks

Essential Skills & Experience

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• 5+ years' finance experience
• Experience managing change, finance transformation or systems projects
• Board reporting and stakeholder management experience
• Experience managing or mentoring finance staff

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Charity or international NGO experience
• NetSuite implementation or migration experience
• Gift Aid knowledge

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) is seeking an exceptional new Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of our journey, supporting the agricultural and horticultural community across Lincolnshire.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with real heart, strong community roots, and a clear purpose: ensuring no one in Lincolnshire’s rural community faces difficulty alone.

For over 25 years, LRSN has been a trusted lifeline, providing confidential, compassionate support to individuals and families facing crisis, isolation, and change. We are a listening organisation at our core, rooted in empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of rural life.

We are now looking for a professional, strategic CEO, who can build on this strong foundation; someone who will inspire people, strengthen partnerships, and lead with clarity and conviction in a changing world.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for shaping the strategic direction, sustainability, and impact of LRSN. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will lead a committed team of staff and volunteers, working collaboratively to ensure our services continue to reach those who need them most.

YOU WILL

• Provide clear, values-driven strategic leadership to grow LRSN’s reach and impact.

• Champion a positive, inclusive culture that empowers staff and volunteers.

• Strengthen income streams and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

• Act as a compelling ambassador for LRSN, building partnerships across sectors.

• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and effective organisational performance.

• Use insight and data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

WHY JOIN LRSN?

At LRSN, everything we do is guided by our values: we listen, we care, we serve others, we value people, we reach out, and we strive for excellence.

You will be joining an organisation with:

• A strong reputation and trusted presence across Lincolnshire.

• A dedicated and skilled volunteer network at its heart.

• A clear mission: that no one in our rural community should face difficulty alone.

• The opportunity to shape the future of a vital charity.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll bring senior leadership experience, strong charity and fundraising insight, financial confidence, and the ability to motivate people around a shared mission. A genuine connection to rural life and the farming community will help you thrive in this role.

Whether you are already operating at CEO/Head of Charity level or ready to step into your first top leadership role, you will be driven by purpose and passionate about making a difference.

WHAT WE OFFER

SALARY: Competitive Salary to be discussed on application

HOLIDAYS: 28 days plus public holidays

HOME-BASED WORK: with the requirement to travel for events and meetings

PENSION SCHEME: Contributory Pension Scheme - further details on application

For more information, a recruitment pack is available which will be sent on application.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your current CV and a supporting letter of application addressed to our Chair of Trustees, Matthew Phillips, outlining your reasons for applying, motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Closing date: 30th June 2026

Interviews will take place in two stages: First interviews 6th July and second 24th July 2026.

LRSN is committed to equality of opportunity. All applications will be treated in confidence.