Finance and commercial services director jobs

Hours:  Full time, 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Somerset House, London, although flexible and hybrid working are encouraged

Application Deadline: 12 July 2026 

Please note: 

• We may close the advert sooner if we receive a high volume of applications)
• All finance roles within the charity require a DBS check (basic)

Blue Marine's Mission

The Blue Marine Foundation seeks to protect and restore life in the ocean. Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed. We support low-impact fishing and equitable use of the ocean and address overfishing – one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. 
 
We are a dynamic NGO at the heart of cutting-edge marine conservation with headquarters in London but operating globally. This is an incredible chance to join our highly impactful charity; we look forward to hearing from you.

The Role

This role heads the Project Finance team and ensures it continues to support Blue Marine effectively as the organisation grows in scale and complexity. It also oversees the full financial journey of Blue Marine’s project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to strong financial oversight and accurate reporting. A key part of the role is building the financial and operational capacity of partners, helping partners scale their conservation impact through improved financial management and operational effectiveness.  

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance, the successful candidate will: 

• Oversee and develop the Project Finance team, setting clear priorities, high standards and effective ways of working.
• Drive the strategic direction of the Project Finance function as Blue Marine’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.
• Maintain high-level oversight of project budgets, delivery partners, donor requirements, financial risks and reporting obligations across the portfolio.
• Oversee the end-to-end financial journey of project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to ensuring timely and accurate reporting is received.
• Ensure high-quality, timely project reporting, budget monitoring, audit evidence and donor compliance, with fit-for-purpose processes followed consistently.
• Provide insight, challenge and analysis to support strategic decisions and funding proposals.
• Lead Blue Marine’s work to build the operational capacity of international project partners, including through some international travel.
• Champion practical improvements to systems and ways of working, building on an existing culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on support during peak reporting periods while maintaining senior oversight.
• Represent Finance with credibility and integrity across Blue Marine and with external partners and funders.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance where appropriate.
• Contribute to wider organisational priorities as a member of the senior management team.
• Uphold Blue Marine’s values and always embody this behaviour internally and externally.

This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks from time to time.

Skills and experience required

Essential 

• Significant senior experience in project finance, programme finance or commercial finance, with responsibility for complex budgets, reporting and risk.
• Strong track record of overseeing large and complex portfolios, including financial reporting, audit evidence, and contractual or donor compliance requirements and risk management.
• Experience of improving finance systems, reporting tools or organisational processes during a period of growth or change.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, policies and processes, with the ability to apply sound judgement in a practical and proportionate way.
• Experience of working with external partners to improve financial processes, reporting and operational effectiveness.
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to set clear priorities and improve ways of working.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build credibility and constructive relationships with colleagues, funders and external partners.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.

Desired 

• Qualified accountant, or equivalent senior-level financial experience.
• Experience of working with Microsoft-based systems, including Power Platform tools such as Power BI.
• Experience of bringing structure, clarity and strong financial discipline to complex or evolving organisations.
• Experience of working with international partners across different legal, operational or cultural contexts.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the environmental, conservation or charitable sector.

You may also...

Have the following personal qualities: 

• Calm, practical and solutions-focused
• Collaborative, supportive and confident working across teams
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a willingness to get into the detail when needed
• Good judgement, integrity and discretion
• Passion for, and commitment to, the ocean or another environmental cause

Why us?

This is a great opportunity for you to join our inspirational team and be part of making a difference! 

We offer a great salary in addition to a generous benefits package.  

We embrace agile working and trust our employees to work in a hybrid manner that gives them the flexibility to work from home or at the office according to their work commitments. We also recognise our head office is in London and currently offer an optional annual subsidy, which is available to employees committed to attending the office regularly on a weekly basis. 
 
Working alongside some of the most leading and pioneering minds in marine conservation, our training opportunities and collegiate nature means you will always be learning and supported with your development.  
 
Your wellbeing is important to us, and we hold social events throughout the year. We have a great culture and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.  
 
If you think you have what it takes and the experience to make it happen, then please apply, we would love you to be part of Blue Marine! 

Please note 
We reserve the right to close job adverts early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you would like to know more or have any questions, we are happy to help. 
 
We are a responsible and inclusive employer. We value diversity and are committed to equality and creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will support you to reach your full potential. 
 
We want you to perform at your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us.

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

Head of Group FP&A: £85,000 - £93,000 + Enhanced Benefits | London | Hybrid Working

For a large, global organisation, we are recruiting a Head of Group FP&A. Leading a team of 4, the Head of Group FP&A sits at the heart of Group and Global Finance, and leads Group MI, Reporting, Planning and Forecasting across the organisation. The role oversees cash and balance sheet forecasting for the Group and Subsidiaries and ensures insightful reporting to external stakeholders. Liaising with the Shared Service Centre, Centres of Excellence, and Regional finance teams, this role will shape and embed the implementation of new planning and reporting tools and will work with the business to create best-in-class FP&A processes during a time of substantial change and transformation. The Head of Group FP&A will shape and embed a unified finance culture and service model and will deliver a new planning tool (Anaplan) as part of the Finance Transformation Programme across the UK, International Regions and Global Strategic Business Units, partnering with Regional FD's and Business Directors.

Main Duties:

• Provide first-class Group FP&A and MI reporting service globally and regionally, for all strategic business units
• Ensure all Group FP&A processes meet the organisation's strategy, objectives and TOM
• Drive continuous improvement using technology to achieve best practice in Group FP&A
• Provide high-quality, insightful MI for the Group, making improvements as needed
• Develop and improve balance sheet and cash forecasting for the Group to meet external stakeholder requirements and develop Group forecasting of income and expenditure and cash for all subsidiaries
• Support Treasury in the forecasting of trapped and restricted cash forecasts
• Support leadership in coordinating and delivering Long Term Finance Planning, 5yr financial plans (3-statements)
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders in the UK and globally including the SSC, Centres of Excellence and MSP
• Drive the development of a more effective financial planning and forecasting process and lead the implementation of Anaplan, working with the business to increase the effectiveness of the FP&A process in the UK and globally
• Drive a step change in cash and balance sheet forecasting at Group and Entity level
• Drive the implementation of Global FP&A processes and Reporting Tools

Person Specification:

• CCAB Qualified with proven experience delivering and managing in similar FP&A roles
• Strong commercial experience gained in a complex global matrix-managed organisation
• Experience leading teams in organisations undergoing change and driving for growth
• Experience with the appraisal of investment projects
• Experience with implementing new and enhanced financial reporting and MI tools
• Shared Services (SSC) experience
• Development and optimisation of SAP accounting and planning applications i.e., Anaplan

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

Interim Senior FP&A Manager

Location: Thame (Oxfordshire) with hybrid working (minimum, 2 days per week in the office) and occasional travel
Contract: Interim, Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2027
Salary / day rate: £60,000 per annum (pro rata)
Reports to: Head of Finance

Affinity Trust is looking for an experienced Interim Senior FP&A Manager to bring senior finance capacity, challenge and insight across a complex, multi-site organisation.

This is not a routine reporting role. We are looking for someone who can quickly get under the skin of operational performance, understand the financial drivers behind service delivery, and help senior leaders make better, faster and more informed decisions.

You will work closely with the Head of Finance, Finance Business Partners, Divisional Directors and operational leaders, providing high-quality analysis, forecasting, commercial insight and constructive challenge. The work will span income, workforce costs, agency and overtime spend, utilisation, fee rates, contract performance, forecasting assumptions and recovery planning.

This is a senior individual contributor role, adding experienced capacity where it is most needed, to help maintain pace across key priorities, and strengthen the link between financial insight and operational action.

The assignment

You will be joining at a point where strong financial planning, clear analysis and senior business partnering are critical to supporting sustainable services.

Your work will include:

• Leading robust forecasting and scenario modelling across a complex operational portfolio
• Providing senior finance business partnering to divisional and operational leaders
• Analysing key cost drivers, particularly workforce-related costs such as agency, overtime, sickness and staffing ratios
• Reviewing income, fee rates, local authority funding assumptions, utilisation and contract performance
• Supporting tenders, contract reviews, business cases and service sustainability analysis
• Helping identify whether financial pressure is driven by fee levels, operational delivery, workforce deployment or a combination of factors
• Translating complex financial information into clear insight, options and practical recommendations
• Supporting the head of finance and wider finance team with additional senior capacity during a period of increased demand.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant with ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent, and substantial experience in senior FP&A, finance business partnering or commercial finance roles.

You will be confident working with senior stakeholders and able to bring both grip and judgement. You will know how to challenge assumptions constructively, explain complex financial information clearly, and turn analysis into action.

You are likely to have worked in a complex, multi-site or operationally demanding environment, where financial performance is closely linked to workforce planning, contract income, service delivery and operational decision-making.

You will bring:

• Strong FP&A, forecasting, modelling and management reporting experience
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability
• Credibility with senior operational and finance stakeholders
• Experience supporting budgeting, reforecasting, recovery planning and performance improvement
• The ability to work at pace, prioritise well and operate with a high level of autonomy
• A practical, commercial and solutions-focused approach.

Experience in social care, healthcare, supported living, charity or not-for-profit settings would be helpful, but is not essential. Experience with Local Authority funding, high-volume staffing models, workforce cost pressures or interim turnaround environments would be particularly valuable.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact quickly.

You will be joining a values-led not-for-profit support organisation with national impact, where finance plays a central role in supporting sustainable, high-quality services for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

For the right person, this is a role with real substance: complex operations, senior stakeholder exposure, meaningful commercial analysis, and the chance to strengthen financial decision-making where it matters most.

Please note, if you are successful, we may need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (Criminal Record) check at the relevant level for the role. This will be paid for by us.

We are looking for an experienced, thoughtful Operations Lead to join our small,

purpose-led CIC. The Operations Lead is central to how Power & Integrity functions day-

to-day, supporting both the running of operations and the development of the systems

and processes that help us work more effectively as we grow. The postholder holds the

operational backbone of the organisation, providing trusted executive and

administrative support, coordinating our consultancy portfolio, supporting financial

processes, and strengthening the systems that allow our work to land reliably and on

time.

Working closely with the Co-Chairs, the Operations, Governance and Risk Committee,

our consultancy, impact and the finance function, the postholder combines hands-on

operational delivery with coordination across our consulting and wider engagements.

This is a varied, practical role suited to someone who enjoys constructing workflows,

anticipating needs, spotting risks early, and creating processes that allow others to do

their best work.

This is not a polished corporate operations role. We are a small organisation, still

evolving how we work, so this role would suit someone who enjoys building, shaping, and

improving systems over time, rather than stepping into something already fully formed.

The role carries responsibility for coordination, administration and reliable delivery. The

postholder enables and supports decision-making, governance and delivery, working

within agreed processes and escalating appropriately, and grows their scope over time.

Schools North East is approaching its 20th year as the region’s dedicated, independent voice for schools. Over that time, we have grown into a highly successful, dynamic and influential charity, representing over 1,150 schools in the North East and 400 specialist schools nationally.

Our reputation as the Voice of North East Schools is firmly established, trusted by our members, respected by policymakers, and recognised nationally. We are now recruiting a highly motivated Deputy Events Manager to join our small but very successful team to provide maternity cover on a fixed-term basis for up to 12 months. This is an important delivery role within Schools North East, supporting the Events Manager to plan and deliver a high-quality events programme that provides practical support, insight and connection for schools across the North East and beyond.

The role requires someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to take ownership of allocated events from planning through to evaluation. You will support the delivery of a diverse programme of conferences, webinars, roundtables, training sessions and stakeholder events, helping to ensure that every event is well-run, financially sound, professionally delivered and valued by delegates, speakers, sponsors and partners.

This is a hands-on role in a busy team. You will need to work at pace, manage multiple deadlines, solve problems calmly and build strong working relationships with colleagues, suppliers, venues, speakers, sponsors and school leaders. You will also contribute ideas to improve the events programme, support income generation through delegate engagement, sponsorship and exhibitor activity, and help maintain the high standards associated with Schools North East events.

You will be joining a small, committed and high-performing team, where people take ownership, work flexibly and care deeply about the difference we make. If you combine strong delivery with initiative, creativity and a genuine commitment to supporting education in the region, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

The Deputy Events Manager will support the Events Manager in the planning, coordination, delivery and evaluation of Schools North East’s annual events programme. The role will take responsibility for allocated events and projects, ensuring that each one is delivered to a high standard, on time, within agreed budgets and in line with the charity’s strategic priorities.

This is a key operational role within the Events team. You will work across conferences, online events, webinars, roundtables, training sessions, stakeholder events and other activities that bring together school leaders, business professionals, policymakers, commercial partners and wider education stakeholders. You will help ensure that delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors experience Schools North East events as professional, purposeful and valuable.

Working closely with the Events Manager, you will contribute to the smooth running of the events programme by managing event logistics, coordinating suppliers and venues, supporting speaker liaison, maintaining accurate event information, contributing to marketing activity, supporting sponsorship and exhibitor delivery, and ensuring strong customer service before, during and after each event.

You will also play an important role in evaluation and continuous improvement. This will include gathering feedback, reviewing delegate and sponsor experience, identifying practical improvements, and helping the Events Manager to use evidence and insight to strengthen future events.

The Events Manager retains overall accountability for the events strategy, annual programme, income targets, budgets, commercial growth and team leadership. The Deputy Events Manager will contribute to these areas by delivering allocated events effectively, supporting income-generating activity, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring that operational delivery reflects the quality and ambition of Schools North East. You will also deputise in the absence of the Events Manager.

Join our team

This is an important role in the organisation, working with a team of similarly motivated and like minded people with a strong desire to succeed, make a difference and support education in our region. In your role, you will support and be supported by the wider Schools North East team, which includes a dedicated Events team, Finance & Admin team, Marketing & Communications team, and Policy team.

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Event Delivery and Operations

• Lead on the planning, coordination and delivery of allocated events, from initial briefing through to post-event evaluation
• Manage event logistics, including venue arrangements, delegate information, speaker requirements, supplier coordination, event materials, AV requirements and on-the-day delivery
• Ensure allocated events are delivered on time, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
• Maintain clear event plans, timelines, task lists and records, ensuring colleagues have the information they need to support delivery
• Provide excellent customer service to delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and partners before, during and after events
• Support the Events Manager in ensuring that operational processes are effective, consistent and fit for purpose across the full events programme 

Programme Support and Development

• Support the Events Manager to deliver a comprehensive annual events programme aligned with Schools North East’s strategic priorities
• Contribute practical ideas for event content, formats, speakers, delegate engagement and continuous improvement
• Use delegate feedback, event data and stakeholder insight to help identify opportunities to strengthen the programme
• Support the development of online, hybrid and face-to-face events, ensuring that each format is well planned and professionally delivered
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure events reflect current priorities for schools and provide tangible value to members and stakeholders

Income, Sponsorship and Commercial Support

• Support the delivery of income-generating events, including delegate bookings, sponsorship packages, exhibitor activity and partner engagement
• Help identify potential sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and partners for allocated events
• Liaise professionally with sponsors and exhibitors, ensuring agreed benefits are delivered accurately and on time
• Support the Events Manager with the preparation of information needed for sponsorship, exhibitor and delegate income monitoring
• Contribute to the development of commercial opportunities while ensuring that events remain mission-aligned and credible with schools

Financial and Supplier Management

• Manage event-level budgets for allocated projects, tracking expenditure and income against agreed plans
• Obtain quotes, liaise with venues and suppliers, and support cost-effective procurement for event delivery
• Maintain accurate financial and operational records to support budget monitoring, invoicing and post-event reporting
• Support the Events Manager and Business Manager with the preparation of event information for profit and loss reporting
• Ensure contracts, purchase orders and supplier arrangements are managed in line with organisational processes 

Marketing, Communications and Engagement

• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to support effective promotion of events
• Provide accurate event information, deadlines, audience insight and content for mailers, website listings, social media and delegate communications
• Support audience engagement by helping to identify target groups, school networks and stakeholder contacts for allocated events
• Ensure delegate communications are clear, timely and professional
• Help maintain the Schools North East brand and reputation through high-quality event materials, communications and customer service

Team Working

• Work closely with the Events Manager, Events Coordinator(s) and wider team to ensure effective delivery across the events programme
• Coordinate tasks for colleagues, temporary staff, interns or volunteers where required for specific events
• Contribute positively to a small, busy and flexible team, undertaking practical tasks as required to support the wider aims of Schools North East
• Share learning, feedback and improvements to support consistency and quality across events
• Work flexibly, including occasional early mornings, evenings, regional travel and national travel where required 

Person Specification

Essential

Event Delivery:

At least 3 years’ experience in event planning and delivery, including responsibility for coordinating events from planning through to evaluation

Operational Organisation:

Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines, tasks and priorities at pace

Problem Solving:

Able to remain calm under pressure, solve practical problems quickly and respond effectively to unexpected issues during event planning and live delivery

Communication and Customer Service:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide professional, responsive and high-quality customer service to delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers and colleagues

Stakeholder Relationships:

Confident in building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of people, including venues, suppliers, school leaders, speakers, sponsors and partners

Income and Commercial Awareness:

Experience supporting income-generating events, including delegate bookings, sponsorship, exhibitors, ticket sales or commercial partnerships

Supplier and Venue Coordination:

Experience liaising with venues, AV providers, event suppliers and contractors to support high quality and cost-effective delivery

Budget Awareness:

Able to monitor event-level budgets, track income and expenditure, and maintain accurate records to support financial reporting

Technical Skills:

Confident using event systems, CRM or database platforms, virtual event software, G Suite or similar tools, and basic AV equipment

Collaborative Working:

A proactive, can-do approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a small, busy team

Results Driven:

Highly motivated, target-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes that support education in the North East

Sector Interest:

An interest in, and ability to quickly understand, the education system and the issues affecting schools Desirable Experience in the education, charity, or membership sector

To apply: Please submit your full CV, clarifying any gaps in employment, along with a cover letter clearly linking your skills and experience to the job description and person specification FAO Lindsay Gerencser.

Schools North East is approaching its 20th year as the region’s dedicated, independent voice for schools. Over that time, we have grown into a highly successful, dynamic, and influential charity, representing over 1,150 member schools in the North East and 400 specialist schools nationally. Our reputation as the Voice of North East Schools is firmly established – trusted by our members, respected by policymakers, and recognised nationally.

We are now entering the next phase of our journey and are recruiting a highly motivated Events Manager to join our small but very successful team. This is a diverse and challenging role which offers tremendous opportunity to shape and implement programmes that make a real difference in schools.

It requires someone with strong business acumen who is a target-oriented and driven individual, focused on achieving challenging targets. You must have significant experience in managing a large and successful events programme consisting of a diverse range of physical and virtual events, ranging in size from 20 to 700 attendees. In the academic year 2024/25, we supported over 3000 school leaders from the North East and beyond through our events programme.

You will be joining a small, committed and high-performing team, where people take ownership, work at pace, and care deeply about the difference we make. In return, this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape a key part of the organisation and to play a central role in its future direction.

If you combine strong delivery with curiosity, initiative and the confidence to develop new approaches, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

The Events Manager will work closely with the Directors and Senior Leaders to drive the organisation’s strategic development, financial resilience, and stakeholder relationships. As a key member of the leadership team, you will design and deliver a comprehensive annual events programme that aligns with the charity’s strategic plan and provides tangible support to schools across the North East and beyond. You will play a proactive role in shaping company strategy, contributing to the growth and sustainability of all programmes and activities.

Your primary focus will be the execution of a successful events programme and a robust income strategy for Schools North East. This involves exploring innovative ways to support the organisation’s core projects and representing the charity externally to expand our network of speakers, delegates and commercial sponsors. Working alongside other teams, you will also help grow membership programmes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the charity and its trading arm.

Success in this role requires the ability to maintain excellent relationships with existing and potential supporters while driving high levels of engagement across the events portfolio. You will be a confident and highly organised networker, tasked with increasing school participation by actively promoting Schools North East and developing deep links with regional stakeholders.

You will provide Directors with the essential information and capacity needed to focus on overarching strategic priorities, ensuring the events programme remains mission-aligned. By managing the Deputy Events Manager and Event Coordinators, you will ensure the team is equipped to handle the increased scale and complexity resulting from the organisation’s recent growth, delivering high-quality outcomes across all activities.

Join our Team

This is a key role in the organisation, working with a team of similarly motivated and like-minded people with a strong desire to succeed, make a difference and to support education in our region. In your role, you will support and be supported by the wider Schools North East team, which includes a dedicated Events team, Finance & Admin team, Marketing & Communications team, and Policy team.

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Strategy and Development

• Contribute ideas, information and high-level speakers to produce a ‘must attend’ events programme that meets strategic goals
• Represent the charity externally to conduct strategic conversations with members, steering groups and commercial organisations, securing sponsorship and long-term support for the charity’s sustainability
• Oversee the marketing strategy for all events to ensure maximum engagement and brand visibility
• Grow the events programme through online and face-to-face delivery

Financial Management

• Provide Directors with the necessary data to formulate the annual budget and produce timely cash flow projections
• Take full responsibility for project budgets, and support the Business Manager to prepare detailed profit and loss reports for review by the Directors
• Manage supplier and venue relationships, ensuring all contracts and services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively

Team Leadership

• Line manage the Deputy Events Manager, Events Coordinator (s) and any temporary support staff or interns
• Work as an integral member of a small, senior team, undertaking flexible tasks as required to deliver the overarching aims of Schools North East

Event Delivery and Operations

• Manage the full lifecycle of the events programme, from initial proposal and on-site inspection to final execution
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget, maintaining clear timelines and priorities across the team
• Oversee all operational and administrative functions to ensure excellent customer service and high-quality delivery across every event

Person Specification

Essential

Strategic & Operational Balance:

Highly organised with an eye for detail and the capacity to pivot between high-level strategy and hands-on operational tasks; organised with an eye for detail.

Collaborative Leadership:

A proactive can-do attitude; able to work independently or as a team lead to achieve shared organisational goals.

Results Driven:

Highly motivated and target orientated, with a genuine passion for making a difference in North East education.

Innovative Problem Solving:

Creative thinker able to articulate new ideas and solve complex, unexpected issues on the spot under pressure.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Excellent communication skills (verbal/written) with a natural ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people.

Senior Event Management:

5+ years’ experience delivering complex, large-scale event programmes from initial concept to final execution.

Income & Growth:

Proven track record in event income generation, including sponsorship, exhibitor sales, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Sector Knowledge:

Understanding of the education system, current policy issues and political developments affecting schools, or the willingness to learn.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in virtual event platforms ie, zoom; CRM systems and G Suite; and, event-specific platforms and AV.

Desirable

Experience in the education, charity, or membership sector