Finance director jobs in Greater london

Help shape the next chapter of growth, sustainability and impact at the UK's leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability.

Location: Hybrid/Tadworth

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026

About The Children’s Trust

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability, transforming lives through innovative rehabilitation, education and community services.

For over four decades, we have been pioneering new approaches to help children rebuild their skills, confidence and futures after life-changing injuries.

Our national specialist centre in Tadworth, Surrey, is home to the largest children’s neurorehabilitation service of its kind in the UK.

We help children through play, exploration, laughter and having fun; things that are often absent when a child has limited mobility or has had a challenging time. When therapy, healthcare and education are combined with music, arts and crafts, day trips and other fun activities, children are encouraged to focus not on their limitations, but on the goals that matter to them — and to enjoy themselves along the way.

About the role

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, you will provide strategic financial leadership during an important phase of organisational development.

This is not a turnaround assignment; the charity has achieved two consecutive years of surplus performance and is financially stable. Instead, the role focuses on supporting future growth and long-term sustainability, while leading finance, procurement, payroll and clinical assets and partnering closely with trustees and executive colleagues.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a commercially minded and strategically focused finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative and people-centred leadership style. We are open to candidates from Charity, Healthcare, Care and NHS-related environments and Commercial organisations. The strongest candidates are likely to have a combination of strong commercial grounding, understanding of charity finance, experience supporting organisational change and exposure to regulated environments.

You will be comfortable operating at executive level, bringing both strategic insight and the credibility to influence key decisions across a complex organisation.

Just as important as your experience is your leadership style. You will be a trusted and authentic partner who can challenge constructively, build strong relationships and work collaboratively across the organisation.

This is not a role for someone seeking change for change’s sake; instead, you will recognise what is working well, bring people with you and help shape the next chapter of The Children’s Trust’s success.

Please note: the required start date is Wednesday 16th September.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026.

Our client is one of London’s leading homelessness charities, working to end street homelessness and help the people they support to find and sustain a decent home, build supportive relationships and lead a fulfilling life.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to take on a new senior strategic leadership role that will play a key part in the future direction and long-term sustainability of the organisation.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will work collectively with the Chief Executive and Director of Services to provide organisational leadership, contributing to strategic direction and operational effectiveness.

You will be accountable for ensuring the organisation has effective infrastructure, people and financial sustainability. You will oversee and provide integration across all non-service operational areas, holding overall responsibility for Finance, People, Data, IT, Property & Facilities, and our client's Registered Provider subsidiary.

You will act as a primary point of organisational assurance to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and Board on operational sustainability, risk and compliance.

Key priorities include providing organisational stewardship of finance, overseeing the transformation and effective operation of digital, data and technology systems, and championing continuous improvement in organisational capability, leadership and ways of working.

Director of Operations
Salary: circa £92,000 per annum
Directorate: Central Operations

About you

We are seeking a leader with a strong collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to collective responsibility and organisational leadership. You will bring:

• Senior strategic leadership experience in a complex organisation, with responsibility for multiple operational and enabling functions.
• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to oversee budgets, interpret financial data and communicate financial matters clearly to senior leaders and Trustees.
• Experience of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement.
• Experience of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to operate credibly at Board and Committee level.
• Ability to operate effectively within a regulated environment, including building an understanding of the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing.
• Extensive experience of managing multiple projects and critical decision making.

Crucially, you will demonstrate a clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to furthering our client's mission of ending street homelessness.

How to Apply

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply for this role, please visit the link located at the bottom of the advert on the Prospectus website.

Recruitment timeline

Application deadline: 9th August
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 24th August & w/c 31st August
Interviews with our client: 18th September

Lead with purpose. Drive commercial performance. Shape the future.

Our client is a successful, values-led organisation operating within the care sector. With an ambitious strategy for growth and a strong social purpose, they are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join their Executive Leadership Team.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a broad executive role that goes well beyond traditional finance. As a key member of the leadership team, you will influence organisational strategy, commercial performance, property investment, governance, technology and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board, you will help shape the future of a respected, multi-site organisation where commercial success delivers meaningful social impact.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will:

• Lead the organisation's financial strategy, planning and reporting.
• Provide commercial insight to improve operational performance.
• Oversee finance, property, governance, risk and assurance functions.
• Support strategic investment, business cases and long-term growth.
• Develop meaningful management information and performance reporting.
• Partner with senior operational leaders to drive informed decision-making.
• Present high-quality financial and strategic reports to the Board and Executive Team.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior finance leadership experience gained within a commercially complex organisation.

You will also bring:

• Strong commercial and strategic thinking.
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and Board-level communication skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across functions.
• The confidence to challenge constructively while building strong relationships.

Experience within healthcare, social care, hospitality, property or other multi-site environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• £100,000 - £125,000 salary (dependent on experience)
• Car allowance
• Performance-related bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Generous annual leave
• Flexible working
• Life assurance
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role within a purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future.

Apply

If you are a commercially minded finance leader looking for an executive role where your expertise can influence strategy, drive performance and create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Contract: Full-time 
Location: Remote, with at least one all staff in-person meet up annually in the UK 
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum 
Benefits: 40 days holiday + 2 activism days + 1 duvet day 

Why this role matters 

At HOST, we believe that anyone, anywhere, should be able to drive transformative climate and social action - without being held back by operational barriers, financial risk or hostile environments. We host the world’s changemakers so they can focus on delivering the impact only they can create. 

The Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring HOST’s financial management is robust, compliant, transparent and scalable across both our internal operations and our project hosting services. This role brings financial leadership to the organisation, supporting strong decision-making, reliable reporting, effective controls and continuous improvement across our finance function. 

The role sits within HOST’s senior leadership and works closely with colleagues across the Delivery, Partnerships, Legal and Engagement circles, as well as the Board, to ensure we can deliver high-quality support to partners while managing risk and using resources well. 

The role in a nutshell 

The Finance Director leads the Finance Team and is responsible for HOST’s financial management, ensuring strong compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

The Finance Director is part of the HOST Leadership Team and would have line management responsibility for three Finance Managers within the Finance team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee HOST’s financial management, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements. 

• Develop and monitor budgets for both HOST operations and hosted projects. 

• Provide regular financial reporting to the Leadership Team and Board. 

• Lead efforts to improve financial systems, controls and workflows. 

• Ensure robust financial oversight of hosted projects and HOST’s internal systems. 

• Contribute as an integral member of the Leadership Team, bringing financial insight to strategic and operational decision-making. 

• Manage cashflow strategy, including multi-currency considerations. 

• Oversee delivery of monthly management accounts. 

• Develop and report on profitability across HOST’s range of services and offerings. 

• Support HOST’s strategic direction by working with the Leadership Team on KPIs and organisational dashboards. 

• Ensure effective, timely and efficient delivery of the following by the finance function: 

• Records of income and expenditure, including grants, donations, receivables, consultancy receipts and invoices. 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in finance systems and other interconnected databases. 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements and payment service providers for HOST. 

• Month-end reporting, including management reports and accounts such as income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and KPIs. 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance requirements. 

• Payroll services for HOST and hosted projects. 

• Accounting reports for new services. 

• VAT preparation and submission. 

• Records of income and expenditure are maintained: grants, donations, receivables, and consultancy receipts, invoices 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in Xero and other interconnected databases 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions in Xero, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements, and payment service providers for HOST 

• Month-end reporting process by preparing management reports and accounts, such as income/expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and KPIs 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance 

• Payroll service for HOST and hosted projects 

• Accounting reports for new services 

• Managing VAT preparation and submission 

Knowledge and Experience 

• Proven experience as an SME finance leader 

• Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA or CIMA. 

• Experience implementing financial controls and processes. 

• Multi-currency cashflow and treasury management experience. 

• Experience setting budgets and forecasts. 

• Internal audit experience. 

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver projects to tight deadlines. 

• Minimum 5 years’ people management experience. 

• Excellent knowledge of cloud-based working. 

• Knowledge and experience using Sage or other similar accounting systems 

• Knowledge and experience of other relevant software applications, such as Excel, Teams, ClickUp etc. 

• ESG or sustainable finance experience. 

• Software implementation experience. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic thinking 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Attention to detail 

• Planning and organising 

• Time management 

• Interpersonal skills 

• Initiative 

• Confidentiality

• Reliability 

• Leadership of staff

Essential Abilities 

• Ability to confidently discuss financial narratives with senior leaders and Board members. 

• Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and time to meet priorities and deadlines. 

• Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions to work-related issues. 

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with a wide range of people, including handling queries in a tactful and confidential manner. 

• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to business partner effectively with non-finance colleagues. 

• Good organisation and administrative skills. 

• Able to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Ability to undertake a range of financial functions. 

What success in this role looks like 

• Finance systems, reporting and controls are robust, reliable and audit ready. 

• Leadership Team and Board decisions are informed by clear, timely and useful financial insight. 

• Hosted partners receive accurate, consistent and responsive financial support. 

• The finance function continues to improve workflows, systems and reporting as HOST grows. 

At HOST, we believe change starts with people who care. 

If you’re passionate about building strong financial systems that help changemakers thrive - and want to play a key leadership role in supporting climate and social change around the world - we’d love to hear from you. 

The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (GA) is the central charity that supports its member congregations, ministers and societies in England, Scotland and Wales. Its purpose is to promote free and inquiring religion, through inclusive, free-thinking communities that draw on wisdom from all sources, without doctrine or dogma. Our congregations are autonomous and locally led; the GA is not a hierarchical leadership body, but one that supports and leads alongside our members. 

As Britain’s religious culture and context has changed, so have Unitarian communities, and the GA is in a process of adapting to best meet these changing needs. 

The purpose of this role 

This is a new role, being the operational engine to strengthen the organisation at a time of change. Shifts in the wider Unitarian movement with patterns of innovation, rebuilding, and growth alongside congregational vulnerabilities and closures mean that the GA’s operational function must adapt. 

This role would suit someone who is excited to manage governance, systems, and data as strategic enablers in a values-driven organisation, who can drive change while delivering operational excellence. 

This is a role with real scope to shape how an organisation that is approaching its centenary works in the years ahead - including how good data, digital systems, and emerging tools can support a small team to make best use of its resources and build capacity for relational work. 

The Operations Director will work closely with the Chief Officer, and will be a collaborative and proactive enabler to lead a transition to a future-fit organisation that can better serve its members and have a greater impact. 

You don't need to be Unitarian or a person of faith to apply. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and beliefs who are drawn to work within a values-led organisation. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Strategy & organisational development — Partner closely with the Chief Officer to shape strategy, translate priorities into action, and build the systems that make us resilient.

• Governance, legal & compliance — Serve as Company Secretary, stewarding our transition to CIO and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory obligations with confidence.

• Financial oversight — Ensure financial management arrangements (including outsourced providers) deliver accurate, timely information and sound controls; work with the Honorary Treasurer and external accountants on budgeting, fund oversight and audit support, escalating risks and holding providers to account. 

• Systems, data & digital — Lead our information infrastructure, oversee our CRM migration, and champion a culture of good data practice — including thoughtful use of AI where beneficial.

• People & HR — Line manage two team members and keep our HR and supplier relationships running smoothly, with care and clarity.

• Unitarian relationships — Nurture collaborative relationships with key Unitarian bodies from an operational perspective, including governance support for affiliated organisations.

• Events & communications — Take operational ownership of the Annual Meeting and ensure the infrastructure behind our communications is solid and reliable. 

See the attached job description for more details. 

What core skills and experience you’ll have 

Essential: 

• Senior operations leadership experience in a purpose-led or membership organisation, with a track record of building capacity through periods of organisational change. 

• Experience leading complex organisational change and systems transformation, including the people dimensions of change. 

• Experience managing contracted delivery of services by third parties 

• Financial literacy sufficient to own management accounts, lead a budgeting process, and act as a critical friend to trustees on financial governance.

• Must be comfortable interrogating financial information and holding external providers to account; accountancy qualification not required 

• Experience of leading the implementation or significant improvement of CRM, financial management, or other organisational systems — including managing migration risk 

• Experience of people management, and good HR / employment practice 

• Substantial experience of charity governance and compliance 

• Solid working knowledge of UK charity law and Charity Commission requirements, including the ability to advise senior colleagues and trustees with confidence 

Desirable: 

• Experience of property or building management, including leases, tenancy relationships, and facilities oversight 

• Experience of a CIO conversion or similar legal restructuring of a charity 

• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms 

• Experience of working in a faith, membership, or congregational context 

• Company secretarial experience 

Please note: We've listed essentials and desirables in good faith, but we know no one is the finished article. If you bring the right values, approach, and most of the experience, we would love to hear from you. 

About the role 

• JOB TITLE: Operations Director 

• LOCATION: Central London (Essex Hall, WC2) and home-based hybrid. Minimum 2 days per week in the office. 

• WORKING HOURS: Full-time 35 hours a week. Part-time applications (min. 4 days a week) considered. 

• SALARY: £55,000 per annum 

• START DATE: ASAP 

Our benefits package includes 

• 30 days holiday, plus English bank holidays 

• Workplace pension scheme (7% Employer contribution) 

• Staff support budget for personal development and wellbeing 

• Membership of financial wellbeing programme (Maji) 

Apply for the position of Operations Director 

Please submit a cover letter and CV via the link below to make an application. 

In your cover letter, we would like to understand what it is that has drawn you to this role, what it is about the General Assembly’s work that resonates with you and what experience you have of implementing organisational change. 

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visa applications. 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 15th July 2026, 23:59 BST. 

Our initial first stage interviews will take place on Wednesday 22nd July 2026. These interviews will be in person at our Head Office, Essex Hall, in Central London and we will reimburse travel expenses (standard class public transport). 

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a final video interview taking place week commencing 27th July 2026. 

Please keep these dates free and be aware that there will be a short notice period before each interview.

The interview process will include a prepared task, and you'll be given plenty of time in advance to work on it - we want to see your thinking, not test you under pressure. 

If you need any reasonable adjustments to support you through the interview process, please just let us know - we're happy to help. 

Purpose of the post

The Associate Director of Finance is a senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the charity’s financial health through sound management of its day-to-day financial operations, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance. This post exists to provide leadership to the team, oversee treasury management, payment processing, payroll, and audit functions, and continuously improve financial processes and systems to support the charity’s long-term sustainability and mission.

With overall responsibility for the Finance and Funding Team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role ensures that the organisation’s financial framework is robust, supporting effective decision-making and delivering transparent, accurate financial reporting. The post-holder will also play a key role in revitalising the internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains high standards of accountability, and is prepared for future growth.

Main responsibilities

Financial Operations and Treasury Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring effective controls and timely processing of transactions.

• Manage the charity’s treasury function, including cash flow forecasting and management of HDR UK’s bank accounts.

• Oversee maintenance of the accounting system, ensuring it supports effective financial reporting and compliance.

• Review and approve weekly payment runs and monthly payroll.

• As the organisation’s Finance lead, provide advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team regarding HDR UK’s financial position, controls and processes, and strategic direction.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead the preparation of the charity’s annual accounts, ensuring they meet statutory reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate the audit process.

• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements to regulators and other authorities (including HMRC, Charity Commission, The Pension Regulator, ONS)

Quarterly Forecasting and Budgeting:

• Work closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager on quarterly forecasting and the annual budgeting process.

• Ensure alignment between financial operations and the charity’s broader strategic goals.

• Support the production of monthly management accounts.

• Work with the Associate Director of People to carry out the annual salary review, making recommendations founded on economic analysis and impacts on budget to SLT and the Remuneration Committee.

Process Improvement and Systems Management:

• Drive continuous improvement of internal financial processes, ensuring they are fit for purpose and scalable.

• Oversee and refresh HDR UK’s internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains strong internal controls.

• Implement and monitor key financial controls to safeguard the charity's assets, including management of the fixed asset register and ownership of HDR UK’s insurance policies.

Team Leadership:

• Directly manage the Finance Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Business Partner, providing mentorship and development opportunities.

• Lead and develop HDR UK’s Finance & Funding team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.

Governance and risk management:

• Support the development and implementation of financial policies, risk management strategies, and internal controls to maintain robust financial governance.

• Management of the delegated authority framework to increase efficiency in the approvals process while maintaining accountability.

• Attend and actively contribute to meetings of Senior Leadership Team, Board and relevant sub-committees such as Audit & Risk.

Stakeholder management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with operational and finance teams within HDR UK’s wider community and network of university partners, ensuring transparent and effective communication and collaboration.

Experience

Required:

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within the UK charity sector with a robust understanding of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

• Proven track record of managing and leading financial operations, including treasury management, audit oversight, and financial reporting.

• Experience in developing and improving internal financial controls.

• Previous experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including senior leadership, external auditors, and operational teams.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and approving payroll, payment runs, and managing complex financial transactions.

• Experience in developing and improving internal audit frameworks.

• Experience working on quarterly forecasting, annual budgeting processes, and the production of management accounts.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction and future growth of TCVS, working closely with the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and senior colleagues to deliver our organisational ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership across all corporate services, including HR, Finance, IT, Facilities, Health & Safety, Compliance, Administration and Organisational Systems.
• Ensure operational systems, policies and processes are efficient, compliant, scalable and support organisational excellence.
• Lead organisational development, workforce planning and continuous improvement, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture.
• Oversee governance, risk management, business continuity and regulatory compliance, supporting the Board to deliver effective governance.
• Monitor organisational performance, ensuring delivery against strategic priorities and organisational objectives.
• Drive digital transformation and innovation, embedding technology and systems that improve efficiency, data quality and organisational learning.
• Support the long-term financial sustainability of TCVS by developing earned income opportunities, partnerships and trading activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trustees, partners, funders, tenants and key stakeholders, representing TCVS across Thurrock and South West Essex.
• Contribute to organisational resilience, growth and future expansion through effective leadership, planning and decision-making.
• Deputise for the Chief Executive as required and provide leadership across the organisation.

You will also champion equality, diversity and inclusion, promote staff wellbeing and professional development, participate in the on-call rota, and undertake other responsibilities appropriate to this senior leadership role.

Are you a forward-thinking finance leader who thrives on building a high-performing team and delivering a highly efficient and dependable finance function?

Wycliffe Bible Translators is one of the most exciting Christian charities to work for. We are a dynamic organisation with a big vision – a world where everyone can know Jesus through the Bible.

As our Assistant Director of Finance, you will hold direct operational accountability for our processes and outputs, serving as a vital steward of the resources that support our global mission. We are looking for a relational, rigorous accountant eager to serve as a key deputy and strategic partner. You will own the integrity of our financial engine, but you will use a business-partnering approach to work alongside our departments to best serve the organisation.

• Salary: £60,000-70,000 + benefits
• Location: Home based or the option of a desk in our Oxford or Belfast offices.
• Terms of appointment: Full-time (37.5 hours per week). Permanent
• Closing date: Thursday 23 July at 9am
• Interview date: Interviews will be held in Oxford on 11-12 August

Key responsibilities:

• Finance function control
• People development and leadership
• Strategic support and business partnering
• Systems, innovation and ethos

Benefits include:

• 33 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Employer pension contributions up to 7.5%
• Fully employer-funded life assurance
• 24/7 employee assistance programme for emotional and practical support
• Family-friendly employer
• Monthly in-person team days in Oxfordshire or the Chilterns (expenses covered)
• Hot-desking facility at Belfast office
• Fully paid-for professional development opportunities.

​It is an occupational requirement of this role that you have a clear, personal commitment to the beliefs set out in our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Position Statement.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

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

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

This is an exciting time to join Discover 

In spring 2026 we delivered a major programme of business transformation including rebuilding site infrastructure, new visitor spaces, an improved ticketing model and revised accounting system and procedures. 

We’re now looking for a permanent, part-time Finance Director to join our Senior Management team, shape and manage the finance department and bring financial insight to all areas of decision making. 

Overview of the role 

• Overseeing and continuously improving our financial systems, controls and processes 

• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team 

• Producing management accounts and reports to funders 

• Analysis of financial performance and drivers 

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes. 

• Cash and treasury management 

• Prepare statutory accounts and run the external audit processes. 

• VAT checks and returns 

• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations and funder requirements 

More information and a Job Description can be found on our website.

Role Overview
Stroke Association are delighted to partner with The Talent Set on a fantastic Associate Director of Marketing & Communications role.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Giving, Volunteering and Voice, this role will lead the talented Marketing and Communications team and play a critical role in shaping how the charity engages with stroke survivors, supporters, partners, policymakers and the wider public. Working closely with Executive Directors and teams across the organisation, you will develop and deliver an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances our organisational goals and strengthens impact.

As Stroke Association builds a more agile and collaborative culture, multidisciplinary teams are embracing test-and-learn approaches, using insight and evidence to focus efforts where they can make the greatest difference. 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader who combines strategic vision with creativity, influence and collaboration. Someone who can inspire and develop a high-performing team, champion the value of marketing and communications across the organisation, and help the charity reach more people affected by stroke than ever before.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure a coherent and compelling marketing, communications and brand strategy that strengthens the charity's profile, supports organisational priorities and builds public understanding of stroke and its impact.
• Drive insight, evidence and learning to inform decision-making, enabling the continuous evolution of marketing and communications approaches, channels and activities.
• Create the conditions for marketing and communications to operate as a strategic partner across the organisation, supporting the delivery of fundraising, influencing, research and stroke support priorities.
• Champion a co-creation approach, building meaningful partnerships with colleagues, stroke survivors, volunteers, supporters and external stakeholders to shape communications, campaigns and organisational priorities
• Embed an audience-led approach that enables meaningful engagement, broadens reach and deepens connection with diverse communities.
• Ensure the voices and experiences of stroke survivors, carers and communities are authentically represented and embedded within the charity's communications, campaigns and brand narrative.

Person Specification

• Proven experience of developing and delivering organisation-wide communications and marketing strategies that support organisational objectives and drive measurable impact.
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams, creating an inclusive, empowering and values-led culture.
• Demonstrable experience of building and protecting organisational reputation, including managing complex communications, sensitive issues and reputational risk.
• Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders to shape organisational priorities and influence decision-making.
• Experience of developing compelling audience-led communications, campaigns and engagement approaches across multiple channels.
• Experience of working with lived experience, service users, beneficiaries or communities to shape communications, campaigns or organisational activity.
• Experience of managing significant budgets, resources and external agency relationships.
• Experience of supporting organisational influencing, campaigning or policy objectives.
• Experience of leading communications through organisational change, transformation or periods of significant growth.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £75,000 (+ London weighting depending on post code)
• Permanent
• Home-based, with national travel in the UK as require, including some overnight stays

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

This role is now at interview stage. While we will review all applications, the process is progressing quickly and it may be too late to be considered for this particular position. That said, we would still encourage you to apply as the role is still vacant and we may have other suitable positions available. 

Role Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a well-known health charity on a fantastic Interim Director of Marketing, Communications and Digital role. This 9 month Executive leadership position will shape how the organisation tells its story, protects its reputation, and builds momentum around social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic marketing, communications, and digital direction, translating it into clear priorities and practical plans.
• Create a more compelling, audience-focused narrative that balances empathy with the challenging conversations needed for real change.
• Modernise communications and marketing ways of working to be more agile, prioritised, and responsive to issues and opportunities.
• Strengthen external presence to support funding, sustainability, and broader engagement beyond “inside the cause” audiences.
• Support effective crisis and reputational communications readiness and ensure timely, consistent messaging.
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and trustees, providing clear guidance and decision-ready recommendations.
• Oversee storytelling and campaign effectiveness (including ROI where relevant), ensuring impact is measurable and credible.
• Help shape the approach to future structure by advising options for the permanent leadership/operating model.

Person Specification

• Proven Executive-level experience setting marcomms strategy across marketing, communications, and digital.
• Strong judgement in reputation management, including building plans for sensitive or high-pressure moments.
• Ability to turn complex strategy into a simple, compelling argument for multiple audiences and channels.
• Demonstrated agility: reshaping working practices, removing barriers to delivery, and improving prioritisation.
• Results-focused mindset with experience linking campaigns to outcomes such as fundraising performance and engagement.
• Confident stakeholder leadership with the ability to advise Chief Executive and influence trustees.
• Resilient, practical approach to change in a pressured environment, including handling pushback constructively.
• Digital fluency and comfort setting expectations and improving capability through training and process.

What’s on Offer
Day rate: £350-£450 per day PAYE + holiday pay, inside IR35. This role will require at least 1 day a week in their London office.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Next step
If this sounds like an opportunity to deliver meaningful change through smarter marketing and communications, submit a tailored CV and apply without delay.