Finance director jobs in Greater london

Prospectus is delighted to be recruiting for a Director of Finance and IT to join a leading global health organisation. This is a permanent, full time vacancy with the organisation operating a hybrid working policy, remotely and from their London office one day per week.

The Director of Finance and IT will play a key role in the delivery of their ambitious 10-year strategy and provide sound financial stewardship, leading the finance function through a period of change, looking at new financial systems and ways of working, supporting new funding models and ensuring the function is fit for purpose. The post holder will oversee delivery of the IT strategy, strengthen digital maturity, improve operational efficiency, and enable innovation. You will also be responsible for monitoring the organisation’s performance against key performance indicators both locally and within the international network.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, senior level finance and IT professional having previously managing teams and supported an organisation through change and transition. You will be fully accountancy qualified, with excellent senior leadership and strategic experience, having worked successfully with senior stakeholders including a Board of Trustees.

Please submit your CV only in the first instance. Following your application you may be contacted by Prospectus for an informal discussion and may be asked to provide further information to assist with the recruitment process.  
As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.
 

The organisation

I am recruiting for a mission-led organisation with an income of c.£8m, operating across the UK as part of a wider international network. The organisation works within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and is entering an exciting period of transformation. With an ambitious 10-year strategy in place, there is a clear focus on strengthening financial sustainability, evolving funding models and enhancing digital capability. The organisation also operates with a wholly owned commercial subsidiary, supporting a diversified income base and enabling growth through a range of revenue-generating activities.

The Job

This is a senior leadership role, sitting on the Senior Management Team and playing a key part in delivering long-term strategic objectives. You will lead both the Finance and IT functions (total team of 6 with 2 direct reports), ensuring the organisation is financially robust, operationally effective and supported by modern, secure technology.

• Leading the development and delivery of the long-term financial strategy
• Ensuring strong financial control, governance and risk management
• Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit processes
• Managing the relationship with the organisation's wholly owned trading subsidiary
• Supporting the development of new and sustainable funding models
• Leading the IT and digital strategy to improve systems, insight and operational efficiency
• Strengthening cyber security and organisational resilience
• Providing clear and insightful financial reporting to senior leadership and the Board
• Building effective relationships across an international network of stakeholders

The person

We are seeking a commercially minded and values-led finance leader who is comfortable operating in a complex and evolving environment.

• A recognised accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Significant experience operating at a senior level within a finance function
• A track record of developing and delivering financial strategy
• Strong technical knowledge across financial control, reporting and compliance
• Experience of working within organisations with diverse income streams
• Understanding of trading subsidiaries and group structures
• Exposure to overseeing IT or digital functions at a strategic level
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level
• A collaborative leadership style and clear communication skills

What's in it for you

• Salary of £80,000 with some flexibility for the right candidate
• Matched pension contribution up to 4%, increasing to 5% after 2 years and 7% after 4 years
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 35 hour working week with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working - minimum 1 day per week in the office
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping strategy and driving change
• A collaborative and purpose driven working environment

Please apply ASAP if you would like to be considered! Interviews are currently being organised.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

A gallery shaped by ideas, people and possibility
Whitechapel Gallery is a leading contemporary arts organisation in East London, committed to making art accessible to diverse audiences.

As we approach our 125th anniversary, we are entering a period of renewed ambition, including a significant capital project and plans for the future of our building and operations. This is a pivotal moment, bringing both opportunity and complexity, requiring clear thinking and strong financial leadership.

The opportunity
We are seeking a Director of Finance to join us at this important stage. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the Director, Director of Commerce and Business Transformation, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.

You will shape financial strategy, support high-level decision-making and ensure the Gallery remains financially sustainable, well-governed and able to deliver its ambitions. The role combines strategic oversight with operational leadership, requiring sound judgement and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

The role
You will lead the Gallery’s financial strategy and planning, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management. You will provide clear financial insight to support senior decision-making and oversee high-quality reporting.

You will ensure strong financial governance and compliance with Charity SORP, manage risk, and lead the annual audit. You will also oversee tax and regulatory matters, including VAT, PAYE and Gift Aid, and manage relationships with auditors, banks and funders.

You will lead and develop the Finance Team, while supporting financial understanding across the organisation. As part of the senior leadership group, you will help shape priorities and ensure resources are aligned to deliver impact.

About you
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior-level experience. Experience in the charity or cultural sector is helpful but not essential.

You will bring strong expertise in financial strategy, planning and governance, and be confident advising Boards or Trustees. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear insight and build effective relationships across the organisation.

Why join Whitechapel Gallery?
This is an opportunity to take on a key leadership role at an important point in the Gallery’s development. You will work closely with senior colleagues and Trustees, influencing strategy and supporting delivery across the organisation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion
Whitechapel Gallery is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different perspectives and are committed to an accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments, please let us know.

To apply

Send your CV and cover letter to via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

Help end avoidable blindness worldwide

Right now, 1.1 billion people are living with vision loss - yet the vast majority of this is preventable or treatable. Behind every statistic is a child missing out on education, a parent unable to work, a community held back.

At Orbis UK, we are part of a global organisation that trains eye care professionals, delivers life-changing treatments, and invests in innovative solutions - from our Flying Eye Hospital to global telehealth platform -so that no one is needlessly blind.

In 2025, the UK team raised £7.1m. These funds supported 18 projects across 8 countries. With these funds we delivered 9,908 training sessions for health workers, enabled 469,287 eye screenings, 37,378 treatments and delivered 2.5m doses of antibiotics to tackle trachoma. The organisation’s ambition is to grow our income to £10 million per year within the next five years.

To achieve our next phase of growth and impact, we are looking for a Director of Finance & Operations who shares their ambition to expand access to eye care in the countries where it is needed most.

Why this role matters

As part of the senior leadership team, you will ensure Orbis UK is financially strong, operationally effective, and ready to expand our reach. Your leadership will directly support programmes that restore sight, train clinicians, and strengthen health systems in the communities where we work.

Your impact

You will:

• Ensure every pound is used effectively to maximise Orbis UK’s life-changing impact
• Provide the financial insight that shapes strategic decisions
• Lead the teams that ensure the smooth running of the organisation - finance, HR, IT, and operations
• Strengthen governance, accountability, and sustainability as the organisation grows
• Partner with colleagues in the UK and internationally to deliver lasting change

Who we’re looking for

You are more than technically excellent - you are purpose-driven.

You’ll bring:

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Experience leading finance in a complex organisation, ideally with charity or public sector exposure
• The ability to translate financial insight into clear, strategic direction
• A collaborative leadership style and confidence working with senior stakeholders
• A genuine commitment to global equity and social impact

Join us

Orbis is not a large organisation; it depends more than most on the value added by the individual. If you believe you can bring not only strong professional skills, but also the personal qualities, commitment to our charitable aims, and collaborative spirit that make a meaningful difference in a small team like ours, we would love to hear from you and strongly encourage you to apply.

Recruitment timetable

• Application deadline  Sunday 17th May, midnight
• Shortlisting  Wednesday 27th May 
• First stage interviews  w/c 1st June
• Final interviews  w/c 8th June

To apply, send your CV and cover letter via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation, and particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented at senior levels, including those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we’ll work with you to make that happen.

Interim Director of Finance and Operations 

Initial up to 6 month fixed-term contract 

Part Time 2-4 days per week, flexible 

Hybrid, 1-2 days on site in Angel, London 

£90, 000 Pro Rata

Our client champions young women aged 18 to 30 on low or no pay. They’re here to create a more equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes. They offer young women free coaching, feedback on job applications and information to help them get where they want to be. They bring together a network of thousands of young women to support each other, build their self-belief, and have their voices heard. They work with young women to campaign for equality in the workplace, and their research provides insight into what young women’s lives are really like, fuelling their campaigns for change. 

This is a critical executive role, providing strategic financial and operational leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team while they recruit for the permanent position. During this interim period, the postholder will bring stability and expertise to the Finance and Operations function, effectively manage the team, ensure robust financial leadership and systems, while driving forward key organisational projects, including the CRM/data programme. 

Main responsibilities and key deliverables: 

• Effectively lead and manage the Finance and Operations Team 

• Provide strategic financial leadership including of the audit process, board reporting and, assisted by our outsourced investment advisors, oversight of the charity’s endowment and investments 

• Establish good working relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and externally 

• Drive forward the timely delivery of the cross organisational data/CRM project, with external expert advice 

About you: 

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW/ ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent) – essential 

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to lead others to achieve required results. 

• Excellent organisational and project management skills. 

• Digitally confident, with advanced skills in MS Excel and finance and accounting software (experience with Xero desirable) 

• Significant experience of leadership, management and development of staff. 

How to Apply 
Please submit an up-to-date CV via the Prospectus website using the link below, and indicate your preferred number of part-time working days within your application. 

Candidates of all genders and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
 
Timeline 
Application deadline: Sunday, 10 May Midnight 
Interviews with the organisation: 15th  May, in person 
CVs will be assessed on a rolling basis and early application is encouraged. 
 
Please note that candidates must be available for a start date in May/June 2026 

Finance Director

London Community Foundation
Salary: c. £80,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: London (hybrid, typically 1 day per week in the office)

London Community Foundation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups.

We are now seeking a Finance Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our governance, and enabling us to deliver greater impact for London’s communities.

The role

As Finance Director, you will sit at the heart of decision-making within a purpose-driven organisation, influencing strategy, supporting the Board, guiding investment decisions and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO, Board, and committees to ensure strong financial leadership, governance, and long-term sustainability.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance across the organisation

· Provide clear, accessible financial insight to support decision-making at Board and executive level

· Oversee financial control, reporting, audit, and compliance (including SORP)

· Support stewardship of investments and endowment funds

· Lead risk, assurance, and governance processes, including engagement with the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee

· Act as Company Secretary, ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Oversee contracts, supply chain, and value-for-money across the organisation

· Provide strategic oversight of systems, data, and technology, including line management of the Technology Manager

· Lead and develop a high-performing finance team

This is a broad and influential role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, well-suited to someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries and shaping how an organisation operates.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating at a senior level and advising Boards and executive teams.

You will bring:

· A track record of leading financial strategy, planning, and organisational performance

· Strong experience in governance, risk, and compliance within complex environments

· Confidence working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

· The ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insight

· Experience leading teams and developing people

· An understanding of systems, data, and organisational infrastructure

· A commitment to inclusive leadership and equity

Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, or endowment management is welcome, but not essential.

Our commitment to inclusion

At London Community Foundation, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of the issues our work seeks to address.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity or if you require any additional support with your application, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Recruitment timetable 

• Closing date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
• Interviews with London Community Foundation W/C 15th June

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

At Target Ovarian Cancer, we exist to identify and tackle the biggest challenges in ovarian cancer so that it doesn’t limit life.

Too many women are diagnosed late. Too many face barriers to treatment, unequal access to care, or don’t get the support they need. We’re here to change that and we’re at a point where we can go even further.

To do that, we need strong foundations that allow us to grow our impact with confidence. That’s where this role comes in.

Why this role matters

This is not just a finance leadership position. It’s an opportunity to shape how a national charity delivers life-changing impact.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will help ensure we have the financial strength, organisational resilience, and operational excellence needed to transform outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer.

You’ll work closely with our CEO and Board to guide critical decisions, ensuring we’re building something ambitious and sustainable.

What you’ll lead

You will provide strategic leadership across the organisation’s core foundations:

• Financial sustainability – ensuring we can invest boldly and responsibly in our mission
• People and culture – building an inclusive, supportive environment where colleagues thrive
• Governance and risk – maintaining trust, accountability and strong decision-making
• Data and technology – enabling smarter, faster, more impactful work

You’ll bring clarity to complexity, strengthen our foundations, and help us grow with confidence and purpose.

Who we’re looking for

You’re a values-driven leader who combines commercial acumen with a deep commitment to impact.

You might come from the charity, public or private sector — but what matters most is that you:

• Understand how strong financial leadership enables real-world change
• Build trusted relationships and influence at the most senior levels
• Lead teams with empathy, clarity and high expectations
• Care deeply about equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for others
• Are motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise for a meaningful cause

A recognised accountancy qualification (or equivalent experience) is expected.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation, and particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented at senior levels, including those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we’ll work with you to make that happen.

Why join Target Ovarian Cancer?

Because this is a moment that matters.

We have a clear strategy, a powerful mission, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference — from improving early diagnosis to strengthening support and amplifying the voices of those affected.

You’ll be joining a passionate, collaborative organisation that is committed to being:

• Supportive
• Expert
• Pioneering
• Empowering
• Impactful

Alongside this, we offer flexible working, strong wellbeing support, and a culture that values your growth and contribution.

Apply

If you want your leadership to make a tangible difference — not just to an organisation, but to lives — we’d love to hear from you.

Send your CV and cover letter via the link by Sunday 17th May, midnight.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out to our exclusive recruitment partner, Bryony Thomas, via the Allen Lane agency website.

We reserve the right to close the application process early. As such, we highly recommend an early application.

The Director of Finance & Planning is a member of the senior management team and key Board liaison, responsible for supporting the organisation to deliver a sustainable financial and operating model. Therefore, the role is key at both the strategic and operational levels, including finance & planning, operations, HR and IT. 

Main responsibilities

Board representation and liaison

• Act as the key focal point for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, including liaison with the Treasurer on agendas, producing relevant papers and tracking/implementing agreed action points
• Attend People and other Committee meetings as required 
• Attend board meetings and produce board papers where required
• Ensure company secretarial requirements are met for Bond, including Companies House and Charity Commission filings. 

Ensure appropriate financial governance framework is in place

• Ensure that appropriate financial controls, systems and resourcing are in place that meet the needs of the organisation, adapting as these evolve over time 
• Oversee regular review of finance/HR/operations policies and related staff hand-books, ensuring appropriate updates are made as needed and communicated to stakeholders as necessary 
• Ensure timely, accurate and insightful monthly management reporting is produced for the organisation 
• Provide updates on Bond’s finances to SMT and staff as required, at least quarterly 
• Enable accurate and timely financial reporting to funders in line with funding agreements. Maintain oversight of basis for allocation of costs and staff time to restricted grants 
• Take ownership of the year end external audit, leading the audit relationship and overseeing accounts production and sign off 
• Maintain Bond’s reserve policy, tracking financial position against agreed target and ensuring annual review of policy and target level with Trustees 

Provide organisational leadership on Finance, Operations and HR 

• Provide leadership and line management to the Finance, Operations & Effectiveness team. Provide support and oversight on day-to-day activities of the team as needed.
• Represent functional areas within the Senior Management Team
• Actively engage with staff reps and wider staff team to build organisational understanding of Bond’s finances and HR policies 
• Support development of funding proposals, ensuring realistic and accurate budgeting and seeking to maximise organisational cost recovery 
• Provide support to teams across Bond, and the finance manager, in grant management and reporting
• Provide authorisation for payments as appropriate to the scheme of delegation 
• Demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion

Lead Bond’s planning and budgeting process 

• Own Bond’s medium term financial plan, regularly updating the financial outlook across both restricted and unrestricted funds and supporting SMT discussions to ensure long term financial sustainability of Bond 
• Lead on the annual planning and budgeting process, ensuring that team plans and budgets align and support delivery of the organisational strategy 
• Work with SMT to ensure that teams are able to demonstrate and quantify their impact
• Provide support to project managers in developing and managing budgets
• Meet regularly with budget holders to review management accounts for their areas of responsibility
• Reforecast income and expenditure, and review progress against team plans, at least quarterly to ensure visibility of performance and allow in-year correction where needed

Legal and risk management

• Maintain the organisational risk register, updating with SMT regularly and reporting onwards to the Board 
• Monitor risks owned by Director of Finance & Planning, ensure that required actions are being taken and report any change in risk profile to the CEO, SMT and the Board
• Organisational lead on data protection 
• Review material contracts before signature, to assess financial and operational risks, and seeking external legal counsel where needed 

Day-to- day finance tasks 

• Due to size of Bond and the small finance team, Director of Finance & Planning is required to undertake day to day finance tasks as needed, such as: 
• Oversee, review and sign off on payroll, pension and taxes including monthly payroll journal to allocate costs to grants 
• Review and sign off bank reconciliations and journals raised by the Finance Manager 
• Overhead allocations to grants 
• Donor financial reporting production and review 

Person Specification

Required 

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Senior management experience, including leadership of multi-function teams and liaison with Trustees 
• Strong understanding of charity accounting, including restricted grant management 
• Experience of managing HR professionals or experience of a wide range of HR matters 
• Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Enjoy holding both strategic view and hands-on operational tasks 

Desirable 

• Experience of setting measures to track impact as well as broader organisational KPIs 
• Salesforce experience (Certinia finance a bonus) 

Benefits

Bond offers a competitive salary and benefits package including: 

• 27 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with additional staff privilege days, normally between Christmas and New Year 
• 7% pension contributions (staff pay 3.5%)
• Flexible working hours (Hybrid working – 1 day, minimum in the office per month) 
• Staff Development days 
• Perk Box access 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• WeCare (Health and wellbeing services, including access to 24/7 online GP services, second medical opinion, mental health support such as counselling, guidance from health professionals, burnout prevention, life event counselling, get fit programmes, nutritionist advice, etc. – for staff and immediate family) 
• Interest free season ticket loan 

How to Apply

To apply submit your CV and cover letter by 18th May 2026

In the cover letter we expect you to set out:

• Why you are interested in this role
• How you meet the role requirements
• Your understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and why it matters in this role

About Action Tutoring
At Action Tutoring, we believe every child should be given the opportunity to succeed in school. But in the UK today, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to 

achieve the grades they need to progress in life. This isn't because they are any less able; they have less access to the tools to help them reach their potential. 
 

We don't think this is fair. We know tutoring is an effective way of improving academic attainment and so we harness the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure this help can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it. 
 

We specifically help pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage and who are at risk of leaving primary or secondary school without reaching national standards in their exams. We work in partnership with schools in different cities and regions across the UK, delivering weekly tutoring in English or maths to those pupils who need it most. 
 

About the opportunity
The Director of Finance and Operations works closely with the CEO to build the organisation, operations and systems to enable us to scale and respond to emerging opportunities. A critical strategic role, they are a hands-on financial leader that brings strategic insight and challenge. Passionate about our mission, they lead a small team and use their experience and expertise to make our strategy a practical reality.

Closing date: Sunday, 17th May 2026
Interviews:Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th May 2026, in our London office. There will be a second round of interviews.
Start date: Ideal start date is asap. However, we’re happy to wait for the ideal candidate.
Contract and hours: Permanent. Full time. We offer flexible hours with 9.30-4 as core hours. A full working week is 37.5 hours. 
Place of work:  Hybrid/flexible. This role requires 6 days a month in our London Office, Fivefields, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH.

Duties and responsibilities
 
Finance

Lead financial strategy and long-term planning to support the development of the organisation, as well as holding overall responsibility for finance processes and controls. 
 

Operations

Drive continuous improvement of operations to increase productivity, quality of delivery and value for money. With the operations team, provide oversight of all operational matters to ensure compliance and the smooth running of the organisation.
 

HR and team development

Action Tutoring has a Head of People & Culture who oversees day-to-day HR operations. However, with a permanent staff team of around 60, this role holds strategic responsibility for talent development and HR processes. This includes training and development strategy, effective diversity and inclusion policies and regular reviews of performance and reward systems.
 

Senior Leadership 

As one of the four members of the Senior Leadership Team of Action Tutoring, you will contribute to leadership decision-making, representing your own areas of expertise but also advocating for the best strategic options for the charity as a whole. 
 

Legal compliance, risk management and governance

This role ensures legal compliance of the organisation.
 

Line management

Overseeing a small team, this role has direct line management responsibility for the Head of People & Culture, the Operations Manager, and the Senior Finance Officer. You will also, with support from your team, manage relationships with external support agencies, including the outsourced management accountant, IT support company, and HR and employment law consultancy.
 

This role also plays a key part in a number of internal working groups, including leading the Digital Systems working group and serving as a member of both the Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working groups.
 

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the job description attached to the BreatheHR advert.

Person specification
 
Qualifications criteria: 

• The right to work in the UK.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

• Deep finance and operations experience as well as a track record of strategy development. You will have significant experience overseeing finances and managing budgets and be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of financial management and forecasting within a fundraising setting. Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP will be essential. 
• Someone with the ability to see the big picture and lead long-term strategy while being able to zoom into the detail and set high-expectations for the team and wider organisation. 
• An excellent eye for detail and an experienced project manager who relishes delivering long-term projects through to completion, you will be a self-starter with a strong ability to take initiative to drive change.
• An ability to identify areas for organisational development and growth. You are someone who leads change and development. Alert to reputational risk, proactively preventing errors.
• An established track record in delivering results in a growing environment at the management level.
• Experience with a range of business functions and systems, including budgeting, finance, legal, IT and human resources or a willingness to build expertise in these areas.
• Understanding of developing policies and procedures; experience in good governance practices, including:
  • Familiarity with routine HR legislation and processes.
  • A good understanding of GDPR compliance and processes.
  • Familiarity with reporting at Trustee level (or equivalent). 
• Excellent team leadership skills. 
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• A commitment to the mission and values of Action Tutoring.
• A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
• Always aiming to help more pupils and have a bigger impact, we continually seek ways to improve tasks, processes and culture.

You will likely be more successful in this role if you have: 

• Additional formal qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. qualified accountant, MBA, CIPD Level 7).
• Experience or knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Digital transformation project management.
• Experience in the charity sector or the education sector, particularly in charity legislation and accounting.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation processes and/or school data.
• Experience in improving systems and processes.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.