Finance director jobs in Manchester, greater manchester
Want more results?
Add job titles:
How's your job search on our site?
Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.
As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
- Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
- Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
- Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
- Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
- Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.
The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.
Application Instructions
For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies. Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.
To apply, please send a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you wish to apply for the Director of Operations role. It is important that all prospective candidates understand our mission and are driven by our cause. Referring to the role description, please be specific about how your skills and experience will help you undertake this role. Generic applications will not be considered.
We are Special Olympics GB. We are Inclusion in Action.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: Full-time
Pay: £83,840 - £88,490 GBP gross per annum (dependent on experience)
Duration: Permanent
Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available), with an expectation of up to 25% international travel to support UK-Med's international programmes, governance and humanitarian operations. The postholder must be deployable and able to travel internationally at short notice where operationally required)
Are you an exceptional finance leader ready to shape the future of a global humanitarian organisation?
UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity, born of the NHS and committed for over 30 years to ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they need when crises and disasters strike. We deploy emergency medical teams and health specialists worldwide, supporting communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks and natural disasters, whilst strengthening local health systems and preparedness.
Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership across UK-Med's financial stewardship, sustainability, governance and organisational performance. As the organisation's principal financial adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Board Committees, you will help shape UK-Med's long-term strategy and ensure the organisation remains financially resilient and well positioned to deliver its humanitarian mission.
Working closely with the Associate Director of Finance and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead the finance function and support delivery of UK-Med's Five-Year Strategy by strengthening financial governance, resilience and organisational sustainability across a complex, multi-country organisation.
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial experience providing strategic financial leadership at executive level within a complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of advising CEOs, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees, leading organisational change and financial transformation, and overseeing complex budgets, diverse funding streams and robust financial governance. Experience within the humanitarian, international development, healthcare or wider charity sectors is essential, with knowledge of institutional donor funding and grant compliance highly desirable.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the UK's leading humanitarian organisations, helping ensure UK-Med remains financially resilient and ready to respond wherever communities need us most.
Can you help build a world prepared to help?
How to apply
We strongly recommend that you read theCandidate Information Pack - Director of Finance - August 2026before applying for this role.
To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.
Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 31st of August 2026.
UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.
UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfill their potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.