Finance director jobs

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£50,000 per annum

The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.

The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity’s mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.

Success in the role will balance the following elements:

• Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
• Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
• Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic operations
• Strategic contribution
• Festival delivery
• People and resource management
• Governance and compliance 
• Systems and process improvement
• Leadership and team management 

Essential Person specification:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
• Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
• Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience • Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
• Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
• Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
• Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing. and data governance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation

For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website. 

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

Room to Heal is a human rights charity and therapeutic community based in London. We support people who have survived torture and organised violence to rebuild their lives in exile, through an integrated programme of therapeutic and casework assistance. We offer a range of activities including: therapeutic support groups, gardening, individual therapy and casework, cooking and social gatherings, and therapeutic retreats.

We are looking for a Co-Director who will:

• ensure the overall financial sustainability of the charity through fundraising and financial strategy and management;
• work with the Co-Director, Chair and Board to ensure appropriate governance and legal compliance;
• continue to raise the profile of RtH and its work, establishing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including public, private and voluntary partners;
• develop and implement strategic priorities, goals and objectives to achieve Room to Heal’s (RtH) vision

Could you lead Babbasa into its next chapter?

Babbasa is one of Bristol’s most recognised youth empowerment organisations, supporting talented young people from low-income and ethnically diverse communities to progress into employment, education and enterprise.

Founded in 2010, our name comes from an ancient African word meaning “ordinary people coming together to act as a support bridge.” That belief continues to shape everything we do.

Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 4,000 young people, built powerful partnerships across business, education and civic sectors, and received national recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

We are now entering an important new phase.

Following a period of organisational reset and renewal, Babbasa is implementing a bold and focused 2026 strategy centred on:

• A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme

• A stronger, values-led organisational culture

• A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure

• Sustainable growth and long-term impact

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our Founding Director and help lead Babbasa through this next chapter with clarity, discipline, compassion and ambition.

About the Role

As Managing Director, you will work closely with the Board, senior team, employees, partners and young people to:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation

• Embed Babbasa’s new integrated programme model

• Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience

• Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners

• Support and develop a committed, ambitious team

• Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination

• Act as a visible and credible public leader for the organisation locally and nationally

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected social mobility organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a values-led and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational capability.

You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, youth, public or private sectors, but you will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service

• Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition

• Strong financial, governance and operational management capability

• Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

An understanding of the barriers faced by people living in ethnically diverse and/or low-income communities is vital.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Why Join Babbasa?

At Babbasa, you will join an organisation with:

• A nationally recognised social mobility mission

• Deep roots within Bristol’s communities

• A strong manifesto and values-led culture

• An ambitious and committed Board and team

• Significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation

We believe talent should never be limited by background — and we are looking for a leader who shares that belief.

Additional Information

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension contribution scheme

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Evening and occasional weekend representation required

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds. We believe our diversity strengthens our work and helps us better serve the young people and communities we exist to support.

Babbasa exists to ensure that talent is never limited by background. Join us in building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future.