Head of finance and operations jobs

Office based, London (with hybrid working)

6-month fixed term contract

Are you an experienced strategic leader ready to make an immediate impact? The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is seeking an Interim Head of Membership Engagement and Strategy to lead a critical transformation of our membership and marketing functions. This is a unique opportunity to join a values-driven organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape how we engage, support, and grow our professional community.

Who we are

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists across the UK. The RCSLT has over 22,000 members and employs around 65 staff predominately based in a London office. The RCSLT also has offices in Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.

Our mission is to improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs by facilitating and promoting research, producing guidance, holding events, and influencing government. We aim to promote better education and training for speech and language therapists and provide information to our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

The role

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is looking for an experienced professional to review and transform our current membership and marketing functions. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape and deliver a unified, efficient, and future-focused engagement strategy that reflects the evolving needs of our members.

You will lead and support a talented team, which includes the Enquiries Team and the Membership and Marketing Manager, ensuring we have the right structures, systems, and capacity in place to deliver outstanding service. Your leadership will enhance how we connect with members and customers - both online and offline - driving improved engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

If you're ready to make a lasting impact and build a high-performing, member-centric function, we’d love to hear from you.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have a background and experience working within a membership organisation and have a clear understanding of what it takes to build a high-performing, member-focused function. You will bring strong time management skills, be self-motivated, highly organised, and capable of working efficiently both independently and as part of a team. Most importantly, you’ll understand the aims and values of the RCSLT and demonstrate the ability to embed these into your work and strategic approach.

If you're ready to bring fresh thinking, strategic insight, and strong leadership to a nationally respected professional body, we’d love to hear from you.

Please see the role brochure for more information on the required knowledge and experience necessary to be successful in the role.

What we can offer you

• A competitive starting salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Excellent staff training and development opportunities
• Supportive and flexible working environment including, hybrid working arrangements
• Generous pension scheme
• Life insurance cover
• Season ticket loan scheme
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Family friendly employer including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and more!

How to apply

For more information and to apply online, please visit our recruitment portal.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday, 20th June 2025.

Interview date: w/c 30th June 2025 (held virtually).

Please note, we can only accept applications from those who have working rights in the UK, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role.

The role may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.

We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy and encourage openness throughout the process.

The RCSLT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We aim to embed equity, diversity, and belonging practices throughout our recruitment and selection procedures. We strive to ensure everyone is valued equally for their contribution, experience, knowledge, and skills. We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds.

Job title: Head of Finance and Pensions
Hours: Full time – 35 hours a week
Location: W6 0LR
Pattern of work: Hybrid
Are you an experience hands on finance professional who is eager to get into a number one finance role?
If so the working for this small international not for profit organisation is the ideal role for you.
Working as part of finance team of two people you will oversee the work of part time Finance Assistant whilst you ensure that all financial reports and operations are completed and delivered in a timely manner.
Your day to day duties at Head of Finance and Pensions include;

• Overseeing and ensuring operations are completed accurately and in a timely manner including purchase and sales ledger
• Oversee month end process including bank and supplier statements
• Complete the month payroll run for 8 staff
• Complete financial reports including forecasts and budgets
• Ensure timely completion year end audit process including a backlog
• Present quarterly financial reports to audit and finance committee

This is a very busy and hands on role, and excellent stakeholder skills is an essential part of this role.
Other skills that you will bring to the position of Head of Finance and Pension;

• Knowledge of financial reporting
• Prior experience in delivering year end audit
• Knowledge of SORP and FRS 102 reports
• Good working knowledge of accounting systems such as Quickbooks

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

The Forest of Avon is one of England’s Community Forests and a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Forest of Avon was established in 1992 as one of the first England’s Community Forests and became a charity in 2008. The Forest of Avon hosts several programmes including the multi-million pound Trees for Climate and the Western Forest, delivering woodland creation and restoration across the region as well as our expert-led Nature and Health work. The charity has a growing team and an actively engaged Board of Trustees.

The Head of Finance (HoF) is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust which now includes Western Forest, England’s first new national forest in 30 years covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

Our new HoF will manage the charity’s financial systems, preparing accounts, supporting audits, reporting to the Board of Trustees and overseeing and reporting on the financial elements of key programmes such as the Trees for Climate grant scheme and the Western Forest. The HoF also works closely with the team and external stakeholders to expand the charity’s financial capacity, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in all financial activities.

Role Description

Post: Head of Finance, Forest of Avon (including Western Forest)
Salary: £46,305-51,146, with annual pay review  
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours

Line manager: CEO, Forest of Avon / reporting to Finance Sub-Group of Board.

Contract: Permanent

(Forest of Avon are also open to considering an Interim contract whilst recruitment for a permanent role is underway – please contact Solutions for HR as soon as possible)
Location: Central Bristol. Mainly office based with the option for some home working, as agreed.

Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Some key duties of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Prepare the annual accounts and financial statements in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the charity’s auditors to ensure the successful completion of the annual audit process.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting, including budget setting, forecasts, and projections to ensure the Trust’s financial health is consistently monitored, including projects such as Trees for Climate and Western Forest.
• Present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and Western Forest Boards, providing insight and recommendations on financial strategies and growth opportunities. 
• Ensure accurate recording of grant agreements, claims processing, and reconciliation of funds in line with grant terms.
• Oversee end-of-year financial reconciliation and reporting for all funding programmes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.
• Provide financial input and support for the management of restricted funds, ensuring all are appropriately allocated and tracked.

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with extensive experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts, managing audits, and financial reporting.
• Experience with grant management, including financial administration, claims processing, and reporting in relation to large-scale funding programmes.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear insights to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and advise both internal teams and external partners on financial matters.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in financial software and IT systems, including bookkeeping and accounting platforms.

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential. 

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience together with a covering letter (cover letter to be no more than 2 A4 pages) to the recruitment team.

The closing date for this role is 5pm on Monday 2nd June 2025. Interviews are likely to be held w/c 9th June 2025.

Shape the Future of Finance at ABRSM

ABRSM is the UK’s leading music education body and a globally respected charity, supporting millions of learners and teachers across 90+ countries through world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. With a turnover of approximately £50 million, ABRSM is undertaking an ambitious programme of digital transformation—modernising systems, operations, and ways of working to better serve its global community.

They are now seeking a dynamic Head of Transactional Finance to lead the evolution of finance operations and define the future of this function within a modern, collaborative finance team.

The Role
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Head of Transactional Finance as a pivotal leadership role that oversees payroll, accounts payable, and finance systems. It has a strong relationship to accounts receivable in an adjacent team. It’s a unique opportunity to lead a function through significant change.

You’ll be instrumental in driving automation, improving processes, and ensuring seamless integration between finance systems (UNIT4) and wider business platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence and strategic impact:

• Driving automation and process improvement across transactional finance
• Managing the successful deployment and optimisation of UNIT4 and its integration with wider business systems (notably Microsoft Dynamics)
• Enhancing financial compliance, policy, and controls
• Ensuring underlying data is clean and timely for reporting
• Supporting change management across finance and the broader organisation

The Person
We’re looking for a confident and forward-thinking finance professional who thrives in change-oriented environments and wants to put their stamp on a high-impact function. You'll play a critical role in bridging systems, processes, and people—bringing structure, clarity, and innovation to a function that underpins ABRSM’s financial strength and strategic direction.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Demonstrated leadership in finance operations, including payroll and accounts payable
• A track record of managing or supporting finance system implementations and integrations (experience with UNIT4 is essential)
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement, digital transformation, and cross-functional collaboration
• The ability to shape and position transactional finance as a partner to teams such as financial accounting and FP&A
• This role is not for a pure systems accountant—but for someone who thinks systemically, understands how to embed finance within digital workflows, and can bring a modern, strategic lens to transactional processes.

Why Join ABRSM?

• This is a rare opportunity to lead change in an organisation with a global reach and a purpose-driven mission. You’ll have the autonomy to define the transactional finance function and be part of a broader transformation journey that’s reshaping how ABRSM delivers value internally and externally.
• A high-impact leadership role in a purpose-driven organisation
• The opportunity to shape and modernise finance operations
• A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
• A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%), 25 days annual leave plus Xmas closure days, Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Contract: Permanent or 18-Month Fixed Term
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

How to Apply
ABRSM are working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this role. Please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays if you have any queries, but the first step towards being considered is to make your application. If suitable, Peter will follow up with a call to discuss next steps.

Closing date: 4th June 2025
Interviews: 18th and 19th June

Our client, a well-established health-related charity, is seeking an Interim Head of Finance to lead its finance function during a key period of transition. This role is initially being offered on a 9-month contract, with the possibility of becoming permanent.

As the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including management accounts, audit coordination, and ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP). You will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team on strategic financial planning and budgeting.

You will also lead and develop a five-person finance team, supporting an ongoing restructure to improve resilience and cross-functional knowledge sharing. Your responsibilities will extend to payroll, finance systems, legacy administration, Gift Aid, and tax matters. You’ll liaise regularly with the audit committee and Board of Trustees to finalise statutory accounts post-audit.

The successful candidate will be an experienced charity finance professional with a strong track record in audit preparation, statutory reporting, and team leadership. Experience in the Charity Sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

Key Details:

• Location: Hybrid – minimum 2 days/week onsite
• Contract: Interim, starting by July 2025 (potential for permanence)
• Hours: Full-time preferred; 4 days/week considered
• Salary: Circa £55,000 – £60,000

If you’re a strategic and hands-on finance leader looking to make a meaningful impact during a time of change, we encourage you to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

The main aspect of the role is to support the Head of Finance to ensure the smooth running of the Society's finances, taking responsibility for the purchasing and payments functions, preparing monthly payroll information and undertaking key reconciliations.

So to complete our finance team we are seeking a motivated, organised indivudual, with an attention to detail.  Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the role involves collaboration within the team and with colleagues across the organisation.  The museum is a busy and fast-paced visitor facing environment, and the ability to be flexible and adapt to change is a must.

The Programme Operations Manger is a new position at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. We are looking for someone who can lead and coordinate expert teams across two different work programmes, our Hebridean Whale Centre and whale research boat, Silurian. 

If you are looking for an exciting challenge, based on a beautiful island, with a fantastic team then we would love to hear from you. You do not need maritime experience to succeed in this role.

We are seeking an organised, responsible, and self-motivated person to head our Hebridean Whale Centre operations and lead our boat team.

We are looking for someone with a passion for our seas and wildlife and significant experience in people and project management.

Our ideal candidate will have excellent communication, coordination, and time management skills and be experienced in leading diverse teams.

Based in Tobermory the role includes responsibility for managing the charity’s retail operation and taking the lead on fundraising for the Centre and boat activities. Therefore, proven successful experience of charitable fundraising and knowledge of gift shop/charity retail activities would be an advantage.

The ability to ensure the effective co-ordination and delivery of the charity’s boat and centre operations, on time and within budget, as well as being able to work effectively with the wider team of staff, trustees, volunteers, and external contractors is central to all tasks.

A genuine interest in cetaceans and marine conservation is essential and an understanding of the workings of the third sector would be an advantage.

This is a varied role which differs from season to season and day to day. One day you might be debriefing with our expedition crew aboard our research vessel, the next developing new retail partnerships and promoting the Hebridean Whale Centre.

The role is based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull which is also where the charity's office, Centre and boat mooring are located. The Programme Operations Manager will work from the office in Tobermory and remotely from home as required to deliver the objectives of the role.

You need to have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role. As a small charity HWDT are unable to sponsor visa applications for international workers at this time.

Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
Hybrid within the UK, with the requirement to travel to Central London head office

About us

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. Based in London, we work on five continents with some of the world’s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voices in the decision-making arenas that affect them. With more than 150 staff working alongside associates and partners across the globe, IIED has been at the forefront of evidence-based policymaking in sustainable development for over 50 years.

We are now looking for a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.

The Benefits

- Salary of £64,814 - £80,654 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year, increasing with service
- Closure between Christmas and New Year with additional paid holiday
- 7.5% employer's pension contributions
- An employee protection scheme offering a flexible menu of benefits
- An interest-free season ticket loan
- A cycle-to-work scheme offering tax savings on the cost of purchasing a bike for travel to and from work
- An employee assistance programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
- Enhanced sick pay entitlements, increasing with length of service
- Flexible working options
- Support for learning and development
- Compassionate leave up to ten days per annum
- Dependents leave
- Eye tests and glasses
- Therapy treatment

This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified, strategic-level financial management professional from the not-for-profit sector to join our leading international development organisation.

You’ll operate at the highest levels of our organisation, with the scope to drive our work and leave a meaningful imprint on how a mission-led organisation delivers change.

What’s more, you’ll be instrumental in creating a culture of excellence, setting standards and cultivating the conditions for others to do their best work.

So, if you want to drive impactful financial planning in an organisation tackling the world’s biggest challenges, read on and apply today!

The Role

Reporting to Director of Finance and Operations, the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis plays a critical leadership role in shaping IIED’s financial strategy and enabling data-informed decision-making. You will lead the FP&A function, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and reporting processes across the Institute. Working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, research teams, and senior leadership, you will drive financial insight, support long-term planning, and ensure effective resource allocation.

This role will also line manage the Finance Business Partners, supporting them in delivering high-quality financial support to programme teams and driving continuous improvements in our project financial management and cost recovery practices.

Key responsibilities include:

- Lead financial planning
- Manage and develop the FP&A team
- Provide strategic financial insights to senior leadership and programme teams
- Strengthen financial business partnering
- Oversee financial performance reporting
- Drive financial risk management and innovation

About You

To be considered as the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you will need to be:

- Qualified accountant (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with significant post-qualification experience in financial leadership roles.
- Strong track record in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Expertise in cost recovery, funder compliance, and financial management of donor-funded projects.
- Exceptional analytical skills and ability to translate complex financial data into strategic insights.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across functions.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
- Strong alignment with IIED’s mission and values.

Please note, you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with our safeguarding and safer recruitment commitments. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any disclosed information will be considered fairly and confidentially, in accordance with our recruitment procedures and the nature of the role.

The closing date for this role is the 11th June 2025.

Other organisations may call this role Financial Planning Lead, Senior Financial Analyst, Head of FP&A, or Strategic Finance Manager.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to take on this rewarding role as the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency

Job purpose

This is an exciting time to join Action for ME. With developments in research and policy alongside delivering services which are in high demand, you will enjoy working in a fast-paced and continually changing environment. You will be responsible for overseeing operational programme design and delivery, reporting of progress, and measuring the impact of all Action for ME work to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow. You will also assist the Chief Executive in implementing the organisational strategy, and by adapting and evolving delivery models on the ground. As you will have operational management and oversight for our Healthcare Services and hold the Designated Safeguarding Lead role for the organisation, you will bring considerable services-related experience at a management and leadership level. The Chief Executive will focus predominately on external matters and therefore you must have experience of managing an organisation to achieve high quality programmes with evidenced impact and motivated teams. You will act for the Chief Executive on topics, as agreed, and deputise during their absence.

Key duties

1. Leadership

• Ensure that children and adults with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of our work.
• Deputise for the CEO and represent and promote the Charity at national meetings and events.
• Deputise for the CEO during periods of absence, and in relation to specific matters, issues or elements of operation as delegated from time to time by the CEO, ensuring a consistency of approach and decisions aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
• With the CEO and HR Business Partner, lead on implementing the People and Culture Strategy and ensuring our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging plan is achieved.
• To provide support, leadership and coaching to the Management Team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and development of the Charity.
• Contribute to the development of the overall strategy for Action for ME, ensuring that the best use is made of available resources within agreed priorities. Ensure that agreed strategy is delivered to target and in line with agreed budgets.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees to ensure effective reporting to the Board and sub-committees.

2. Operations & management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity ensuring high quality service provision that meets all best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal policies and procedures.
• Hold overall management responsibility for our Healthcare Services including the role of the CQC Nominated Individual, ensuring all regulatory requirements and compliance are met.
• Manage the staff and volunteer team, including holding regular meetings and ensure the efficient running of the office ensuring a culture that supports, inspires and motivates the team while ensuring required standards and quality are met at all times through effective performance management.
• Act as the organisational Designated Safeguarding Lead (children and vulnerable adults), working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officers, colleagues and the Safeguarding Lead Trustee; facilitate the annual safeguarding audit (led by the Lead Trustee) and ensuring safeguarding standards across the organisation are maintained.
• Contribute to the learning and development of key personnel including coaching support (either directly or through the identification of external coaches) to enhance performance.
• Establish (where not already in place) and maintain a clear performance outcome-focused management system driving positive change and improvement across all teams.
• Ensure that policies and procedures are effectively implemented and kept up-to-date to enable the effective management of operations and support growth.
• Take the lead role for data protection, health and safety, compliance and risk management across the organisation and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3. Finance & income generation

• Hold financial leadership responsibility, working closely with the Finance Manager and the Fundraising Director to ensure sustainability for our work.
• Ensure effective financial management with procedures in place which are kept up-to-date and implemented accordingly.
• Provide support and engagement, where appropriate, to actively grow our income.

4. Working with others

• Lead, nurture and develop relationships with key stakeholder groups and partner organisations, both locally and nationally, supporting Action for M.’s place as the ‘go to’ organisation for people affected by ME
• Lead on new business ideas and pilot projects in line with the strategic objectives; with colleagues, develop the business case, identify and manage risks, lead implementation across teams, evaluate success and learning and make recommendations for future development.

5. Other key accountabilities

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting operations and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
• Take direction on projects and priorities from the CEO, which may vary from time to time.
• To ensure best value in all service delivery.

Person specification

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in an operations, leadership, or senior management role, ideally within the charity service delivery or healthcare sector, with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organisational growth and reporting that demonstrates impact delivered. If you come from outside a support services background, you must demonstrate sound understanding of the regulatory and best practice requirements related to delivering support and/or healthcare services.
• An understanding of ME and associated/overlapping illnesses, the impact on people affected by it or a commitment and ability to understand the illness and lead services to meet the needs of children and adults with ME
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including remote workers, and fostering a supportive workplace culture where change is a constant.
• Safeguarding understanding at a management/decision-making level.
• Proven experience of building and nurturing strong relationships internally and externally at all levels.
• A sound understanding of outcome-focused, effective performance management, quality assurance and risk management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management in the voluntary sector.

Skills and Behaviours

• Experience of governance, risk management, and compliance, including within regulated services, ideally within a charity and/or service delivery setting.
• Proven ability to think strategically, balance competing demands, use initiative to solve problems and actively seek innovative approaches to problem solving and delivering results.
• Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating influencing and networking skills which build strong internal and external relationships.
• An ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of data across all of our work.
• A proven ability to coach and motivate staff and to build and lead teams reflecting organisational culture and values, a respectful, constructive and energetic style.
• Proven, strong MS Office skills that supports writing, email, internet and database use.
• Demonstrable ability to work within our organisational values

Interview: The first round of panel interview scheduled to take place in Bristol on the 24th of June 2025.

At over 200 acres, Crystal Palace Park is far larger than most urban parks. Beloved as a ‘back garden’ to many people in the surrounding neighbourhoods, it is also of national and international significance due to its design as the grounds to the Victorian architectural masterpiece, The Crystal Palace, and its rich, unique heritage, including the 170-year-old world-famous dinosaurs. Today, circa one million people visit the park every year; to relax and meet friends and family, take part in sports and physical exercise, enjoy world-class acts during summer festivals, or simply have a moment of peace and enjoyment of nature.

The Head of Commercial & Visitor Experience role offers the opportunity to join a young and growing registered charity at an exciting point in its evolution, and to help lead on establishing Crystal Palace Park as an exemplar in urban park management, community-led regeneration and cultural and heritage programming whilst restoring its position as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions.

We are looking for an experienced commercial and visitor experience professional to join our friendly team in the new post of Head of Commercial and Visitor Experience, reporting into our trading board, Crystal Palace Park Events Ltd (CPPEL), and line managed by the Director of Park Management.

Responsible for achieving ambitious income targets, you will lead the  management, development and growth of key revenue generating activities including concessions, leases, retail, licensing, catering, markets and car parking activity (and excluding events and venue hire). Alongside this you will oversee the smooth running of the park as a visitor attraction, ensuring an excellent visitor experience and an accessible, warm welcome to all. 

You will be a creative and entrepreneurial team player with experience working in a visitor attraction, cultural, heritage or park setting and a proven track record in business development and income generation.

How to apply:

Please submit the required documents to jobs @ crystalpalaceparktrust .org with the subject ‘Role: Head of Commercial & Visitor Experience

Applications must be received by 2 June 2025 @ 10am

First round interviews will be held w/c 9 June 2025

Second round interviews to be confirmed.

All applicants must submit an Equal Opportunities Form

Crystal Palace Park Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that our staff should represent the communities, organisations, and individuals that we work with and support. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.

We thank all applicants for their interest.

Job Description

In this pivotal role, you are responsible for ensuring not only the efficient and effective operation of the organisation, but also the quality of public engagement and the achievement of CSC’s annual direct revenue targets. You help steer and coordinate all of CSC’s workstreams, translating the organisation’s vision into action that is grounded, sustainable, and scalable. Your remit includes oversight of all public and school engagement, operations at the Trinity Centre, and outreach delivery for remote-site pop-ups.

People and talent management sit at the heart of this role. CSC is powered by an exceptionally skilled, passionate, and committed team, and your primary responsibility is to create the conditions in which they can thrive. You coordinate planning across functions, define clear pathways forward, remove obstacles, and keep priorities aligned—empowering others to do their best work.

You are a thoughtful, supportive, and trusted leader—respected for your fairness, clarity, and calm. You set high standards, not through pressure, but by fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and mutual respect. You understand the value of developing individuals and teams, nurturing talent while keeping the organisation agile and focused.

Empathy, clarity, and accountability are central to your leadership approach. You bring a “firm but fair” ethos to everything you do—balancing care with rigour, and ensuring people feel valued, heard, and united in purpose.

You lead CSC’s budgeting, cost control, and direct revenue generation, working closely with the Finance Director to oversee all financial operations. Beyond finance, you are responsible for maintaining and evolving the IT and business systems that underpin CSC’s day-to-day operations—ensuring the organisation can coordinate effectively, track progress, and resolve issues with a solutions-focused mindset.

Leveraging Cambridge’s world-class deep-tech ecosystem, you help ensure CSC remains at the forefront of best-in-class management systems and processes. You assess their potential for cost-effectiveness and operational value before planning and managing implementation.

You also work in close partnership with the CEO and Board to identify organisational risks and develop robust mitigation strategies—ensuring CSC remains resilient, responsive, and well-positioned for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of CSC’s annual operational plan, aligning delivery with strategic priorities, managing budget adherence, and reporting quarterly to the Board on progress and performance.

• Oversee the organisation’s engagement with the public, schools, and local communities, including activity at the Trinity Centre and through outreach initiatives.

• In coordination with fellow Directors, support the CEO in translating their vision and strategy into actionable workflows by setting measurable goals, assigning clear ownership, and guiding team leads to develop practical delivery plans—overseeing progress and ensuring alignment throughout.

• Develop and maintain a corporate dashboard that provides a clear, at-a-glance view of the organisation’s performance against its annual plans—offering an ongoing health check throughout the year.

• Ensure regular, focused cross-team check-ins are in place to support coordination, align workflows, and provide timely visibility of upcoming activities and priorities.

• Line-manage the Visitor Experience Manager and Engagement and Logistics Lead.

• Support the Visitor Experience Manager in setting and achieving annual direct revenue targets, while ensuring Cambridge Science Centre serves as a vibrant showcase of the organisation’s brand and values.

• Support the Engagement and Logistics Lead to ensure the delivery team is well-trained, motivated, and equipped to deliver high-quality engagements. Oversee the development of fair and forward-planned rotas, and ensure any unassigned delivery capacity is allocated in a way that maximises value for CSC while supporting individual development and growth.

• Support the Outreach and Innovation Manager to integrate their team’s workflow with that of the Delivery and Visitor Engagement team.

• Ensure that each team member has a clearly defined individual development plan reviewed and agreed annually, with regular check-ins to keep progress on track and ensure ongoing support throughout the year.

• Set and regularly review CSC’s corporate policies to ensure they remain current, relevant, and understood by all staff.

• Ensure all staff receive appropriate training to maintain a safe, low-risk environment for both colleagues and the public at all times—covering safeguarding, health and safety, de-escalation, and emergency procedures.

• Review all CSC contracts at key development stages to ensure commitments are clearly understood, feasible, and aligned with the organisation’s capacity to deliver.

• Oversee CSC’s contractual fulfilment and organisational risk management, including asset tracking and oversight in coordination with the Visitor Engagement Manager and Product Development Officer. Work alongside the Finance Director to maintain and review the company’s risk register on a six-monthly basis, ensuring risks are monitored and mitigated effectively.

• Oversee the implementation and ongoing management of IT, HR, and business systems—ensuring effective staff training, consistent usage, and accessible support to maximise organisational efficiency and impact.

• Manage CSC’s documentation policies, digital archiving, and workspace structures (e.g., Google Drive), including the assignment and oversight of access permissions to ensure clarity, security, and ease of use.
   

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Brings a solutions-oriented mindset and a practical, inclusive approach to problem-solving, underpinned by a positive and collaborative “can-do” attitude.

• A seasoned line and team manager who leads with a “firm but fair” ethos—valuing clear communication, personal accountability, and empathetic leadership to foster a supportive and high-performing team culture.

• Proven experience overseeing spaces, systems, and logistical operations, preferably within a public venue environment, with a strong understanding of the practicalities of day-to-day visitor management and operational delivery.

• An inclusive and approachable leader with a natural curiosity, you foster an open-door culture and ask the right questions to help people and teams explore ideas and reach effective solutions.

• You are detail-oriented and methodical, ensuring that planning is assigned, completed, and maintained. You work well in advance to create plans that are clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow—making sure everyone understands their role and is committed to achieving shared goals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

• Confident and literate in IT networks and business systems, with the ability to navigate, implement, and support digital tools that enhance organisational efficiency.

• Driven to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes in everything you do.

• Proven ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing priorities.

• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• A collaborative work ethic that enables you to work effectively with colleagues and partners across a diverse range of projects and disciplines.

• Achieve a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Criteria

• Proven experience managing public engagement across multiple sites, including coordinating dynamic pop-up exhibitions and events.

• A keen interest in staying informed about global developments and emerging trends in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Customer service skills and experience.

• A qualification or training in business or operational management would be advantageous, but relevant experience and skills will also be highly valued.

• Full clean driving license

Working Conditions
The primary locations for this role will be Cambridge Science Centre's Head Office at 44 Clifton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7ED (assigned desk or workspace) and the Cambridge Science Centre at Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, CB4 0FN (hotdesking model).

In addition, there will be travel (primarily driving with a company or hire vehicle) to the semi-permanent centre (Inspire Wisbech Centre, Wisbech, PE13 1AR) and, on occasion a variety of locations across the East of England.

We offer the option of flexible hybrid working where and when possible.

Advancement Opportunities

CSC invests in its staff through a structured career-planning framework. As a senior staff member, your training will focus on developing best practice within the areas you manage, tailored to both organisational goals and your professional growth. These individual development opportunities are reviewed and planned annually, ensuring your continued progression and alignment with CSC’s strategic objectives.

Standard working hours are 7.5 hours per day

Parking and bike storage are available at both CSC locations.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

• Mental health support in partnership with BetterHelp

• Contributory pension scheme

Recruitment Process and Timeline:

To apply for the position of Director of Operations and Engagement at Cambridge Science Centre, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in joining the Centre and how your skills and experience align with the role.

At CSC, we’re committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our work. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in science engagement.

£44,000 (5 days per wk) or 3 to 4 days per week (pro rata) -we're flexible, state your preference! 33 days annual leave. 

You will lead all fundraising activities and oversee communication and marketing activities. You will work alongside the CEO, Trustees and more

If you have all or most of these, please apply: 

Fundraising experience with trusts and foundations and/or ACE including the successful delivery of large (>£500k multi-year) applications

Experience of working with trustees to make use of their expertise and contacts

Track record of meeting fundraising targets in the charitable sector and an understanding of the relevant legislative and ethics frameworks within which we work

Experience of budget management, milestone monitoring and evaluation for grant reporting Ability to identify strengths, listen to organisation priorities, and proactively seek out funding opportunities

Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines Energy and enthusiasm to develop a role in a small, evolving team

Understanding of and commitment to the Old Fire Station’s aims and values

A willingness to take part in the day-to-day operations of the organisation to best support your colleagues when needed

Experience of qualitative monitoring and evaluation processes and a commitment to meaningful measurement

Experience of working in the arts and/or social impact

Experience of working on community arts or community development projects

Interest in creativity and the arts

Operations and Service Delivery Lead

London

£50,016 – £53,000

An exciting opportunity is available for a dynamic individual with a passion for providing excellent customer service and event management. The Education Directorate with our client is looking for an operations and service-delivery lead with the ability to lead a team and manage multiple complex workstreams, to join them in the Business development and education support team.

The Education directorate delivers a wide range of educational programmes for doctors of all grades. The portfolio includes one- and two-day workshops, their accredited programmes, commissioned programmes, online courses, podcasts, and Masters programmes in partnership with university partners.

They have wide portfolio including topics such as teaching, learning, assessment, feedback, supervision and communication skills. The directorate has a team of educationalists who design and deliver these programmes and a team of education coordinators and librarians who provide management and all aspects of learner support.

About the role

You will work closely with internal colleagues such as educationalists, project managers and administrators, as well as colleagues in finance, IT, HR, and communications. You will lead and manage a team, and you’ll be required to work collaboratively with a broader team of volunteer clinical faculty who help us develop and deliver our programmes.

You’ll work closely with the Head of relationships and engagement and the Projects and credentials lead, to ensure that the team support all areas of the business, including event management, projects, marketing and quality assurance.

You will make an impact every day by:

• Leading a busy and fast-paced team who deliver education coordination and library services for the directorate, role modelling positive attitude and collaborative working
• Taking responsibility for the team providing excellent customer service to learners, faculty and commissioners
• Taking ownership of providing high-quality written documentation, including templates for learner correspondence, reports for Boards and marketing copy.
• Working collaboratively with others in the directorate, and the finance team to manage budgets and operational accounts

About you

They’re looking for candidates with:

• Line management experience and an ability to lead, develop, motivate, and manage staff, delegating effectively.
• Strong communication skills including excellent writing skills
• Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to liaise and communicate confidently with a range of people, including senior external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams at any one time
• Knowledge and experience of managing multiple events
• Knowledge and experience of setting and managing large budgets
•  Experience of planning and working to deadlines, using initiative, and working flexibly

Closing date: 23 June 2025

Interview date: 07 July 2025

Please note, they will be reviewing applications as they come in. Interviews could be arranged and roles could be filled before the advertised closing date, we would therefore encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible.

Our client positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Our client is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. They educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know they can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into their community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients they serve is a priority for them.

This exciting new role will fulfil a key function for CCT, as we enter a new five-year strategy. One of the main themes of this strategy is creativity - supporting creative new uses for our sites. To do so effectively will require the post-holder to lead a team charged with building on the success of our Regeneration and Enterprise activities, of recent years, and ensuring the learning from these is applied in the development of future initiatives and partnerships. With hundreds of churches and almost as many creative and enterprising ideas, the job of scrutinising these and working out how we can identify and support the most promising is a challenging and exciting task.

We are looking for a confident and credible leader, with the ability to inspire trust and work collaboratively to bring a strong commercial focus to the Trust’s work, ensuring that initiatives and partnerships are robustly and effectively developed and managed. You will be working closely with colleagues across the Trust to help embed an enterprising culture where ideas are encouraged and their viability assessed openly, robustly, and collaboratively.

The role will support the delivery of existing Regeneration and Enterprise initiatives and partnerships across our estate, in addition to supporting new initiatives and partnership opportunities that we implement. You will lead our internal processes and reporting, to identify and scrutinise the most promising of these opportunities, identified by the wider team. You will bring your expertise, and the resources of your team, to bear in assisting in the development, scrutiny and delivery of these, reviewing and monitoring their commercial performance.

This role will play a key role in capitalising on the successes of the Trust’s longstanding Regeneration programme, which has undertaken pioneering Regeneration projects which have addressed some of our most pressing conservation needs, had wide-ranging wider impacts, and developed new operating models for some of the churches in our care. In addition, it encompasses the work undertaken to develop new commercial income opportunities. Examples are our groundbreaking Champing™ initiative, as well as others such as filming, and other commercial partnerships, including for example those involved in the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, at our church at All Saint’s (Leicester).

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application.

You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on 3rd June 2025.

There will be a two-stage interview process with first stage taking place in TBC on 10th June 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

The second stage will take place week commencing 16th June 2025 and will be held in London.

As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.