Head of financial planning and reporting jobs in gidea park, greater london

The Ogden Trust is a family charitable trust which supports the teaching and learning of physics. The Trust delivers professional development programmes for teachers of physics across England, supports schools and multi-academy trusts to improve their physics provision and works with universities to support high-quality physics enrichment.

Job scope

Head of Teacher Support leads a team delivering professional development for teachers of physics across England. The team manages a range of professional development programmes covering Early Years to Key Stage 5. The postholder will have specific responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the team as well as managing delivery of external funding contracts.

Remote working and other flexible working arrangements will be considered.

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

This role would suit a professional individual with solid current trade union knowledge, with excellent communication skills, with proven experience of implementing projects to diverse international and multi-cultural environments and fundraising in a global context. 

The Head of Union Building will lead a team at head office and work collaboratively with Union Building related staff in our regions to develop and deliver the ITF’s ambitious Union Building programme and its growth path. This includes the development, implementation and monitoring of strategies to ensure that Union Building portfolio and funding grows, and that Union Building projects achieve their agreed objectives and are coherently reported in line with TUSSO standards. The role will also contribute to the strategies required to fulfil the ITF’s overall objectives.

Due to the international aspects of the organisation’s work, a good working knowledge of another language would be an advantage. Proficient in using standard office equipment and other relevant software.

ITF offers a highly competitive defined benefit pension salary scheme, a flexible hybrid working model, enabling staff to work from home as well as the office, as well as the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art modern office building in central London.

Business Planning & Performance Specialist

Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid working. (You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days).

Location: The role can be based in the following locations:

UK - Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, or Warrington

Salary:

London: £53,459 (including London allowance) per annum

Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Warrington - £48,576 per annum

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. We will be conducting interviews as suitable candidates apply and we'll ready to hire if we find the right person before the job ad closes. So, if you're interested in this role we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too. 

About the role

Reporting in to the Strategy & Performance Lead, the Business Planning & Performance Specialist will co-lead the corporate planning and reporting cycle, cascading the global strategy into annual corporate plans and OKRs, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 

The post-holder will partner with their assigned departments to support them to be high performing teams with business plans aligned to organisational values and goals, and together with the Strategy and Performance Lead and the Business Insights & Intelligence Analyst, they ensure alignment between departmental objectives, operational plans, measures of success and support high performance.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Business Planning & Performance Specialist will include:

• Support the Strategy and Performance Lead in setting and maintaining the strategic planning framework cascading strategy into annual business plans for all business units, enabling alignment with organisational values and goals.
• Co-Lead Corporate Planning and Reporting: Co-lead the organisation-wide corporate planning and reporting cycle—shaping the organisation annual corporate plan, defining OKRs, and tracking progress. Work alongside the other Business Planning and Performance Specialist to drive a consistent and effective business planning process.
• Lead Development of Business Plans and OKRs: Lead the development of annual departmental business plans and OKRs, ensuring alignment with corporate OKRs and integrating budgeting and risk management to produce coherent, strategically connected plans.
• Support Departmental Leadership: Work closely with Senior Management Teams—particularly within Income and Public Engagement, Finance, and Governance—to develop and deliver clear, trackable business plans aligned with organisational strategy. Serve as an active member of relevant departmental management teams to ensure Christian Aid’s strategy and corporate plan are fully embedded across both operational and strategic workstreams.
• Manage Corporate Performance Reporting: Oversee organisation-wide performance tracking and reporting, ensuring timely and accurate updates for senior leaders and key external stakeholders, including inputs to Christian Aid’s Annual Report & Accounts.
• Ensure Strategic Alignment: Liaise closely with the Strategy and Learning Manager and the Impact and Evidence Manager to ensure departmental plans are aligned with the overarching organisational strategy and can support effective reporting and performance management.
• Facilitate strategic decision-making, prioritisation, and tracking of performance against plans in the department, feeding back continuously to improve performance.
• Strengthen Leadership Engagement: Coordinate with senior leaders to support strategic engagement with business plans and performance reports, enabling strategic thinking, accountability, and maximising impact.
• Champion Data-Driven Culture: Promote and embed a data culture across the organisation, working closely with Business Insights & Intelligence Analysts to support data-informed decision-making.
• Promote Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and lead enhancements to planning and performance processes to improve organisational effectiveness.
• Collaborate Across the Organisation: Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure quality engagement, consistent approaches, and alignment across planning, performance, and learning activities.

About you

Who we are looking for

Essential:

• Significant experience in leading organisational planning and performance within a complex, multi-unit environment, including translating strategy into coherent, actionable operational and business plans.
• Strong analytical skills, with significant experience using a range of qualitative and quantitative data sources to inform planning, prioritisation and performance monitoring.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and leadership groups, building consensus on strategic goals, OKRs and performance measures.
• Experience producing high-quality organisational reporting, such as Annual Reports, Progress Reports, Results Reports or similar publications.
• Broad organisational understanding, with knowledge  and experience of working  finance and governance, or fundraising teams
• High-level facilitation and engagement skills, with the ability to communicate planning and performance concepts clearly, run effective workshops, and ensure corporate processes are accessible and well understood- fostering high ownership and accountability behaviours in teams.
• Strong financial literacy, including understanding of budgeting and financial management practices, and the ability to integrate financial planning with business planning.
• Advanced planning, performance and prioritisation skills across diverse functions and operating contexts.
• Solid grounding in project management, including practical tools and methods for tracking and delivering multi-stream plans.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills and the ability to find innovative and practical solutions.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to secure buy-in, shift behaviours, and support adoption of new processes and ways of working across the organisation.

Desirable:

• Highly developed communication skills and the ability to understand and translate complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Experience working in multicultural and diverse environments with a strong commitment to Christian Aid’s values and mission. 
• Experience of working in a dispersed team.
• Highly developed ability to think strategically and laterally, combining big picture thinking with practical application.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

Location – Remote, with occasional travel required

Salary – Circa £55k per annum (pro rata)

Contract – Part-time 14-21 hours per week (flexible across the week), Permanent

Farms for City Children offers children and young people a week in the heart of the British countryside staying on one of our farms, where they are immersed in the natural world of food, farming, and country life.  During their stay, they participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens, caring for livestock and looking after the land, and a variety of tasks designed to build greater connection with the natural world.

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join our friendly team.

About the Role

The Head of Finance forms part of our Senior Leadership Team and leads the financial management of our charity. This is the most senior finance role in the organisation, responsible for ensuring robust financial oversight, compliance, and governance. The role also encompasses broader corporate responsibilities, including supporting the Board, strengthening governance frameworks, and overseeing data protection and information governance.

For full details about the role, please see the Job Description and Job Information Pack.

What we Offer

In return you will receive a salary circa £55k per annum (pro rata) and a range of benefits, which include:

· 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

· 6% employer contribution to NEST pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply

To apply, please download and fill out our application form that is located at the bottom of the page. Once completed, click on the Apply button, fill in your details and upload the application form. You may also wish to fill out and upload our equal opportunities monitoring form. 

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting from 9th December 2025; as such we reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applications.

Please note that first interviews will be held online, second interviews will be held in person.

We are unable to accept just cover letters and CVs.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – DIRECT RECRUITMENT ONLY

Goodman Masson are partnered with an Internationally recognised sports organisation to recruit for an FP&A Analyst. 

This role provides essential support to the CFO and Head of Finance, driving their strategic financial planning initiatives and delivering high-quality business partnering across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in preparing annual budgets and quarterly re-forecasts, and build financial models to project performance.

• Conduct monthly variance analysis of financial results vs. budget/forecast to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Collaborate as a strategic partner with department heads to build robust budgets and communicate financial insights clearly.

• Prepare the monthly management pack, manage departmental month-end reporting, and maintain key Balance Sheet controls.

• Drive the enhancement of FP&A processes, tools, and reporting frameworks, including automation efforts.

Essentials:

• Fully Qualified Accountant. 

• Strong Excel skills with excellent financial modelling and forecasting experience.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear insights.

Salary range is £65,000 - £70,000 + Bonus. Excellent Benefits include 10% employer pension contributions and private medical insurance. 

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.

FP&A Manager | London - Hybrid | £70,000 + Benefits

For an international NGO based in London, we are recruiting a permanent FP&A Manager. Reporting to the Global Head of Finance, this role will oversee all business and commercial reporting, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and KPIs, as well as the financial reporting, balance sheet, cash and reserves reporting and reconciliations. The role will have a lead input in the year-end close and preparation of the Annual Report and Audit process and will lead the finance business partnering team of two.

Main Duties:

• Lead month-end close and production of month-end business, commercial and MI reporting
• Deliver insightful reporting into the business and commercial performance by partnering key stakeholders and supporting the leadership decision-making
• Lead the Business Planning and annual budgeting processes, preparing packs and presentations for the Executive Committee, Board Finance Committee and Council
• Lead the forecasting process, ensuring their integrity
• Support the development of finance reporting using Power BI, to embed KPIs measuring finance performance
• Prepare presentations for the Exco and Council meetings around business planning, budgeting and forecasting packs
• Provide effective and robust challenge to ensure operational, commercial and financial targets are achieved
• Prepare the consolidated cashflow, balance sheet and reserves (including restricted funding)
• Oversee ledger integrity via monthly and year-end reporting processes and the reconciliation of reporting and balance sheet accounts
• Oversee the statutory reporting including charity VAT and Gift Aid
• Support the annual statutory accounts for the main charity and trading subsidiary and the annual audit through to sign-off of Annual Report and Financial Statements
• Lead, develop and mentor the business partnering team of two.

What will you bring to this role?

• ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualified from Practice, Commercial and or Non-Profits
• Excellent staff leadership and team management skills
• Experienced in leading a business partnering and MI service to a wide range of teams and senior stakeholders
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to present insightful, engaging information
• Ideally experience of Sun Systems including Q&A reporting
• Power BI and other data modelling and reporting experience
• Experience within the NGO / restricted income space
• Strong experience ideally with year-end statutory close processes including Audit and Annual Report production

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

Join Shaftesbury – Where every role adds up to a life well lived

We’re looking for a Head of Individual Giving to join our dynamic Fundraising and Communications team — a passionate group of people who want to make a difference. If you’re strategic, creative and driven, this is your opportunity to play a key role in Shaftesbury’s work.

At Shaftesbury, we’re more than a disability charity — we’re a team dedicated to helping children, young people and adults live full, flourishing lives. Guided by our values of being Open, Enabling, Inclusive and Courageous, we deliver personalised care and support that changes lives every day.

Please note this role does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

Head of Fundraising (Part-Time, 3 days/week) 

Hybrid – Vauxhall, London | £47,342 (pro rata) 

1-year FTC | Start ASAP 

Join the UK’s leading personal safety charity and play a pivotal role in protecting lives. 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is looking for a strategic and relationship-driven Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation across trusts, foundations and statutory funders. This role is perfect for someone who wants autonomy, impact, and the chance to shape sustainable growth for a mission-driven organisation. 

What You’ll Do 

• Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy 

• Build a strong pipeline of trusts, foundations & statutory funders 

• Craft compelling bids

• Lead excellent stewardship and funder relationships 

• Work across teams to align opportunities and organisational needs 

What We’re Looking For 

• Proven fundraising success, including significant grants 

• Strong writing and relationship-building skills 

• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and reporting 

• Highly organised, collaborative and mission-aligned 

Why Join Us? 

Your work directly supports victims of stalking, advances national safety initiatives, and influences policy that protects millions. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria. 

The ITF is looking for an experienced administrative leader to head our Maritime Administration team. This role is central to ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of support across our global maritime work.

About the Role

The Head of Maritime Administration will lead the London-based team responsible for providing reliable, high-quality administrative support to the ITF’s maritime sections, department and affiliates. The role combines strategic oversight with practical, day-to-day management to ensure teams have the systems, structures and information they need to deliver their workplans.

You will oversee administrative processes, maintain constructive relationships with affiliates and social partners, manage venue and service contracts, and support accurate and timely budget administration. Working closely with the Maritime Coordinator, senior leaders and regional colleagues, you will help strengthen long-term administrative systems that are efficient, coordinated and fit for purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Maritime Administration workplan and contribute to wider ITF priorities, campaigns and budgeting.
• Act as a key point of contact for affiliates, external organisations and agencies, ensuring clear and responsive communication.
• Support budget holders by preparing accurate financial information and participating in management account meetings.
• Work collaboratively with other ITF administrative teams to maintain consistent, high-quality service across the organisation.
• Resolve administrative challenges promptly, in consultation with the Maritime Coordinator.
• Prepare and coordinate documents for internal meetings, campaigns and governance bodies.

About You

You are an experienced administrative professional with a strong track record of leading teams and improving systems. You bring sound judgement, a solutions-focused approach and the ability to support people in a complex, fast-moving environment.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant experience managing administrative teams, with an inclusive and supportive leadership style.
• Strong knowledge of administrative practices, and experience applying them in complex organisations.
• Proficiency in management functions, including line management, event management, contract negotiation, budget oversight, financial reporting and supplier coordination.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and work productively with colleagues at all levels.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including data analysis and reporting.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to improving conditions for maritime transport workers worldwide. You will join a values-driven global organisation and lead a team that plays a vital role in supporting ITF maritime sections and affiliates across the world.

Location: Hybrid – London office and home
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Working pattern: Four-day week

About Spinal Research

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Strategy and Operations. This pivotal role ensures Spinal Research is efficient, resilient, and future-focused. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, board, and senior colleagues to deliver organisational strategy, oversee operations, finance, HR, and systems, and help position the charity for growth and impact.

You will bring people, processes, and data together to maximise effectiveness, empower teams, strengthen cross-department collaboration, and champion innovation—including the use of AI and technology—to help us deliver our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver organisational strategy, project development, and workforce planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as a key point of contact for the board on operational matters.
• Build alignment between research, fundraising, community engagement, and operations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and consistent processes across teams.
• Lead on HR, recruitment, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, health & safety, and cyber security.
• Ensure robust financial management, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, systems, and processes to support organisational resilience.
• Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and championing data-driven decision-making.
• Lead change management initiatives and explore AI tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Line-manage staff and partners in operations, finance, HR, and data.
• Promote internal career progression, training, and succession planning.
• Be a visible advocate for Spinal Research’s mission and support new initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising activities.

The Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference, with a proven ability to drive organisational effectiveness and lead teams through change.

Experience and Skills

• Senior Leadership: Significant experience in a senior operational, strategy, or general management role, ideally within the charity, health, research, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, manage complex projects, and align cross-functional teams.
• Operational Excellence: Strong track record overseeing day-to-day operations, including HR, finance, compliance, and systems development.
• Change Management: Experience leading change initiatives, with the ability to engage and support teams through transitions.
• Data and Technology: Comfortable championing data-driven decision-making and integrating new technologies (such as AI tools and platforms like Salesforce) to enhance organisational performance.
• People Leadership: Skilled at empowering, developing, and line-managing diverse teams and partners, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and act as a credible advocate for the organisation’s mission.
• Values-Driven: Committed to upholding Spinal Research’s values of commitment, integrity, collaboration, and innovation in all aspects of work.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with a growth mindset.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Passionate about making a positive impact for people affected by spinal cord injury.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid role split between home and our London Bridge office.
• Spinal Research is a four-day week employer
• Part of a supportive, values-driven team (commitment, integrity, collaboration, innovation).
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support organisational priorities.

Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact?
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.

Switchback is built on the transformational power of trusted relationships – and that applies to our supporters and partners too. As we get ready to launch our next strategic plan, we’re looking for a new Head of Development to help us grow an even stronger supporter base across the full fundraising landscape, ranging from philanthropy to corporate partnerships, to trusts and foundations.

We are an ambitious team who want to make a huge difference, both to the lives of the young men we support and to society through transforming the justice system.

As Head of Development and a member of the Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and leading a new and ambitious Development Strategy to secure the resources we need to grow our frontline and influencing impact. You’ll lead on supporting and galvanizing our small but mighty Development Team to grow their skills and Switchback’s income. You’ll oversee our development systems and processes, maintaining our trajectory of growth to ensure we remain sustainable in future years. And you’ll understand how to interpret and use our robust data and compelling Trainee journeys to make a compelling case for support to the full range of existing and potential supporters.

We’ve grown our income from £1m in 2022 to £1.5m in 2025 and know that further growth requires a clear development strategy which engages supporters in our vision for transforming more lives through better resettlement policy and practice.

This is an exciting role for a first-time leader - you will be fully supported by an experienced CEO and a collaborative Leadership Team, with a focus on your professional development. You’ll be joining at an exciting time of growth and building on a strong fundraising track record.
Our ambitious new strategic plan aims to support more Londoners than ever by 2030 and build the evidence for transforming national resettlement policy, with a staff team of 30 dedicated individuals aiming to push forward that vision. We are a hands-on, collaborative team, so you’ll need to enjoy getting stuck in with everything from bid writing to pitching to building our pipeline of prospective supporters.

We are seeking someone with a strong track record in building long-term funding relationships, who can apply that skill across the whole fundraising landscape, including with both institutions (corporates, trusts and foundations, and statutory grants) and individuals (high net worth philanthropists and individual regular donors).

You’ll be a confident bid writer who can guide your team in producing high quality applications and funder reports. You’ll be happy to absorb and build on Switchback’s style and continuously promote our gold standard of stewardship, which bolsters Switchback’s funder base.

Joining Switchback means you will also work closely with all members of our dedicated team, giving you a unique perspective that will support your work in demonstrating to funders how and why their support matters, and how supporting Switchback will help them meet their own charitable aims.

If you are an experienced, successful and creative fundraiser with a track record in building long-term relationships and who shares our values and vision, we would love to hear from you.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making foundations. We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and lead fulfilling, creative lives.

Contract: Fixed-term contract – 18 months
Hours: Full-time post, 35 hours per week
Salary: c. £54,000 per annum
Location: London / Hybrid (40% of time in our central London offices)

Role Overview

We are seeking a mission-driven senior leader to shape and deliver our work supporting young people across the UK.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will shape and drive the Foundation’s grant-making strategy in support of young people, ensuring our funding delivers systemic change and champions youth-led approaches. You will lead the Youth Fund and related initiatives, setting direction, overseeing grant-making, and influencing practice across the youth sector.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will lead the strategic development, direction and delivery of the Foundation’s Youth Fund and related initiatives. You will oversee grant-making, champion youth-led practice, and influence sector-wide learning and collaboration.

Reporting to the Director of Grants, you will have direct responsibility for a high-performing team composed of two Grants Managers and one Grants Assistant. You will oversee the strategic development and delivery of the Youth Fund and Follow-on Fund, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and best practices in youth-focused grant-making.

You will work closely with funded organisations, trustees, advisors, and sector partners to strengthen their impact, embed learning, and ensure our funding supports long-term systemic change.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-led leader with:

• Significant experience in the youth, charity or civil society sector, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people.
• Deep knowledge of youth policy and practice, and the ability to translate that insight into impactful funding and support for organisations.
• Proven expertise in grant-making, including assessment, due diligence, monitoring and learning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to develop and motivate teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• A track record of working in partnership with funded organisations and sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

The essentials …

• Permanent, full-time
• £55,000 - £62,000 (depending on experience)
• 5 total direct reports (including 3 Leads; Training Courses, Venue Hire, & Energy Group Events, Senior Events Coordinator, and Events Marketing Executive)
• Hybrid working with 2-3 days a week at our London office

Who are we?

Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science – through publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

We have a membership (Fellowship) of c. 12,000, more than 2,000 of whom are based outside the UK. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists - professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.

What you’ll be doing …

Our Head of Events (HoE) will bring leadership and strategic vision to the Society’s Events team encompassing scientific conferences, venue hire, and training courses, working to deliver the business plan and achieve targets for this active, income-generating department.

This role will be responsible for supporting the six-strong team in delivery of our busy events programme, working effectively with conference convenors, and providing exemplary support to our delegates, venue users, sponsors, and clients throughout the year. Working closely with the Director of Science & Engagement, our new HoE will work to develop robust and diverse income streams for the Society from our events as well as sponsorship and will oversee the expansion of our venue hire provision into new markets (e.g. weddings) in addition to seizing other opportunities for growth.

Overall responsibilities / requirements …

Management & Leadership:

• Shape and lead the Events team to deliver top-quality leadership and coordination of our events programmes and customer service for both internal users and external clients
• Continue to support a commercial approach to income generation across the Events department, to support revenue growth and diversification across sectors
• Grow event sponsorship, proactively identifying sponsorship opportunities and supporting the team, convenors, and others to become more confident in developing sponsor relationships and securing sponsorship income.
• Grow and nurture relationships with Fellows and external partners
• Grow and nurture relationships with internal staff across other departments, particularly those jointly responsible for delivering upon the Society’s strategic aims
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Events team, supporting ongoing professional development
• Act as the senior Events representative at internal committee meetings, providing expert input on event strategy, performance, and future plans.
• Manage external relationships with Events partners, including catering suppliers, AV technicians, and Security where appropriate
• Lead on the delivery of appropriate Health & Safety management alongside equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility actions across the Events team and throughout our programme of public facing events

Conference Delivery:

• Oversee the management and delivery of Society conferences, events, and lectures alongside our Energy Group Lead and Senior Events Coordinator, including offsite delivery where appropriate
• Oversee the planning and delivery of flagship conferences for audiences of approximately 500+ delegates, ensuring high-quality audience experience and strong financial performance.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a strategy for the branding and marketing of events from web, print and social media alongside our Events Marketing Executive
• Embed a commercial approach to conference development and delivery
• Lead the development of partnerships across the Events team, including the management and delivery of joint, flagship events such as the Energy Geoscience Conference (EGC) series in partnership with GESGB
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, staff, and Council, to grow the offering of Society events, in London and beyond
• Worth the wider staff team to ensure that our Conference provision is aligned to the Society’s science strategy & supports ongoing professional development for our fellows and members

Training Courses Delivery:

• Provide strategic oversight of the Society’s developing Training Course programme alongside our Training Courses Lead and Training Courses Committee to ensure commercial sustainability, quality, and growth
• Support the promotion and upscaling of our Training Courses programme alongside our Events Marketing Executive
• Work with the wider staff team to ensure that our Training Course provision is aligned to the Society’s science strategy & supports ongoing professional development for our fellows and members

Venue Hire Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership, working with the Venue Hire Lead to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to grow and diversify venue hire revenue, aligned with the organisation’s wider commercial objectives.
• Lead on the design, launch, and ongoing development of our new Weddings venue hire initiative in partnership with our Venue Hire Lead following the granting of our wedding license from Westminster City Council, ensuring strong market positioning and a high-quality client experience
• Work with the wider events team to improve booking and on-the-day service for internal and external venue-hire clients
• Oversee and continuously improve the end-to-end booking journey and on-the-day service for internal and external venue-hire clients, working closely with the wider events team to deliver a consistently high standard of service.
• Lead on the procurement and management of key suppliers (including catering and other event services), running competitive tenders and negotiating contracts that best support the quality, profitability and sustainability of our events programme.

What we’re looking for …

Candidates for the role of Head of Events will be required to demonstrate a range of skills, competencies, and abilities for the post, and the successful candidate will have demonstrable experience within an Events team as well as leadership experience. The individual will need to be able to build relationships with stakeholders and clients from a variety of sectors and will need to demonstrate a variety of skills.

Qualification & Experience …

Leadership & Management:

• Experience of successfully implementing and leading change
• A track record of successfully building and nurturing strong and productive relationships, internally and externally
• A team worker with proven experience of working collaboratively to realise organisational objectives
• An ability to influence and inspire people successfully at all levels.

Other Qualities:

• Demonstrable ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines when required
• Familiarity with the current Microsoft Office suite, and use of CRM systems
• Tact, tenacity, and a willingness to work in partnership with others
• Positivity and enthusiasm for the role, and support for your team
• Exceptional interpersonal and people-management skills
• A commitment to personal development and learning

Essential Criteria:

• Successful delivery of conferences and events
• A track record of successful leadership and management
• Financial management, commercial awareness, including budgetary management
• Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and to the Society’s other core values as set out in our strategy
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Venue management experience
• Successful delivery of academic and/or professional/B2B conferences
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to public events and venue hire (e.g., licensing, GDPR)
• Experience of working with trustees, committee members, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Commercial experience in a relevant sector
• Experience of training courses and/or ongoing professional development in a commercial capacity

A bit about us …

The Geological Society is a registered charity and employs just under 60 staff at its offices in London and Bath. Our London office is situated in the beautiful London hotspot of Piccadilly in Burlington House, just next door to The Royal Academy.

As an employee conscious company, we invest in our staff by emphasising training, growth and progression in every role. We firmly believe in creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture and offer a range of benefits to our staff including:

• 25 days basic holiday entitlement you start, increasing up to 30 days with continued service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 2 days extra holiday days per year
• Contributary pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
• Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of friends/family
• Discounts and recognitions scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Life Assurance and Income Protection schemes
• Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions
• Free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

The Society is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a harmonious inclusive environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members visitors and staff are respected. We are an equal opportunities employer and the post-holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Society’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

How to apply …

To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button above to be taken through to our recruitment page with full contact details.

As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting in order to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:

• Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter.
• State your initials only in the subject line when sending your application.
• Ensure that you have included your contact email and number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

First round interviews will take place remotely. Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to support visa applications.

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