Head of operations and development jobs
Head of Operational Delivery | Lead National STEM Education Programmes | Maternity Cover
EDT is seeking an exceptional Head of Operational Delivery to lead national student and school engagement activities across the UK during an exciting period of transformation. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic and people-focused leader to take ownership of operational delivery, student recruitment, programme performance and team leadership within a respected education charity. As our Head of Operational Delivery, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring thousands of young people access inspiring STEM experiences that improve social mobility and create pathways into future careers.
Why Join EDT?
At EDT, our values drive everything we do:
- Passionate about creating equitable access to STEM careers.
- Dynamic in our response to a changing world.
- Collaborative with industry, educators and communities.
- Respectful of young people's potential and lived experiences.
As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll help shape the experiences of young people across the UK while leading teams that directly contribute to EDT's mission of inspiring the next generation of talent.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and develop EDT's Operational Delivery Team, ensuring exceptional programme delivery, student engagement and school recruitment nationwide.
- Oversee performance, capacity planning, budgets, KPIs, reporting and operational effectiveness across multiple programmes.
- Develop and implement student recruitment and engagement strategies that drive growth and impact.
- Work closely with senior leaders to improve efficiency, support programme growth and maximise delivery outcomes.
- Champion safeguarding, quality standards, continuous improvement and outstanding learner experiences.
- Build strong relationships with schools, colleges, universities, funders, volunteers, alumni and partners.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full responsibilities and person specification.
Who We're Looking For
- Experienced operational leader with a track record of managing teams, programmes and organisational performance.
- Strong background in education, youth engagement, programme delivery, student support or charity operations.
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs, reporting frameworks and operational planning.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, solve challenges and drive continuous improvement.
- Passion for supporting young people and creating meaningful educational opportunities.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills.
What's In It For You?
- Full-time maternity cover contract from 28 September 2026 to 3 August 2027.
- From £36,000 to £49,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Opportunity to lead national programmes with significant social impact.
Location
- Hybrid working.
- Office base in any of our regional offices - Manchester, Birmingham, Welwyn Garden City, Plymouth or Southampton.
- National remit with occasional travel and overnight stays.
Why This Role Stands Out
- This is more than an operational leadership role.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll influence how young people engage with STEM education across the UK.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll lead national recruitment, engagement and delivery strategies that support thousands of students each year.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll work closely with senior leaders to shape the future direction of an ambitious and growing charity.
- As Head of Operational Delivery, you'll have the opportunity to create lasting impact for young people, schools and communities nationwide.
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Closing Date is currently 28th August 2026. Applicants will be contacted after this date regarding next steps
Our mission is to connect young people with STEM and inspire STEM futures.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a Head of Internal Services to help shape the future of Calder Rivers Trust.
This is a senior leadership role with organisation-wide responsibility for ensuring the Trust is well run, well governed, financially sound, compliant and resilient. You'll provide the foundations that enable our teams to deliver environmental impact today while building the capacity and capability we need for the future.
Working closely with the General Manager, Board and leadership team, you'll help guide organisational development, support strategic decision-making, and ensure the Trust has the systems, information, resources and assurance needed to grow with confidence.
You'll lead our approach to finance, governance, risk, compliance, people, health and safety, organisational performance, systems and technology. You'll ensure these areas work together effectively, with clear responsibilities, strong controls and practical arrangements that support colleagues across the Trust.
As a trusted adviser to trustees and senior leaders, you'll provide insight, support and constructive challenge, helping ensure good decisions are informed by strong information and a clear understanding of organisational priorities, opportunities and risks.
You'll also play a leading role in organisational planning and development, helping translate strategy into action, strengthening management practice, improving how information flows across the organisation, and identifying opportunities to improve how we work.
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical leadership. You'll enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, improving systems, developing people and helping organisations perform at their best. You might come from a finance, governance, operations, organisational development, HR, charity leadership or corporate services background. What matters most is your ability to take a whole-organisation view and turn ambition into effective organisational practice.
We’re a flexible, human-centred organisation. The role is full-time (35 hours/week), with 28 days’ holiday plus public holidays. You can choose a working pattern that fits your life, and we’re happy to explore reduced hours if that’s what you need.
If this sounds like a role you could grow into, even if you don’t tick every box right now, we’d be keen to hear from you. Send us an application and tell us what you’d bring to the role.
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Calder Rivers Trust is an environmental charity with a Team dedicated to protecting and enhancing the rivers, brooks, becks, and streams of Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield. Our work reaches every part of the Calder catchment touched by water, bringing together colleagues, partners, landowners, communities, and supporters to act with urgency and integrity. Together, we are working towards a future where healthy rivers support thriving wildlife, resilient landscapes, and prosperous communities.
We are a people-centred organisation, and when you join Calder Rivers Trust, you'll be supported to do your best work, develop your skills, and contribute as part of a team making a positive difference. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and given equal opportunities to fulfil their potential, free from discrimination.
A Calder Rivers Trust, we value people who are committed to doing their job well, supporting their colleagues, and helping the organisation succeed. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.
Standard Terms & Benefits:
- Location: Hybrid Home/Halifax
- 35 hour working week
- 28 days Annual Leave + public holidays
- Rivers Trust Group Pension Membership (9% employer contribution - subject to eligibility)
- Life Assurance Scheme (with the Pension Scheme)
- Flexible working and Working From Home
Calder Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the watercourses of Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are Age UK York, a local independent charity which exists to support the older people of York and those around them. For over 50 years our team of staff, volunteers and supporters have helped us to offer a wide range of services providing vital and trusted support so often when it is needed most.
Our vital work is needed today as much as ever and we ever welcome people to join our team as together we realise our shared mission of making a positive difference to the lives of the older people of York.
Job Summary:
Would you like to make a life changing difference in support of local people and communities in need here in York? Can you bring financial management expertise to support a team effort and help shape the future of our long standing charity?
Age UK York is offering an exciting senior leadership opportunity to join our fantastic team and support our vital work here in York. Could you be our Head of Finance and help lead our team, ensure our effective financial arrangements and the vital part it plays in realising our mission in the positive difference we can make in helping others.,
We are looking to find for our new Head of Finance who can bring their experience, expertise and passion to support our local York charity, our team and those we are here to help each and every day.
You will manage our brilliant team with a focus on strong financial management. With both internal and external focus the role will lead on our financial management and helping our charity make every penny entrusted to us count, as we develop, manage and realise our financial goals and the difference the enable Age UK York to make in supporting older people and those around them across York.
You will be part of our energised senior leadership and management teams helping to shape our charity and the continued positive difference we make whilst working closely across our teams in their role together with our Board of Trustees.
The opportunity offers an excellent benefits package and support for your own personal development and aspirations. The opportunity would not only empower you to take forward the strong legacy from our current team though bring your own identity, ideas and strengths to the fore in our collective efforts to be there tomorrow and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
We are looking for an experienced financial manager with a keen eye for detail and drive for high performance, continuous improvement and team work. With an ambition and drive to make a telling contribution and strengthen our charity and the difference we can together make in supporting older people and communities.
We would love to hear from you if you have:
· Experience and success in leading the financial management for an organisation.
· Experience in providing leadership within an organisation; an eye for detail and a driver of standards in continuously learning and strengthening working practices and outcomes.
· Managed a team providing support, motivation and nurturing talent and opportunity
· The ability to readily transfer your existing experiences and skills to a new challenge;
· Understanding of your strengths and areas for continuing development and proactively build your knowledge and skills
We would love to hear from you.
We’re looking for someone who:
· Is successful in providing financial management for an organisation and effective in collaborating and supporting non-financial colleagues in our shared financial goals and successful practice.
· Demonstrates wider leadership qualities including contributing to overarching organisational strategic priorities.
· Skilled, including an excellent communicator, in building and maintaining successful relationships across internal teams and external partnerships.
· Able, and experienced, in delivering in meeting outcomes and targets whilst supporting a performance and continuous improvement organisational approach.
· Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
· Strong attention to detail, analytical and critical thinking qualities, and able to apply and be energised to meet organisational challenges and opportunities in continually strengthening our organisation to help us realise our vision, mission and priorities.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· Ability to prepare, manage, monitor and report on budgets.
· Previous experience in one or more, management or financial accounting roles delivering day to day finance functions.
· Experience of line management and support, motivation and development to colleagues and collective team.
· Experience of supporting the development and delivery of high quality services through financial management and support to operational colleagues.
· Effective understanding of financial statistics and accounting principles.
· Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Including interpreting and communicating financial information to non-finance function colleagues and in support of decision making; a facilitative and accessible approach; ability to manage remote communications and diplomacy and conflict resolution skills.
· Passion and commitment to work within a not-for-profit organisation and support a team approach in working to help others.
· Decision making – ability to make decisions based on an analysis of data and insights, including financial, performance and needs based data.
Salary and Benefits:
- £17.75 per hour, £32,391 (FTE) per year, pro rata
- Flexible working options within our 21 hour per week role
- A genuinely friendly and supportive environment
- Generous holidays – 26.5 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees). Additional leave – an extra day of long service.
- Birthday day off
- Enhanced sick pay after 6 months of service
- Flexible work schedule
- Potential for funding towards professional qualifications
- Employee discounts including Blue Light Scheme eligibility
- BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Free eye test
- Free flu jab
- Free DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
Lead a pioneering national mental-health service for young people, rooted in nature and underpinned by strong clinical practice.
We are seeking an experienced Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to lead its development, accreditation and quality across the UK.
Salary: £57,528–£64,750 full-time equivalent (£34,517–£38,850 0.6 FTE) depending on experience
Hours: 22.5 hours per week / three days per week
Contract: 18-month fixed term, with intention to extend subject to service growth and funding
Location: Hybrid, with travel to Dose of Nature locations and member organisations across the UK
Dose of Nature is a mental-health charity improving mental health and wellbeing through structured, evidence-informed engagement with nature.
We are developing a Young Person Memberships service for young people and young adults under 25. We will train and support trusted organisations to deliver the Dose of Nature model in their communities, providing the clinical framework, accreditation, supervision, quality assurance and evaluation needed for safe, effective and consistent delivery.
About the role
As Young People’s Clinical Service Lead, you will establish, deliver and grow this new service. Working with our Head of Clinical and Memberships Operations Lead, you will turn our clinical model into a scalable national service while protecting its quality, safety and integrity.
You will lead the clinical assessment and accreditation of member organisations; develop training and competency frameworks; provide supervision and consultation; establish governance, safeguarding and risk arrangements; monitor outcomes and quality; and build trusted relationships with NHS, voluntary-sector, youth-service and community partners.
About you
You will be a current HCPC-registered Clinical or Counselling Psychologist, with a doctoral-level qualification and experience broadly consistent with an NHS Band 8a role.
You will bring:
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Substantial post-qualification experience supporting young people or young adults experiencing mental-health difficulties;
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Strong skills in psychological assessment, formulation, intervention, clinical decision-making, safeguarding and risk management;
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Experience providing clinical supervision, consultation or reflective practice to other practitioners;
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Experience designing or delivering clinical training and assessing practitioner competence;
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Experience of developing, implementing or improving a clinical service; and
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The confidence to work across organisational boundaries, maintain clear clinical standards and help build a new national service.
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Experience in CAMHS, young-adult mental health, voluntary-sector provision, clinical governance, quality assurance, accreditation or partnership-led services would be valuable.
We offer hybrid and flexible working, employer pension contribution, pro-rata annual leave, professional supervision, CPD support and approved travel expenses.
Dose of Nature is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance, references, verification of qualifications and HCPC registration, and eligibility to work in the UK.
Please download the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
Work with people with mental health problems & the general population encouraging everyone to connect with nature in order to improve mental wellbeing
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?
Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.
Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.
If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Head of Finance and Operations
Salary: £50,000 – £54,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Location: Manchester (Hybrid working with regular office attendance: 2 days a week)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
About CLES
CLES is an independent economics think tank and charity dedicated to tackling the UK’s most pressing economic challenges. For over 40 years, we have collaborated with local governments, the NHS, national government, universities, and communities to create impactful, practical solutions. Our expertise in community wealth building has gained international recognition, and we embody our progressive ethos by offering a four-day full-pay working week. At CLES, we foster a deeply collaborative and flexible environment where strong relationships are valued, reflected in our regular social activities and annual residential gatherings.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Head of Finance and Operations who will play a crucial role in steering our financial and operational functions. Working closely with our senior management team, you will combine strategic insights with hands-on delivery, ensuring the efficient management of our financial systems, governance, and HR processes. You will be supported by a dedicated Finance and Office Administrator, allowing you to focus on higher-level financial oversight and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage day-to-day finances including cash flow, financial controls, and oversight of bookkeeping tasks.
- Prepare and present quarterly and annual management accounts, VAT returns, and payroll submissions.
- Lead the administration of governance, working closely with the board of trustees on compliance and regulatory filings.
- Oversee daily office operations, including IT infrastructure and health and safety.
- Administer HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and the management of employee records.
About You:
- You possess a recognised accounting qualification (ideally ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or AAT Level 4, with substantial senior-level charity finance experience.
- Demonstrated experience in financial management, including preparation of management accounts and familiarity with accounting software such as Sage.
- Strong understanding of governance and compliance within a charity context, alongside experience in HR administration.
- Excellent organisational skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to work.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, building trust and collaboration.
Our Offer to You:
- A four-day working week with full pay for a 30-hour commitment.
- Flexible and hybrid working options, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Generous holiday entitlement, starting at 20 days (the equivalent of 5 full weeks off) and rising to 24 days (6 weeks) with service, plus additional leave for birthdays and Christmas.
- A robust pension scheme with an employer contribution starting at 6% and increasing with tenure.
- A supportive learning and development culture, with a dedicated budget for professional growth and annual team retreats.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
CLES is committed to fostering an inclusive workspace and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. We actively encourage candidates from all sections of the community to apply.
How to Apply
Click apply and you will be redirected to our careers page which has instructions on how to submit your application.
Please note, we are operating a rolling recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged. Initial application cutoff is Monday, 24th of August 2026 at 9:00am. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 2nd of September 2026. If we do not fill the position, the advert will remain open for ongoing applications.
We look forward to welcoming you to our team at CLES!
The Head of Policy & Influencing is responsible for shaping and delivering the Foundation’s policy and influencing strategy within the Impact on Urban Health (IoUH) directorate. The role leads the development of parliamentary and government engagement strategies, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach across multiple programme areas.
The Head of Policy & Influencing provides strategic oversight of all influencing work, guiding Policy & Influencing Managers and the Policy & Convening Manager, and advising colleagues on how to maximise policy impact. The role drives a unified urban health influencing strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s priorities and contributes to meaningful changes in policy.
The Head of Policy & Influencing builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders across government, the policy sector, and partner organisations, acting as a spokesperson and creating opportunities for collaboration. The role supports senior leadership with stakeholder engagement, oversees budgets and manages a team, while ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in all influencing activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver our parliamentary and government engagement strategies across all our issue areas.
- Provide strategic oversight of programmatic influencing strategies developed by the Policy & Influencing Managers and Policy & Convening Manager, ensuring a coherent and complementary approach across all programmes.
- Lead on our cross-programme urban health influencing strategy.
- Provide high-level strategic advice to Heads of Programme and Portfolio Managers on programmatic influencing strategies and the development of influencing partnerships.
- Develop and maintain a broad range of stakeholder relationships, with a view to creating opportunities for us to partner on our influencing work and acting as a spokesperson for our work at external events.
- Support senior leadership with stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee budgets for our programmatic policy and influencing work.
- Deputise for the Director of Policy, Influencing & Communications as required.
- Line manage the Policy & Influencing Managers and Policy & Convening Manager.
- Bring a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to all our policy and influencing activity, and support cross-organisational work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role.
Skills, abilities, and attributes
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills at all levels.
- Enjoys working in places with a clear and ambitious mission, a matrix structure and ways of working that challenge the norm.
Knowledge, experience, and qualifications
- Significant experience working in public affairs and policy in a UK setting, with demonstrable impact on policy making in Westminster Parliament and/or the devolved administrations.
- Experience leading teams to deliver against impactful influencing strategies.
- Experience working across a broad policy brief, and the ability to develop expertise and familiarity with different policy areas quickly.
- Experience developing and managing budgets.
- In-depth understanding of the UK political environment and operation of Government.
- Expertise in public policy, ideally in issues relating to health equity or social justice.
Benefits
- Contributory pension
- Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
- Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
- Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities.
- Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit.
- Shower facilities and bike lock area.
- Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
- Subsidies for glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded finance leader to join Samaritans as our Head of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation, leading financial planning, forecasting and reporting, while helping ensure we can continue delivering our life-saving work.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Services and working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll provide expert financial insight, lead a high-performing team, and drive innovation and continuous improvement across our finance function.
Contract terms:
- £75,000 (FTE) per annum, plus benefits
- Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
- 35 hours per week (full time)
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
- Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
- We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. Finance team members are encouraged work from the office one day per week.
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
What you'll be doing:
As Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you'll lead our FP&A team and oversee the organisation's financial planning cycle, management reporting, forecasting and financial modelling activities. You'll be a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, providing commercial insight and helping leaders make informed decisions that support our strategic objectives.
You'll also be a member of the Senior Leadership Group, contributing to organisational planning and helping shape the future direction of the finance function. Alongside your strategic responsibilities, you'll oversee both the Management Accounts and Accounts Payable & Receivable functions, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls and processes are in place.
Key responsibilities
- Leading the organisation's budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Providing strategic financial insight and partnering with senior leaders to support decision-making.
- Delivering financial modelling, scenario analysis and business case support for key projects and initiatives.
- Overseeing management reporting and ensuring accurate, timely financial information across the organisation.
- Leading and developing a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Driving financial capability, commercial awareness and strong financial management across the business.
- Supporting Board, Finance Committee and senior leadership reporting through clear, insightful analysis.
- Ensuring robust financial controls, processes and systems that support organisational effectiveness.
What you’ll bring:
Essential
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Extensive experience across financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial modelling.
- Proven experience leading organisation-wide budget-setting and financial planning processes.
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- The ability to engage, influence and challenge senior stakeholders through clear, evidence-based financial insight.
- Excellent analytical and commercial awareness, with confidence interpreting complex financial data and translating it into meaningful recommendations.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience using financial planning and reporting systems.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
- Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Knowledge of VAT, Corporation Tax, procurement or project management
For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter addressing key points in the job description.
If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Applications close: midnight on 1st September 2026
1st stage interviews (online): w/c 14th September
2nd stage interviews (in person): tbc
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Business and Operations at TreeHouse School
Location: TreeHouse School, Woodside Ave, N10 3JA
Salary: £59,000 to £63,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Start date: January 2027 (scope to start earlier)
About TreeHouse School:
TreeHouse School, part of Ambitious about Autism, is an Ofsted Outstanding specialist school supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with autism and complex learning needs. We are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment where every pupil can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head of Business & Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in the leadership of the school, ensuring our operational services enable outstanding education and the very best outcomes for our pupils.
Reporting directly to the Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across the school's business functions, leading operational teams and ensuring the effective delivery of services that support pupils, staff and families.
Your areas of responsibility will include:
- Finance – leading budget planning, financial monitoring, resource allocation, and financial oversight to ensure value for money and support school priorities.
- Property & Facilities – leading the school's estate, health & safety, compliance, and facilities management, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.
- Operations & Administration – leading the school's operational support functions, including the Office Manager, reception/front desk, senior administration and wider operations team, ensuring effective systems, processes and service delivery.
- HR & Employee Relations – working alongside Ambitious about Autism's central People Team to support recruitment, employee relations, workforce planning, and staff development whilst providing advice and support to managers.
- Strategic Projects – driving operational improvements, developing systems, and supporting the future growth and development of the school.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll contribute to the strategic direction of the school while leading and developing high-performing operational teams.
Every operational decision ultimately supports our pupils. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to enabling autistic children and young people to thrive and achieve their full potential.
What We Are Looking For:
We are looking for somebody who:
- Has strong financial and operational leadership experience.
- Is a strategic and commercially minded leader who can balance operational excellence with long-term planning.
- Is confident leading, motivating and developing teams.
- Can make difficult decisions and have challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism.
- Is emotionally intelligent, approachable, and resilient.
- Remains calm under pressure and thinks clearly when faced with unexpected challenges.
- Enjoys improving systems, solving problems, and making a genuine impact.
- Shares our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for autistic children and young people.
Working in a specialist autism school means you'll be part of a fast-paced, varied and incredibly rewarding environment. The role requires someone who is adaptable, solutions-focused, and comfortable leading in a setting where operational challenges can arise unexpectedly.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of an Ofsted Outstanding specialist autism school.
- Join an ambitious, collaborative and values driven leadership team.
- Play a key role in shaping the future of one of the UK's leading specialist education settings.
- Access professional development opportunities through Ambitious about Autism.
- Make a tangible difference to the lives and outcomes of autistic children and young people.
Recruitment Process
The selection process will include a formal interview and a range of work related exercises designed to assess leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise.
Closing date for the role: Wednesday 2nd of September at 12am
Shortlisting for the role: Thursday 3rd of September
Outcome of your application: Thursday 3rd/Friday 4th of September
Interview dates: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th of September
Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
We stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights and create opportunities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
For almost 50 years, Animal Aid has been one of the UK's leading animal rights organisations. As we embark on an ambitious strategy to 2030, we're looking for an exceptional Head of People and Operations to help us build the organisation that will deliver our next stage of growth.
This is a new and critical senior leadership role. While our mission is to create lasting change for animals, it is our people who make that possible every day. You'll help ensure Animal Aid is a supportive, high-performing and values-led organisation where staff can do their very best work for animals.
Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you'll lead our people function, oversee HR strategy and operations, support organisational development, and play a key role in finance, governance and organisational effectiveness.
We're looking for someone who combines strong HR leadership with excellent operational skills, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to building positive workplace cultures.
You'll bring:
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Significant senior-level HR and people management experience
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Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
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Experience developing policies, processes and organisational systems
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Excellent relationship-building, communication and leadership skills
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The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
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CIPD Level 5+ (or equivalent experience)
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Commitment to Animal Aid's aims and values, and sympathy with our ethical vegan position.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a respected and influential not-for-profit at a pivotal moment in its development.
Join us and help build the organisation that will power the next generation of progress for animals.
Please note: Animal Aid cannot provide visa sponsorship, so applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered for this role. You must live in the UK and we are unable to pay any relocation costs.
First-round interviews will be held online the week commencing 14th September, with the second round held in person on 21st and 23rd September.
Animal Aid campaigns peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promotes cruelty-free living.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Health Information and Support
Permanent
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus benefits
London N1
Full time – 37.5 hours a week
We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office on average 2-3 days per week, currently Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday
Closing date: 11.59pm, Mon 31 August 2026
First Interviews: 9/10/11 September 2026
Second interviews: 22/23 September 2026
An exciting opportunity for a Head of Health Information and Support has arisen at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
World Cancer Research Fund champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can empower people to make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.
We are seeking an inspiring, strategic and collaborative leader to shape and deliver WCRF’s Health Information and Support strategy across three core audiences: the general public, health professionals and cancer survivors. The team turns WCRF’s scientific evidence on cancer prevention and survival into practical, accessible information, training and support based on our Cancer Prevention Recommendations. The postholder will lead and develop the team, ensuring its work is innovative, evidence-based, high quality and demonstrably effective.
Working across Science, Policy, Fundraising, Communications and Engagement, you will create new ways to share our health information, improve existing resources and services, and build impactful partnerships. You will ensure that public and patient insight shapes our work from cancer prevention to survivorship, strengthen programmes for health professionals and make effective use of digital channels. Responsibilities include contributing to our Medical Education programme, participating in working and steering groups and speaking at national conferences, networking at events, engaging corporate audiences and acting as a spokesperson in broadcast and print media. Ultimately, you will help establish WCRF as the go-to source of information and support on the links between cancer, nutrition and lifestyle.
The successful candidate will have a strong track record of implementing strategy, developing business and operational plans, and leading high-performing teams.
You will bring substantial experience in areas such as health information or education, working with healthcare professionals, UK health policy, health science or research, or marketing health information and services. You will be confident in measuring impact, managing budgets and using data to improve performance, with strong knowledge of non-communicable diseases and issues including nutrition, obesity, diet and physical activity. An excellent communicator and relationship-builder, you will be proactive, creative and results-focused, able to operate at senior management level and open to using digital, AI and other emerging tools to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.
Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF and equip you for the role.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
WCRF is a UK cancer prevention charity. We look at how diet, weight and physical activity affect the risk of developing and surviving cancer.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Home-Start Kirklees at a time of growth and development. You’ll play a key role in shaping services that support local families, leading a passionate team and helping ensure children have the best possible start in life. This lead role is fundamental to overseeing all operational delivery of services, managing projects, developing the workforce and partnership engagement.
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families through recruiting and training volunteers to provide family support. Our vision is that families will be safe, healthy and resilient and that children will have the best start in life.
We are currently recruiting for an Operations Lead
Location: Huddersfield Town Centre Office. Partnership work across Kirklees required. Hybrid and flexible working pattern available.
Salary: NJC Scale SCP 29-32 (£39,862 - £42,839 pro rata). Starting salary SCP 29, increasing to SCP 30 after a successful probationary period.
Hours: 37 hours per week (negotiable part-time hours available).
Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance including Birthday leave with one week extra annual leave after 5 years’ service. Well-being support (Employee Assistance Programme). Professional development and travel expenses paid. Free parking at town centre office location.
Family friendly policies.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Home-Start Kirklees at a time of growth and development.
You’ll play a key role in shaping services that support local families, leading a passionate team and helping ensure children have the best possible start in life. This lead role is fundamental to overseeing all operational delivery of services, managing projects, developing the workforce and partnership engagement.
Essential requirements include:
- Good interpersonal, motivational and communication skills
- A passion for working in the voluntary sector and making a difference to families
- Excellent leadership and project management skills
- Experience of developing effective working partnerships with stakeholders
Please contact us for an application pack
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 14th September 2026
Interviews for this post will be held on Thursday 24th September 2026
Please do not send CVs.
Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check at enhanced level and barring service check and the receipt of appropriate references.
Home-Start Kirklees is committed to a policy of equality and diversity which respects the identity, rights and value of all individuals. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all staff working with these groups are expected to share a commitment to this. You will be expected to report any concerns relating to the safeguarding of children and/or young people in accordance with agreed procedures. If your own conduct in relation to the safeguarding of children or young people gives cause for concern, Home-Start Kirklees child protection procedures will be followed, alongside implementation of the charity’s disciplinary procedure.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations with Kingston University
£60,996 (negotiable) | Full-time (37 hours) | Hybrid working | Kingston upon Thames
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Kingston University to recruit their next Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations.
Kingston University has spent over 125 years transforming lives through education, innovation and opportunity. With TEF Gold recognition across the board, and a Town House Strategy that's rewriting what a modern education looks like, we are focused on helping students develop the skills, networks and experiences to thrive throughout their careers. Integral to this ambition is our global community of more than 280,000 alumni, who's futures have been shaped by the university.
As Head of Alumni Engagement & Operation, part of the senior leadership team of our Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team, you will help us build lifelong relationships with our alumni to support future growth and success.
About the role:
We have a 3-year strategy in place to develop alumni engagement, increase participation and embed philanthropy more deeply across the University, with full support of senior leadership across the board. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team and work with senior stakeholders across the University, to champion the role alumni can play in student success, employability, mentoring, partnerships and philanthropy, and develop a lifelong alumni offer.
Reporting in to the Director of DARE, you'll lead a broad portfolio including alumni communications, events, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery.
About you:
We're looking for someone who understands the power of communities and relationships.
This is a broad leadership role spanning alumni engagement, communications, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery. While experience within alumni relations or advancement in higher education would be valuable, we're equally interested in hearing from candidates from the charity, membership, fundraising, supporter engagement or relationship management sectors. What matters most is your ability to build communities, create meaningful engagement opportunities, use insight to drive decision-making and inspire people to connect with a shared purpose.
You'll be strategic enough to shape the future direction of alumni engagement at Kingston, whilst remaining hands-on enough to build relationships, spot opportunities and bring colleagues and stakeholders with you.
You'll bring:
- Experience developing and delivering successful alumni engagement, advancement, membership, supporter engagement or relationship-management programmes.
- A track record of building communities, growing participation and creating meaningful engagement opportunities
- Strong leadership skills and experience developing high-performing teams
- Confidence using insight, data and CRM systems to inform strategy and decision-making
- Experience overseeing communications, events, volunteering, supporter engagement or related activities
- An understanding of how long-term relationships can lead to advocacy, mentoring, volunteering, partnerships and giving
Most importantly, you'll believe that alumni engagement is about much more than communications and events. You'll be excited by the opportunity to help graduates become mentors, volunteers, advocates, partners and lifelong supporters of the University.
Benefits include
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Excellent pension scheme
- Hybrid working (with a minimum of 50% of time spent on campus)
- Access to professional development opportunities
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
- The opportunity to shape a high-profile function at one of London's leading universities
Key Dates:
- Closing date: 9th September 2026 - we encourage not delaying your application.
- Interviews: 28th and 30th September 2026 (in person)
How to apply
Charity People are managing this search on behalf of Kingston University.
In the first instance, please send your CV to Glen at Charity People. If your profile matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with the full candidate pack and further details about the recruitment process.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
ABOUT CHEFS IN SCHOOLS
Chefs in Schools exists to improve children’s health and futures through better school food and meaningful food education.
We work alongside schools and catering teams to transform what children eat every day, particularly in communities facing the greatest barriers to good health. We combine practical support, training, operational expertise and sector influence to help schools serve fresh, nutritious food that children want to eat.
We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and are ambitious about both impact and scale. We want every child to have access to excellent school food and a real food education, regardless of background.
We are a values-led organisation - bold, honest, collaborative, innovative and focused on solutions.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
You will lead the delivery of Chefs in Schools External Affairs function, ultimately ensuring there is widespread recognition that poor quality school food is unacceptable. Through integrated media, digital and advocacy work, you’ll ensure quality school food is viewed as a vital tool for healthy development and food literacy.
You will turn strategic direction into coordinated delivery, leading a multidisciplinary team that increases our influence, strengthens our reputation and helps achieve meaningful improvements in school food.
Working closely with External Affairs colleagues and Chief Executive, you will ensure our public profile, policy influence and media work reinforce one another, while creating the management capacity required for a growing organisation. This builds on the new functional structure where media and content, policy and campaigns, and the School Food Review programme all sit within External Affairs.
We want Chefs in Schools to become the most trusted and recognisable voice in the conversation around school food and food literacy. This role will play a central part in building that influence and recognition.
We are looking for somebody who understands that influence is built through consistency, credibility, creativity and cultural relevance as much as through formal communications activity alone.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Leadership
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Lead the day-to-day operation of the External Affairs team.
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Translate organisational strategy into clear plans and objectives.
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Ensure media, content creation, campaigns, policy and coalition activity reinforce one another.
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Set priorities and allocate resources across competing work.
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Develop team capability through coaching, support and performance management.
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Contribute to organisational strategy and annual planning.
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Advise on reputational opportunities and risks.
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Ensure innovation is embedded at the heart of our work and approach.
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Deputise at SLT level where appropriate.
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Represent the organisation externally.
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Build a collaborative, ambitious, solutions-focused culture.
Operational planning
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Develop and oversee the annual External Affairs plan in line with strategy.
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Coordinate campaign calendars, policy priorities, publications and media moments.
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Ensure external activity supports fundraising, programmes and partnerships.
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Monitor delivery against KPIs and adjust plans where required.
Campaigns and public engagement
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Provide strategic oversight of policy development and campaigning.
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Challenge and refine policy recommendations before publication.
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Ensure campaigns are evidence-led and aligned with organisational strategy.
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Support relationships with government, sector leaders and coalition partners.
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Build strong relationships with media, MPs, councillors and key stakeholders.
Media & communications
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Oversee media strategy and organisational messaging.
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Ensure consistency across press, social media, website, publications and events.
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Identify media moments and hard hitting stories that will hit the headlines.
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Sign off major messaging and communications.
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Lead communications planning around major announcements or crises.
School Food Review
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Provide strategic oversight of the School Food Review programme.
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Ensure coalition work complements Chefs in Schools wider influencing strategy.
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Support senior relationships with coalition partners and funders.
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Remove barriers to delivery for the Programme Manager.
Budget & governance
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Manage the External Affairs budget.
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Ensure safeguarding, risk management and governance requirements are met.
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Oversee procurement of agencies and consultants.
ABOUT YOU
Essential experience and skills
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Significant senior leadership experience across media relations, campaigns, policy or public affairs.
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Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
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Strong operational planning skills.
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Excellent political judgement.
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Experience influencing senior stakeholders.
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Outstanding written and verbal communication.
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Strong project and budget management.
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Comfortable balancing long-term strategy with fast-paced reactive work.
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Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and digital channels.
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Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and visual.
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Experience of working with MPs and other key stakeholders.
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Strong alignment with the mission and values of Chefs in Schools.
Desirable
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Education, food systems or public health experience.
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Coalition leadership.
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Charity senior management.
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Experience working with ministers, journalists and on national campaigns.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
We know that strong candidates may not meet every single requirement listed in this job description.
If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution to our mission, we would encourage you to apply.
We are committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation where people from different backgrounds, experiences and communities can thrive.
We’re on a mission to transform kids’ health through food – plate by plate, class by class, school by school.



Head of Finance
Salary£80,000.00 per annum
LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)
Weekly Hours35
The Vacancy
Job Title: Head of Finance
Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)
Salary: £80,000.00 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1228366
About Us
Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity. In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.
Why You
Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition
What We're Looking For
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check
YMCA is the world's oldest and largest youth charity. Collectively, we support 402,501 young people across 708 communities in England and Wales.

