Permanent jobs in watford

Chief Executive Officer - NAFAS
Location: London (hybrid – 3 days per week at office in the City)
Salary: circa £65,000
Contract: permanent, full-time

Are you ready to lead one of the UK’s most cherished floral communities into a bold, new era?

The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) is a membership organisation and charity that has been enriching lives with flowers since 1959. With 30,000 members in 21 Areas, we unite amateur and professional florists, demonstrators, judges and teachers under one blooming banner. From gold-medal exhibits at Chelsea to county flower festivals, our mission, “Sharing the creative use of flowers through education, to bring joy and inspiration to all”, is at the heart of everything we do.

As our next CEO, you will:

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and deliver a strategy that will define the future of NAFAS.
• Governance & Finance: Provide strategic oversight of governance frameworks and financial operations, ensuring compliance, sound budgeting and transparent reporting.
• Operational Excellence: Strengthen organisational capacity through targeted recruitment and by further refining process to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on manual effort.
• Membership & Education: Develop and roll out membership growth initiatives and a broad range of educational offerings to engage and inspire participants of all ages.
• Communications & Partnerships: Elevate communications strategies and cultivate strategic alliances to expand reach, bolster reputation and drive collaborative opportunities.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader, ideally CEO level, ideally in a membership organisation.
• Skilled in strategic planning, governance and P&L ownership.
• A confident boardroom presenter with the gravitas to inspire trustees, staff and volunteers alike.
• A hands-on, approachable team-player who balances respect for cherished traditions with appetite for innovation.
• (Desirable) A passion for flowers or creative arts, and digital marketing savvy.

Why NAFAS?

• Lead a specialist organisation with a £3.5 million reserve and a history of galvanising floral creativity.
• Work alongside a dedicated HQ team and hundreds of committed volunteers.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working and the excitement of national flower shows.
• Make your mark by ensuring our legacy flourishes for generations to come.

If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills via the apply now button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 1st September 2025

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Our client is a leading independent funder. 

They aim to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK. 

The Foundation provides c.£50million annually in grants to organisations and initiatives with brilliant ideas who share our goals. We also provide social and impact investment for organisations with the aim of creating social and environmental impact.

Their strategy focuses on three interdependent aims: improving Our Natural World; tackling injustice to deliver A Fairer Future; and nurturing Creative, Confident Communities. We also want to play a more active role ourselves using our range of tools to effect change. In addition to funding, this includes convening and brokering alliances, commissioning research, and using our influence to achieve our goals.

Prospectus is delighted to be working with the Foundation to recruit a Funding Manager on a full-time (or 0.8) permanent basis to work on the A Fairer Future (AFF) programme as part of the team based in Kings Cross.

In A Fairer Future, there are five focus areas:

-  Arts and creativity making change

-  Children and young people's rights

-  Gender justice

-  Migrant justice

-  Racial justice

See 'Working for the Foundation' to learn more about their values and work towards diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as information about their approach to recruitment, benefits and HR policies.

The role:

This key role will add substantial grant-making and strategic capacity to the AFF team, which currently consists of 7 people  reporting to the Director of A Fairer Future. The role will take on existing relationships in the form of a portfolio of organisations at various points in their funding journey. This person will pick up these relationships and ensure continuity as well as assessing new applications.  There will also be work contributing to strategic initiatives, helping to achieve impact in the thematic areas covered by the AFF strategy and roadmaps. Committed to social justice, the candidate will be ambitious to help create change using Esmée's full range of tools and approaches.

Convening collaborations, commissioning research and mobilising networks to create change will all be part of this role in addition to the more day to day management of organisation's funding journey, supporting them from application onwards to achieve the best possible impact. They will also be responsible for capturing learning from reporting, site visits and facilitating online discussions with organisations, as well as representing the Foundation at sector forums and events concentrating on the AFF priority areas.

The culture at the Foundation is collaborative and nurturing, so working closely with colleagues to share ideas and learn from each other will be essential in this role.

The person:

The successful candidate will have experience of working in one or more of the areas cover by the AFF priorities, perhaps gained through work in the voluntary or local authority sector.  We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience in services to Children and Young People and/or racial justice, but are also interested to hear from those with experience more broadly across our AFF priority areas. This experience could have been gained from the delivering or commissioning programmes in these areas or indeed from a grant making perspective.

Highly organised, intellectually curious and pragmatic, this person will be able to unpick complex information and will be confident in assessing applicants' financial information. They will understand the charity funding world and importantly, the challenges faced by marginalised communities across the UK in the face of widespread inequity. The AFF team works with the Involving Young People's Collective, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the value of co-production.

IT confident and systematic in their approach, this person will also be helpful and empathetic in addition to being an excellent communicator, both in person and in written work. Excellent attention to detail, thorough and collaborative in their approach to work, this person will be a real team player whilst being able to work under their own steam, working in a fast-paced environment.

An understanding and experience of systems change principles and an appreciation of the nuanced intersections between the various priorities of the AFF programme will be important to success in this role. This role represents a fantastic opportunity for someone with the right skills and experience to really effect positive change and to make a real mark in one of the leading funders in the UK.

This is a crucial and hands-on leadership role, responsible for overseeing the charity’s financial management. You will ensure accurate and timely financial and management reporting, maintain robust financial controls, support the Senior Leadership Team in strategic decision-making, and drive continual improvements in systems and processes.

You will oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and audits, ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, and develop the Finance Team to deliver excellence.  To read the full job description, including information on role particulars, and why New Wine is a fantastic place to work, please download the attached document.

Key Responsibilites:

Routine Financial Oversight

· Oversee all accounting, cash management, reconciliations and authorisation of payments.

· Monitor day-to-day financial operations: banking transactions, current and deposit accounts, payroll, and other transactions.

· Maintain the fixed assets register and monthly depreciation.

· Manage cash flow, investing excess cash where appropriate.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

· Manage and prepare annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with the Director of Operations and senior leadership team.

· Provide timely, accurate and accessible management accounts and reports for senior managers, budget holders and Trustees.

· Interpret complex financial information clearly for non-finance colleagues.

· Regularly update forecasts with a target of quarterly reporting.

Statutory Accounts, Compliance & Audit

· Lead the preparation and audit of end-of-year statutory accounts, working closely with external accountants/auditors.

· Ensure all statutory obligations are met including VAT returns, Gift Aid claims, Companies House, Charity Commission and HMRC requirements.

· Stay up to date with Charity SORP and charity sector financial regulations, ensuring compliance and training the team accordingly.

Systems, Process Improvement & Controls

· Design and implement financial systems and process improvements to drive efficiency.

· Maintain strong financial governance and internal controls.

· Monitor the effectiveness of financial practices and policies and make recommendations for improvements.

Team Leadership

· Supervise, develop and motivate the Finance Team to achieve high standards.

· Carry out quarterly reviews and provide day-to-day support.

· Foster a collaborative, proactive working culture.

Event Finance Management

· Oversee financial management at New Wine events, including systems for income reconciliation, cash controls, onsite banking and petty cash.

· Ensure accurate reconciliation of income from the event booking system.

HR & Payroll Administration

· Oversee payroll preparation and submissions including HMRC and pensions.

Other Duties

· Respond to queries from Trustees, Director of Operations, budget managers and external stakeholders as required.

· Work well with all members of the wider staff team.

· Attend and sometimes lead staff prayers and other meetings.

Person specification:

Essential Attributes

• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Excellent time-management with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Analytical approach to problem-solving and sound decision-making capabilities
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a drive to deliver high-quality results
• Commitment to high standards, accuracy, and robust financial controls
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Collaborative team player with a task-focused mindset and proactive attitude
• Ability to positively influence and persuade others
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information
• Ability to think critically and maintain good judgement under pressure

Essential Skills & Experience

• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent substantial experience
• Significant experience in financial management, accounting, and budgetary control
• Proven track record in producing management and statutory accounts, and managing audits
• In-depth knowledge of Charity SORP, financial governance, and compliance within the charity sector
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Xero and Microsoft Office, including Excel (advanced), Outlook, Word, and Teams
• Experience in payroll administration, including workplace pensions and leave accruals
• Experience of financial governance and control mechanisms
• Proactive approach to adopting new and more efficient ways of working, using the latest software where appropriate, and providing timely, accurate and relevant reports to colleagues.
• Experience supervising or line managing staff, with the ability to develop and motivate teams

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience managing restricted or trust funds
• Up-to-date and practical VAT knowledge
• Experience within a faith-based or charity organisation
• Experience engaging with Boards or Trustees
• Familiarity with the financial aspects of event operations
• Understanding of safeguarding, HR, or operational compliance processes
• Diplomatic approach and understanding in stakeholder engagement

Desirable Knowledge

• Strong understanding of charity finance regulations and sector best practices
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of New Wine
• Highly proficient in accounting systems and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams, Planner)

The above list of job deliverables is open and partial, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

This job description is intended to summarise the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended to include all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all capabilities that may be required now or in the future.  New Wine reserves the right to revise the duties outlined in this job description at its discretion.