Leadership development manager jobs

This role offers a unique opportunity to make this role your own and take the charity to the next level, with the full support of a dedicated, experienced team.

The successful candidate will ensure that the charity remains resilient and able to deliver on its commitment to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the people we serve.

The role is a mix of operational activity, day to day management and strategic thinking; with the continuous building and nurturing of external relationships with our NHS, public sector and not-for-profit stakeholders.

Working alongside a committed trustee board, skilled staff and volunteers, you will bring drive, experience and passion to the team. You’ll get terrific support from the outgoing postholder as needed, with the space to act and bring your own ideas to the forefront.

Hackney Empire is looking for a new Theatre Technician.

The Theatre Technician plays a vital operational role within our busy 1,250-seat theatre and additional rehearsal and event spaces. Supporting the technical leadership team, you will deliver exceptional hands-on technical support across stagecraft, lighting, sound and rigging systems to realise the creative ambitions of visiting companies and in-house productions. 

This is a production-focused role that requires combining physical, high-level stagecraft management during the intensive fit-ups, live show operations and rapid get-outs with a proactive approach to health and safety, equipment maintenance and visiting company care. 

Since 1899, Birmingham Settlement has been working to create opportunity and choice – connecting and empowering people through action, activities, and shared learning to build and sustain wellbeing for all.

Chief Operating Officer

Salary up to £56k per annum (depending on experience)

35 hours per week average (flexible)

25 days A/L + contributory pension scheme

Birmingham Settlement is looking to appoint to the new role of Chief Operating Officer to help us continue to deliver the safe, high-quality services our people want, deserve, and expect.

Working closely with the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer will help translate strategic vision into operational delivery by ensuring the Settlement has the systems, people, and processes in place to achieve its goals. This includes operational support and leadership: working closely with managers and service leads to drive the Settlement’s delivery and people strategies, embedding culture, and organisational development to create and take opportunities while also delivering effective financial management, governance, compliance, and risk management.

To succeed, you will have significant experience in the charity sector at a senior level with a proven track record in service delivery and charity compliance, you will have excellent communication and leadership qualities with ability to motivate and inspire to get the best out of people as well as an understanding of the issues the Settlement strives to challenge. As a critical member of the Settlement’s leadership team, you will play a key role in supporting sustainability, development and implementation of our longer-term strategic plans. This will be a very busy but rewarding visible and hands on role that cuts across all aspects of the charity as we continue to grow and develop.

For an informal / confidential chat please call Theresa Gniadkowski.

No agencies please.

For an application pack visit our website or email us or write to Human Resources, Birmingham Settlement – Sports & Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9SH.

Closing date: Wednesday 8 July 2026

Interviews:  Thursday 16 or Friday 17 July 2026

Birmingham Settlement is committed to Equality of Opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Registered charity number 517303

Head of HR

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of HR to join a pioneering organisation making a lasting difference to the lives of care-experienced young people.

You will be working for a charity that transforms the lives of care-experienced young people. 

Your passion for staff development, wellbeing, and organisational culture will make a significant contribution to the charity’s overall mission.

Position:  Head of HR

Location: Hybrid/London
Salary: £46,000 per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days)
 

Closing Date: 20th July 2026

About the Role

The Head of HR plays a pivotal role in fostering a workplace where every member of staff feels valued, supported and recognised for the impact they make. You will lead the organisation’s people strategy, ensuring wellbeing, professional growth and inclusive practice are embedded at every level.

By championing a positive organisational culture, staff development and ensuring effective HR systems and processes, you will enable staff to thrive and deliver their best work for the young people it serves.

This is a senior, standalone HR role, working closely with the CEO, leadership team and line managers, and acting as the main point of contact with our external HR support service.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Lead Learning & Development and wellbeing initiatives
• Oversee Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practice
• Provide expert HR advice to managers
• Manage HR data, reporting and workforce insights
• Support reward, recognition and induction processes
• Act as main contact for external HR support
• Lead on HR policy and Health & Safety (excluding safeguarding)

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional who is confident operating at both a strategic and operational level. You will bring sound judgement, empathy and clarity to complex people matters, and enjoy working collaboratively in a small, mission-driven organisation.

You will be organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities, with a strong commitment to inclusive practice and staff wellbeing.

You will have:

• Experience of managing a HR function
• Experience of developing and implementing HR processes and initiatives
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and risk management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Budget management experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines

If you are passionate about creating inclusive, supportive workplaces and want to play a key role in enabling a dedicated team to transform young lives, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, you will be asked to submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, motivation and experience meet the requirements of the role.

You may have experience in roles such as: Head of HR, HR Manager, People Manager, HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, People & Culture Manager, HR Lead, or Human Resources Manager.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an evidence-based organisation that protects freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects across England and Wales.

The Director, Central Team, will develop and oversee programmes across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, playing a key role in realising our vision of building the Freshwater Network.

As a member of the Senior Management Team the postholder will lead the Central Team and work across the following areas:

• Strategic development

• Leadership and management

• Fundraising

• Project delivery

• Partnership development

• Technical supervision

• Finance

This position requires a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic person who works well as part of a team whilst being self-motivated and ambitious. 

The Director will have the ability to think on their feet, steer the direction of the

programme teams and support them to achieve the long-term goals of the organisation.

Closing Date: Friday 17th July 2025 (5pm)

Interview Dates: First round interviews: 27th July 2026 (On Microsoft Teams)

Second round interviews: 11th August 2026 (In-person)

The second-round interviews will be held at our offices in Oxford.

BLCF is a leading local grantmaker, striving to be a catalyst for positive change in the community. The Foundation distributes millions of pounds locally each year and is establishing a national reputation for an innovative, community-focused and strategic approach.

BLCF is currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Grants to lead our expanding grants team and join our Senior Leadership Team to steer the future direction of the Foundation.

Applicants will need to have significant previous and relevant experience in a grants management role, and possess excellent leadership, team and programme management skills. Excellent communication and IT skills are also essential.

To apply, please submit a concise covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining your suitability for the role against the job description and a completed application form

Closing date for applications is 12noon on Monday 13th July 2026.

Head of Housing

Cambridge, Hybrid

Are you an experienced housing leader who combines strong technical knowledge with confident, values-led people leadership? This is an opportunity to lead a key customer-facing service, shaping how our client delivers housing management services and create meaningful outcomes for customers. 

About the role

As their Head of Housing, you will be accountable for leading the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of housing management services.

This is a key strategic leadership role with accountability for building relationships and working closely with key stakeholders, focusing on a positive and motivating culture within the team while ensuring housing services are legally compliant, cost-effective, value for money and aligned with their values - ensuring customers at the heart of their service development. 

What you’ll be doing 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and inspire the Housing Team
• Shape strategy and ensure regulatory compliance 
• Deliver excellent core housing management services
• Put customers at the heart of what they do
• Drive service improvement, assurance and professional standards 
• Please see the job description for more information 

About you

They are looking for a confident, housing professional with strong leadership, management and people skills. To succeed in this role, you’ll need: 

• Substantial experience of housing management within a social housing provider, with strong technical knowledge across tenancy management, rent and service charges, leasehold services, allocations, voids, estate management and anti-social behaviour. 
• Strong understanding of housing legislation, regulation and professional standards, with the ability to work in a legally compliant, customer-focused and risk-aware way. 
• Experience of managing risk, safeguarding, customer wellbeing and tenancy sustainment issues, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based decision making that reflects organisational values and legal responsibilities. 
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop employees, creating a positive and accountable team culture, supporting the delivery of high-quality services. 
• Confidence in using housing systems, data, performance information and numerical insight to manage risk, improve services and support decision-making with a structured and organised approach. 
• Experience in coaching employees and excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and manage complex situations, work collaboratively and handle sensitive, complex situations. 
• High levels of personal integrity, accountability and self-motivation, committed to delivering effective outcomes in line with organisational values. 
• CIH Level 4 or 5 qualification in housing is an essential requirement and a condition of the role. This post is a relevant senior manager role under the Competence and Conduct Standard (Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023). They are willing to speak to candidates who do not already hold the qualification, provided they are willing and able to achieve it within the regulatory timeframe. 

Why join them? 

They’ve held Investors in People Gold accreditation since 2020, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, learning and professional growth. Joining them means being part of a collaborative organisation focused on continuous improvement and making a real difference. 

What they offer you 

• 28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Option to buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
• Private health insurance 
• Employee discount scheme 
• Defined contributions pension scheme, matched from 4% to 10% 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance 
• Strong focus on learning, development and wellbeing 
• Plus, more when you join! 

We encourage early applications and may close the vacancy once they have received sufficient applications from candidates who meet the essential criteria. 

Please note that Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role.

Inclusion and Diversity 

Our client welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible workplace.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

This is an exciting new role that will provide leadership as Victim Support grows, ensuring excellent governance, risk management and assurance across the organisation.

The Director of Governance, Risk and Assurance is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, holding strategic accountability for governance, risk, assurance and quality across the organisation.

You will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that systems, policies and frameworks are robust, evidence-based and aligned to the charity's mission. They will also provide independent assurance to the Board and its Committees that Victim Support is well governed, legally compliant and effectively managed.

If you are passionate about good governance and are looking to lead a team in an organisation that makes a real difference, then we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career

About the Role

This newly established role offers a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen organisational governance, risk and assurance frameworks across a national charity delivering vital services to victims of crime.

As Director, you will provide strategic leadership across governance, risk management, compliance and quality assurance, ensuring that the organisation operates safely, effectively and in line with its statutory and regulatory responsibilities. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Executive Team and Board, providing independent and robust assurance, alongside constructive challenge to support strong decision-making.

We are looking for an individual with significant senior leadership experience in governance, compliance and risk within a complex organisation. You will bring expertise in developing and embedding effective frameworks, alongside the ability to lead cultural change, influence at senior level, and drive continuous improvement. This is a highly collaborative role, working across organisational boundaries to build capability and ensure Victim Support remains a high-performing, well-governed organisation.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

HT is a vibrant, evangelical, charismatic, Anglican church with a large and growing church family of all ages and stages. We are situated right at the centre of Cambridge and are perfectly placed to reach students and adults alike. Our heart is to reach Cambridge and beyond with the amazing news of Jesus Christ. We want to see as many people as possible come to follow him, be transformed by his love, and be equipped to be fruitful disciples.

This is a broad, strategic, and high level role overseeing all HT’s operational activity in order to turn vision into action and enable kingdom growth. You will be a key member of HT’s Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to bring considerable spiritual maturity, a strong understanding of operating in a church context, and proven strategic and technical leadership.

A major aspect of this role is to envision, encourage, and direct the wider Operations Team. A significant portion of your week will be spent with them, and you will be the key communication link between the Senior Leadership Team and the Operations Team. Strong management experience is essential, as is an understanding of the unique environment of operating as a member of church staff.

Sunday services are the shop window of HT and are central to everything we do. They are also our most complex operation, currently involving over 50 volunteers and serving approximately 500–600 worshippers across four services. While much of the weekly delivery will be delegated, your ongoing oversight, input, and development of Sundays will be key. 

This is an exciting role with a significant level of autonomy for an ambitious and experienced youth work professional. The Head of Youth Work & Delivery Partnerships will lead and manage a large team of Youth Workers while taking operational responsibility for WEST’s seven-day-a-week universal youth work offer. As the leading provider of universal access youth work in Hammersmith and Fulham, and part of the OnSide network, WEST has a strong reputation and growing impact. The postholder will hold overall responsibility for delivering a vibrant, open-access Youth Zone for the young people of West London, welcoming up to 200 young people per session.

You will lead the development and delivery of the core youth work provision, including junior, senior and holiday clubs, ensuring high standards of practice and a culture of continuous improvement. You will also ensure the Youth Zone remains a fun, supportive, safe and inclusive environment that attracts and retains young people, helping to raise aspirations and support positive outcomes.

You will be a member of WEST’s Senior Leadership Team, and will work in tandem with the Chief Executive, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees to help WEST achieve its goal of delivering life-changing youth work to young people in West London.

As a member of SLT, you will embody the highest standards of professionalism and act as a role model for the culture we wish to create at WEST, and make a focused, measurable contribution to WEST’s overall strategic plan.

ABOUT WEST YOUTH ZONE

WEST Youth Zone, named Where Everyone Sticks Together by local young people, opened in April 2024 - a purpose-built space fizzing with energy and crammed with incredible facilities. Staffed by talented, skilled and dedicated youth workers who truly believe in young people, helping them see what they could achieve, and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it.

At WEST, we believe all young people in West London should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose and be able to explore where it can take them. We are open 7 days a week, while schools are closed - that’s evenings and weekends, plus all through the school holidays. We offer a safe and active space for young people to flourish in their leisure time, where their interests can be nurtured, and they can grow as individuals.

Hammermith & Fulham is a borough of wide disparities, with an acute need for youth services. This vast difference between those living in different neighbourhoods can lead to radically different life outcomes. Our Youth Zone is a vital provision that will make a huge impact on the lives of young people, and on the whole area, levelling the playing field for our young people.

We give 8 to 19-year-olds, (and up to 25 for young people with additional needs) affordable access to a broad range of sport, arts and mental health support, and employability services, designed to empower them to lead healthier, positive and more active lives – raising their aspirations for themselves and their community. This is a charity that the whole community can be proud of, and you can be part of that journey.

Head of Risk and Internal Audit
£75,000 per annum
Permanent and Full Time
Hybrid (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Head of Risk and Internal Audit, playing a critical role in strengthening our risk management, internal audit and assurance frameworks. In this role, you will ensure the organisation effectively identifies and mitigates risk, delivers a robust internal audit programme, and provides independent assurance to senior leadership and the Board. You will work closely with the Executive Team to embed a strong risk-aware culture and support strategic decision-making.

We are looking for an experienced risk or audit professional with a strong track record in developing and embedding enterprise risk management and internal audit programmes in complex organisations. You will bring excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders, including Boards or Audit & Risk Committees. A strong understanding of risk, assurance and governance frameworks, alongside a commitment to integrity and continuous improvement, is essential.

Act now and visit our website via the link, to apply online.

Closing date: 9AM, Monday 20 July, 2026.
Interview date: 30 July 2026 (in person).

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and              wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their              utmost for children

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world.

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of 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 welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is a critical and influential role at Independent Age, reporting to the Head of Governance. The post holder will provide high-quality support across a broad and impactful portfolio, including risk management, procurement and contracts, governance, safeguarding and business continuity, helping to build a culture where accountability, learning and continuous improvement drive meaningful change. 

Working closely with senior leaders and the Board, you will play an important role in enabling effective and confident decision-making across every level of the charity. This is an opportunity to contribute across a wide range of areas and to see the direct impact of your work on how the organisation functions and delivers its mission. 

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for risk management, alongside a strong understanding of not-for-profit governance best practice. You will also bring experience in at least one of the following areas: procurement, contracts management, third party contract risk, business continuity planning, policy management or safeguarding.

You will be an excellent communicator, confident working with senior stakeholders, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, can-do approach. Above all, you will take pride in getting things done efficiently and to a high standard and be motivated by the opportunity to work for a values-led organisation making a meaningful difference to older people.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the above criteria but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. In line with this, our office has many inclusive features, and there is no dress code. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all, but if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. Those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month. This role supports Board and committee meetings which may be held online or in the office, meaning availability to support with this is required. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the Careers page on our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 July, 23:59

1st Interview Dates: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 July, online via Microsoft Teams 

2nd Interview Dates: Wednesday 29 July, in person at our London Office (Avonmore Road)

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

Salary: £63,494

Grade: Grade 1

Position type: Permanent, full time 37.5 hours a week (Flexible working considered)

Responsible to: Director of Finance

Direct reports: Financial Reporting & Systems Manager, Financial Controller, International Programmes Finance Manager, Internal Audit Manager

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with travel to Truro approx four times per year

Role purpose:

This is a new role created in order to support and strengthen our financial capacity. The role will have day to day responsibility for all finance matters at ShelterBox and will play a pivotal role in ensuring the strength, integrity and effectiveness of financial management at ShelterBox.

The Head of Finance will be a key business partner across the business for all financial matters. Reporting to the Director of Finance, they will lead the finance function overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, compliance and statutory accounts, as well as oversight of the work of the operational finance team and board and committee reporting. While this is a leadership and management position, the small team structure means the successful candidate will be expected to take an active, hands on role in delivering work in addition to leadership responsibilities; They will have their own suite of projects and activities to deliver, as well as leading the finance team, and working across the organisation to support other teams. They'll work closely with our Director of Finance and senior leadership team.

Who are we looking for?

ShelterBox is seeking a qualified accountant with a minimum of ten years PQE in a management capacity.

The successful candidate must have extensive leadership experience and have proven experience in creating a modern, progressive finance function, with customer service at its core; we want this role to create long term impact.

Experience in accounting for projects, professional services and/or inventory would also be beneficial. Sector experience in an INGO is highly desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on supporting operational delivery, ensuring high quality financial reporting, and strengthening systems alongside a very worthy cause. You'll bring together your technical excellence and strong leadership skills, working collaboratively and effectively in a complex and fast changing environment.

Main role and responsibilities

· Lead and support finance team including four direct reports

· Provide guidance, advice and be a point of escalation for the finance team

· Represent the Finance Team in senior leadership forums

· Provide business partner support, to exec team, senior managers and international affiliate organisations

· Be a key point of contact for financial matters relating to larger international affiliates

Provide guidance, leadership, advisory support and quality control, across core services provided by direct reports including:

o Monthly financial reporting

o Developing and monitoring annual budgets and quarterly forecasts

o Finance operations including payroll, accounts payable, expenses, forex, cash and bank

o Financial business systems

o International Programmes project financial management including donor reporting; and

o Internal audit services

· Relationship management of investment advisory company and ongoing assessment of performance to ensure we are maximising returns on our investments in a risk appropriate manner

· Preparation of Board and Finance Committee reporting including cover at meetings for Director of Finance in periods of absence

· Setting and monitoring annual team deliverable timeline

· Carrying out ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting

· Development and maintenance of finance KPIs

· Manage relationship with external audit partner

· Provide a quality control review point and support and advise to Financial Controller over annual external audit.

· Guiding and directing team in an advisory capacity on all components of direct and indirect taxation

· Monitor processing of Gift aid to ensure we are compliant but also to drive improvements in gift aid recovery through simple supporting processes and trend analysis

Other responsibilities

· Any other duties as required which are deemed appropriate to the level and grade of the post.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please ensure your application is completed in full and you read the applicant guidance on our website before applying.