Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Location: UK-based / home-based with regular travel to Manchester office, and some international travel

Hope for Justice is a global organisation which exists to bring an end to human trafficking and modern slavery. Working across the UK, US, Ethiopia, Uganda, Republic of Ireland and Australia, the organisation prevents exploitation, identifies victims, supports survivors and works with partners to strengthen the global response to modern slavery. The organisation combines frontline expertise, survivor-centred practice, international partnerships and practical solutions to create lasting change for individuals, communities and the systems that should protect them.

This is an important opportunity to join Hope for Justice at a pivotal stage in its development. As the organisation continues to grow its reach and impact, the Chief Operating Officer will ensure it has the people, systems, governance and operational capability needed to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably across multiple jurisdictions.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will:

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Team and Trustees to shape and deliver organisational strategy.
• Support effective collaboration and consistent operational delivery across the UK, US, Ethiopia, Uganda, Republic of Ireland and Australia.
• Lead cross-organisational planning, performance monitoring and accountability, ensuring priorities are clear, measurable and aligned across countries and functions.
• Provide strategic oversight of Human Resources, IT and Solutions, risk, operations, Board governance and the organisation’s approach to AI.
• Strengthen organisational infrastructure, including technology, data governance, internal controls, operational reporting and supplier management.
• Lead enterprise risk management, compliance, business continuity and crisis management across the organisation.

About you:
We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven operational leader who can combine strategic insight with practical delivery. You will bring significant senior leadership experience gained within a complex charity, NGO, non-profit, public-purpose, commercial or values-led international organisation.

You will have experience of leading multidisciplinary enabling functions, ideally spanning people, technology, risk, operations and governance. You will also understand how to build scalable systems, strengthen organisational performance and support effective decision-making across different countries, cultures and regulatory environments.

Calm and resilient under pressure, you will be able to navigate ambiguity, respond decisively during periods of crisis and bring people with you through change. You will understand the importance of safeguarding, duty of care and psychological safety within an organisation working in complex and sensitive environments. You will also be confident serving as an ambassador, including public speaking, with the ability to communicate effectively and with credibility to various audiences.

For further information: please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Please see the candidate pack for further details about the role, organisation and application process.

We welcome applications from individuals of all faiths and none, and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. Whilst being a practising Christian is not an essential requirement for this appointment, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to the Christian values and ethos that underpin the organisation's work.

Recruitment timeline:

• Sunday 29 November 2026 - Closing date for applications
• Friday 4 December 2026 (AM) - All vetting interviews with Charisma must be completed
• Thursday 10 December 2026 - 1st stage interviews (online)
• Tuesday 15 December 2026 - 2nd stage interviews (in-person in Manchester