Chief Operating Officer

Join the team leading the iconic Wells Cathedral as its next COO, developing its life as a place of worship, a heritage site of remarkable beauty and awe-inspiring historic significance, and a globally recognised destination for pilgrims, audiences and tourists alike.

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 30th April

Who we are.

The City of Wells

Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills in the County of Somerset, Wells is one of England’s most beautiful and compact cities. Built around the beautiful Cathedral of St Andrew, its picturesque surroundings include a charming market square and high street, the Bishop’s Palace, and the magnificent Vicars’ Close, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street.

The Cathedral

Wells Cathedral deservedly has gained an enviable reputation for its lovingly maintained gothic architecture, world-class music, and its ministry. Underpinning the life, worship, and ministry of the Cathedral is a diverse organisation where a lot is achieved with modest resources. It oversees a diverse tapestry of activity:

• A world-class music foundation
• A works and estates department
• A team of virgers
• The Cathedral library and archives
• An education, learning, and outreach programme
• Finance, HR, and administrative functions
• Volunteer management
• Trading companies

About the role.

As a member of the Cathedral Leadership Team and as the senior operational manager of Wells Cathedral, the COO is responsible for the delivery of the Chapter’s strategy and plans and for the day-to-day coordination of operations in the context of the ministry and mission of the Cathedral. Reporting to the Dean of Wells and accountable to the Chapter of Wells Cathedral, this is a full-time role which requires a presence onsite to carry out the duties effectively. Read more about the organisational structure here.

The Chapter is the Board of Trustees for the Cathedral. It is the administrative body of the cathedral with the ultimate responsibility for directing and overseeing its affairs. They, alongside the COO, set the strategic direction for the Cathedral.

The principal responsibilities of the COO are to:

• Provide leadership to the operational departments that align with the Chapter’s overall strategic vision and objectives.
• Oversee and coordinate the activities of the Cathedral’s operational departments and associated staff.
• Lead, manage and motivate the Cathedral’s staff and its volunteers.
• Maintain and strengthen the Cathedral’s financial position in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Represent the Cathedral on external bodies and occasions as required.
• Be aware of and actively participate in the life of the Cathedral and its worship.

Who we are looking for.

As a natural leader, the next COO should be authentic in their leadership and team-management skills, building trust quickly to lead the organisation in the context of some demanding priorities. Motivationally inspiring, wise in kindness, and with a values-led approach, the next COO should be experienced in people management and able to forge strong connections. They must be mindful of creating a healthy culture as well as delivering against the strategy. Open and transparent, the next COO needs to be a relationship builder engaging with the community beyond the Cathedral and building on existing partnerships.

A person of integrity and agility, the next COO should be skilled in managing several projects at once, balancing the need for involvement at both high and detailed levels. Wells Cathedral’s next COO should be comfortable managing the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral, a complex estate with multiple services, events and activities in a weekly busy programme. With an empathetic servant leader approach, they will work in sympathy with the values and Christian foundation, able to influence staff and volunteers in a collegiate and timely manner.

With extensive experience working with a variety of stakeholders across organisations, they should have the vision to lead as well as the ability to work as a member of the wider team. Similarly, they must have the capacity to support areas of work outside of their specialism, facilitating and supporting their team in key decisions. The next COO needs to be agile in their approach and adapt to developing, changing, and sometimes conflicting priorities, bringing their team with them. They should have a good track record of managing a healthy organisation and setting and maintaining clear and achievable standards and goals.

Displaying analytical skills, including financial literacy and commercial acuity, they will demonstrate thorough financial planning, budgeting, and reporting and have a proven track record in driving financial sustainability.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 30th April.