Organisation Manager (Finance & Governance)

Wayward / Wayward Plants

We're looking for an organised, proactive Organisation Manager with experience in charity finance to help build and maintain the organisational foundations that enable Wayward and Wayward Plants to thrive.

Wayward is an award-winning design practice working across landscape architecture, placemaking and community-centred design. Our work explores new ways of bringing people and nature together through public spaces, creative engagement and the transformation of underused land. We are pioneers in the creative use of meanwhile spaces, including Cultivate Colindale, our 4,000 m² green space hub for community, culture and the circular economy in north London.

For over a decade, we've also run Wayward Plants, a pioneering circular economy initiative that rescues plants, trees and landscape materials that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes them to the communities that need them most. As the Official Reuse Partner of the RHS, we've rehomed more than 100,000 mature plants and trees to our network of nearly 2,000 community and school gardens and growing initiatives across London. We're now establishing Wayward Plants as an independent charity, building on this work to expand our impact and develop new approaches to circular landscape practice, community growing and environmental stewardship.

We're looking for someone to work across these two closely connected organisations, coordinating financial administration, HR, organisational systems and compliance. You'll play an important role in supporting this transition and developing practical systems that enable both organisations to grow sustainably.

This role would suit someone with experience in charity finance, bookkeeping and organisational management who enjoys improving ways of working and supporting a small, ambitious team. You'll work closely with the directors, operational team, trustees and external professional advisers, with considerable autonomy in managing your responsibilities. We're particularly keen to find someone who is excited by our work to widen access to nature and tackle waste through creative reuse, and who wants to be part of what we're building.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Bookkeeping
Develop and maintain effective financial systems across Wayward and Wayward Plants, including bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, invoicing, expenses, payroll coordination and Gift Aid. Maintain accurate financial records, support budgeting, cash flow forecasting and management accounts, and work with accountants and the Finance Committee to ensure sound financial oversight.

Grant Management & Financial Reporting
Monitor grant income and expenditure, maintain records of restricted funding and prepare financial reports for funders and trustees. Work with the reuse team to develop appropriate methods for recording and reporting donated plants, trees and materials. Track reporting requirements and deadlines.

Human Resources & Trustee Administration
Coordinate recruitment, onboarding and routine HR and trustee administration, including contracts, personnel records, leave and relevant checks, working with external advisers where necessary.

Organisational Systems & Administration
Develop and maintain practical systems, processes and digital tools that support the effective operation of Wayward, Wayward Plants and Cultivate Colindale. Identify opportunities to streamline administration, improve efficiency and establish consistent ways of working.

Governance, Insurance & Compliance
Maintain organisational policies, insurance records and statutory documentation, and coordinate regulatory, financial and governance deadlines. Support the Board of Trustees and relevant committees with the information and administration needed for effective oversight.

Person Specification

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in bookkeeping and financial management, including maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling transactions and preparing financial reports.

• Experience in charity finance, including managing restricted and unrestricted funds, grant income and expenditure, and supporting financial reporting to trustees and funders.

• Experience coordinating operational or administrative functions within a small organisation, charity or social enterprise.

• Confidence using accounting software, spreadsheets and digital administrative tools.

• Experience with, or a good working understanding of, payroll and routine HR administration.

• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with directors, trustees, colleagues and external advisers.

• A proactive, practical approach to developing systems and improving organisational processes.

• Discretion and sound judgement when handling confidential financial, personnel and organisational information.

Desirable

• Experience supporting charity budgets, cash flow forecasting and management accounts.

• Familiarity with UK charity governance, regulatory requirements and statutory reporting.

• Experience managing financial arrangements or shared services across multiple organisations.

• Experience establishing or improving financial, HR and administrative systems in a growing organisation.

• A bookkeeping or accounting qualification, such as AAT, or equivalent professional experience.

Details About the Role

Organisations: Wayward / Wayward Plants (Shared Services)

Location: Hybrid, primarily remote, with at least one day a month at the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre at Cultivate Colindale, north London.

Contract: Permanent, part-time.

Hours: 1 day (7.5 hours) per week, worked on a regular agreed day or split across two half-days. The role will begin with a 2-month onboarding and handover period at 2 days (15 hours) per week. Additional hours will sometimes be required during busy periods, particularly around financial and grant reporting deadlines, and can be worked flexibly by mutual agreement.

Salary: £10,500 per annum, based on 7.5 hours per week (equivalent to a full-time salary of £52,500). All additional agreed hours will be paid at the same hourly rate.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short statement explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the person specification, including your experience with charity finance, bookkeeping and financial reporting.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Application deadline: Friday 6 November 2026

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we will only be able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for interview.

Wayward and Wayward Plants are equal opportunities employers. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible working environment.