Chief Operating Officer

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Operating Officer of Worcester Cathedral. In this important role the new COO will work with the Dean and colleagues of the Cathedral Chapter to support the ministry and mission of the Cathedral and deliver the next phase of our strategic vision.  

The COO plays a central role in delivering the Chapter’s strategy and plans, maximising resources and commercial activities and managing the day-to-day operation of the Cathedral, while nurturing its unique character and vision. The role carries a broad and critical remit across a particular and complex organisational infrastructure. The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is one of two statutory chief officer roles under the Cathedral Measure 2021, along with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

We believe that to be successful in the role, the COO will need to demonstrate a significant track record of strategic leadership in a complex and diverse operation. Whether their background is in the public, non-for-profit, or private sector, they will be a proven leader with acute political sensitivity and judgement, and outstanding communication and commercial skills. We are looking for an enterprising and creative thinker, with the intellectual rigour and relationship skills to be credible and influential with all our key stakeholders.

Overall executive leadership at the Cathedral is exercised by the Senior Executive Team (SET). The SET comprises the Dean (as equivalent to CEO), the Residentiary Canons, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Senior Executive Team meets fortnightly, and the COO is expected to take an active part in those meetings and the wider executive function. The Senior Management Group (SMG) is chaired by the COO and comprises the residentiary canons, the COO and all heads of departments, and meets fortnightly.

This is a challenging role with some complex and demanding tasks at an exciting time of change for Worcester. It offers an outstanding opportunity to bring new thinking to the life of the Cathedral in a context where colleagues will offer both strong support and significant stimulus.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Governance

• To facilitate good governance processes, and to ensure that all policies and procedures are compliant; to work with the Dean to shape the agenda and implement the decision of the Chapter.

Leadership and management of the staff 

• To provide leadership and managements of the staff team.

Finance

• To work with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure there is a strategic plan in place for finance; to work closely with the Finance Committee and finance and fundraising staff to ensure regular and relevant reports are produced, cash flow is monitored, and an annual Chapter budget is drawn up.

Fabric

• To have oversight of the fabric of the Cathedral and precinct, in conjunction with the Surveyor of the Fabric (cathedral architect) and the architect for the close properties; and to prepare budgets and robust management plans for major projects as well as for the routine maintenance of the Cathedral and close properties. 

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:

Knowledge and experience

• A practicing Christian (this is an Occupational Requirement of the post) who is sympathetic to and supportive of the Cathedral as part of the Church of England, and willing to participate from time to time in public worship and other cathedral events.
• A person who delights in the history and heritage of the Cathedral, is enthusiastic about its musical tradition, and values its opportunities for engagement with the community through learning, social action, culture, and tourism.
• A person with substantial experience in a senior leadership/management role, as a team-leader and team-member, in a complex private, public, or non-for-profit organisation.
• A person with experience of financial management, capital project management, and target achievement.
• Ideally, but not essentially, a person with experience of managing buildings and property.

Skills, abilities and attributes

• A person of absolute integrity.
• A person able to think strategically about the future of the organisation.
• A person able to build positive relationships with the Dean, members of the Chapter, staff, professional advisers, volunteers, regular worshippers, the Friends, and partner-organisations in the Diocese and City.
• A person committed to ensuring the Cathedral is a safe place for all.
• An excellent team-leader, able to inspire others, build on their strengths, and develop their potential.
• A strong communicator, able to explain and record complex matter clearly and accurately, to be able to write English to a high standard.
• A person able to work flexibly, combining work at management level with being (on occasions) hands-on, working the hours the post requires in practice.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to Worcester Cathedral's website, where you can find the full recruitment pack and details on how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 5pm on Monday 18th May 2026.