22 Finance and performance manager jobs in Edinburgh

The National Biodiversity Network Trust is the UK charity dedicated to making biodiversity data accessible and useful. We co-ordinate the National Biodiversity Network, develop the NBN Atlas, support iNaturalistUK and are developing the NBN Record Manager. Our work connects biological recording, digital infrastructure and better decisions for nature across the UK. 

Our vision is Nature thriving everywhere, in all its diversity.
Our mission is Making data work for nature.

We are looking for an experienced leader to undertake a newly-created Head of Data & Digital role reporting to the Chief Executive Officer on a full-time fixed-term contract of 24 months.
 

Purpose of Job
 

• Lead the NBN Trust’s data and digital function, providing strategic and functional leadership across the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider data and digital portfolio.

• Line manages the Trust’s data and technical team managers, ensuring clear priorities, strong performance, proportionate governance, and effective delivery across business as usual, funded projects, and strategic development.

• Ensure the Trust’s data and digital work is led in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and supportive of a diverse range of staff, partners, and users.

• Deliver the Trust’s 2-year National Lottery Heritage Fund’s organisational sustainability project, “Building a Sustainable Future for the UK’s Biodiversity Data Heritage”, including the development and testing of value-added data and digital services, hosted products, and support offers that strengthen financial resilience without compromising the Trust’s public good role.

• Support the strategic direction, stewardship, and future sustainability of the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider technical delivery, ensuring that risks, opportunities, and investment choices are well managed.

•  Play an active role in the NBN Trust’s Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, funding development, cross Trust collaboration, and external engagement where this supports delivery and the Trust’s wider strategic objectives.

• The role provides strategic and functional leadership across the Trust’s data and digital work, working closely with the Principal Software Engineer as the Trust’s senior software engineering lead. 

Main Responsibilities
 

Strategic Leadership and Function Management
 

·   Lead the Trust’s data and digital function, aligning work with organisational priorities, the NBN Atlas strategy, and the wider Operating Plan.

·   Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior colleagues on delivery priorities, service development, digital risk, technical resilience, and future investment needs.

·   Translate complex technical, delivery, and service development issues into clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations for the CEO, Executive Team, Board, and relevant committees.

·   Lead, line manage, and develop the Trust’s data and technical managers, and relevant technical project staff, ensuring clear objectives, strong management practice, accountability, wellbeing support, and effective performance management.

·   Build leadership capacity within the function, supporting managers to develop their teams, handle performance issues well, and contribute positively to the Trust’s culture and ways of working.

·   Assess capacity, sequencing, and resource pressures across the data and digital portfolio, working with team managers to identify priorities, trade-offs, and resourcing needs and advise the CEO accordingly.

·   Work across the Trust to improve prioritisation, sequencing, decision making, and resource allocation across data and digital activity.

·      Champion inclusive leadership and equality, diversity and inclusion in team management, service design, recruitment, and ways of working, helping ensure the Trust’s data and digital function is accessible, supportive, and well-led.

Data Infrastructure, Services, and Innovation
 

·    Provide strategic leadership for the stewardship, prioritisation, development, and continuous improvement of the NBN Atlas and related data and digital products and services, working with the relevant data, technical, and programme leads.

·    Ensure data and digital activity support the long-term accessibility, usability, quality, and public value of biodiversity records and related digital services.

·    Lead diagnostic work, market testing, and service development to identify viable value-added data and digital offers, working with relevant data, technical, programme, and commercial colleagues to shape propositions.

·    Oversee the selection, development, and testing of pilot services, hosted products, training, or support offers, working with the relevant delivery leads and refining propositions in light of evidence, demand, legal advice, licensing constraints, and delivery capacity.

Governance, Risk and Project Delivery
 

·    Lead delivery of the organisational resilience project within agreed scope, time, and budget, with support from colleagues and external consultants as required.

·    Ensure major data and digital programmes have proportionate project governance, reporting, stakeholder, and advisory arrangements in place, working with relevant programme and project leads and identifying additional project support where required.

·     Commission and manage consultants and contractors, ensuring briefs are clear, outputs are practical, and learning is embedded in delivery, working with relevant technical or data leads where specialist assessment or oversight is required.

·     Act as the senior staff lead for the Data and Technology Committee, working in partnership with its Trustee Chair and relevant data and technical leads to support effective oversight of the Trust’s data and digital infrastructure, strategic development, risk, and associated governance.

·     Oversee function-level risks relating to data and digital resilience, data governance, licensing, delivery capacity, and service sustainability, working with the relevant technical and data leads to ensure specialist risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately.

·     Balance governance, assurance, and innovation so that data and digital systems support delivery, resilience, and public value without creating unnecessary burden.

·      Work with finance and programme colleagues to ensure accurate budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evidence of impact.

Partnerships, Income Development and External Engagement
 

·   Build and manage relationships with key partners, data providers, heritage and conservation organisations, public bodies, consultancies, funders, and prospective service users.

·   Help shape and test future income opportunities, including service offers, hosted portals, training, funded programmes, and strategic partnerships.

·    Develop and support fundable and deliverable future propositions arising from the work, ensuring the Trust is better positioned for long term resilience.

·    Act as the Trust’s UK Node Manager for GBIF, leading relationships, coordination, and representation linked to the UK Node function, and ensuring this role supports the Trust’s wider strategic, technical, and partnership objectives.

·    Represent the Trust externally on biodiversity data infrastructure, digital leadership, service development, standards, and innovation, working alongside relevant technical and data leads where specialist expertise is required

Trust Wide Contribution
 

·    Play an active role in the Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, business improvement, and wider strategic discussions.

·    Keep the wider NBN Trust team up to date with, and involved in, relevant data and digital activity as appropriate.

·    Contribute to Trust wide initiatives, events, business planning, and other activities as needed.

·    Share ideas, lessons learned, and opportunities openly to improve organisational performance.

General Responsibilities  
 

• Attend any required learning and development opportunities. 
• Collaborate effectively with other departments.  
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive working environment. 
• Ensure commitment to continuous professional development. 
• Follow organisational policies including Health & Safety, Cybersecurity, IT, Finance, and EDI.  

The ability to travel occasionally is required, including international travel. Candidates must also be based in and have the right to work in the UK, and be able to work effectively from home. 

These are the criteria we will be looking for in your application. If you don't meet all of them in full, but can offer something else that would help you excel in the role, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Essential Experience and Qualities
 

·   Strong leadership experience in data, digital, technical, product, or programme roles, ideally with responsibility for teams, delivery, and strategic planning.

·   Ability to operate at both strategic and practical levels, moving between organisational leadership, service design, risk management, and delivery oversight.
·   Experience of commissioning and managing consultants, contractors, or specialist external support to deliver clear and practical outputs.
·   Experience of developing partnerships, shaping propositions, or securing income through funded programmes, service offers, or strategic collaboration.
·   Good judgement, with the ability to assess trade-offs, challenge assumptions, and make proportionate decisions in a resource-constrained environment.
·   Strong communication and relationship management skills, including confidence with senior stakeholders, funders, partners, and technical specialists.

·   Knowledge of biodiversity data infrastructure, environmental data, heritage data, or closely related fields would be beneficial, but is not essential if the candidate can learn quickly and lead credibly.

·   Experience of working with Boards, committees, or governance groups, including presenting complex issues clearly and supporting effective decision-making.

 

Your role

We are seeking a Finance & Operations Leader to lead Design for Good’s finance, operations and organisational effectiveness, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director (MD), you will lead the organisation’s core finance, operational and enabling functions, ensuring we have the financial and operational infrastructure, people systems and governance frameworks needed to deliver our mission.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role, suited to someone who is both strategically minded and operationally confident — a collaborative leader who can lead suppliers, strengthen systems and financial processes, and take ownership of day-to-day operational delivery in a growing global charity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial leadership, planning and sustainability

● Support the MD in developing the annual organisational budget and take overall responsibility for financial performance, controls and processes.

● Work closely with the external accountants to ensure timely and accurate management accounts, annual accounts, financial reports, forecasts reporting for the MD, Board and Finance Committee.

● Take ownership of cash-flow forecasting, reserves management, financial planning and financial controls to support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

● Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, Companies House requirements (for any trading subsidiary) and charity SORP accounting standards.

● Lead the annual independent examination process and manage relationships with external auditors/examiners and other financial advisers.

● Oversee payroll, pensions, VAT returns and day-to-day financial administration, working closely with the external accounts team.

● Oversee restricted fund accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of grant expenditure, compliance with funder requirements and timely financial reporting.

Operations, systems and organisational effectiveness

● Lead and strengthen the organisation’s operational infrastructure, ensuring systems, processes and ways of working are effective, efficient and fit for purpose.

● Maintain an overall organisational plan, coordinating priorities, timelines and dependencies across the organisation.

● Identify and implement opportunities to improve organisational systems, operational processes and internal coordination to strengthen effectiveness and support sustainable growth.

● Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, including office management, IT systems, supplier contracts and operational compliance.

● Ensure the organisation’s IT and digital systems effectively support current and future organisational needs, including identifying and implementing opportunities for AI to improve efficiency and support organisational goals.

● Lead procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money, appropriate controls and effective supplier relationships.

● Lead financial and operational planning for key organisational activities, including the logistics and delivery of major events.

● Oversee joiner and leaver processes, ensuring a consistent, compliant and effective experience and that all required processes are correctly followed.

Governance, risk & compliance

● Lead the management, monitoring and reporting of the organisational risk register, ensuring key risks are actively managed and appropriately reported to the Board and relevant sub-committees.

● Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including employment law, GDPR, health and safety and charity law.

● Act as the organisational lead for data protection, ensuring effective and compliant data protection practices across the organisation.

● Provide the Company Secretary function, including preparing Board papers and minutes, supporting the administration of the Finance and Risk Committees, and maintaining statutory registers and records.

● Work closely with the Chairs of the Finance and Risk Committees to support effective Board oversight of financial, operational and organisational risks.

● Ensure organisational policies are kept up to date, appropriately reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

Key Requirements

● Demonstrable experience in a senior finance and operations leadership role within a charity, not-for-profit, public or values-led organisation.

● Strong experience leading organisational operations and enabling functions, including finance, governance, compliance, IT and organisational infrastructure.

● Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, financial controls, audit processes and financial planning.

● Experience contributing to organisational strategy, operational planning and decision-making as part of a senior leadership team.

● Good understanding of governance, organisational risk management and regulatory compliance within a charity or not-for-profit environment.

● Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, complexity and operational risk while maintaining a high standard of delivery.

Preferred Skills and qualifications

● At least 5 years’ experience in a managerial finance and/or operations role.

● Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term organisational planning with hands-on delivery and problem-solving.

● Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret, present and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences, including Boards and senior leadership teams.

● Ability to influence, advise and support decision-making at senior leadership and Board level.

● Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to strengthen systems, improve operational processes and enhance organisational effectiveness.

● Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.

● Strong IT and digital systems skills, including experience with finance systems, CRM platforms and organisational technology tools.

● Ability to navigate complexity, manage organisational risk, exercise sound judgement and make sound decisions in a values-led environment.

● Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands and deliver to deadlines.

Knowledge & Understanding

● Good understanding of charity finance, governance and regulatory compliance, including charity SORP and restricted and unrestricted fund management.

● Good understanding of people administration, employment legislation, organisational risk and operational compliance, including safeguarding responsibilities.

● Understanding of how financial management, operational infrastructure and people practices contribute to organisational effectiveness and the delivery of mission and impact.

Strategic Finance Partner

Salary: £52,380 – £55,789

Location: National / predominantly remote working

MLC Partners is recruiting a Strategic Finance Partner for a large, highly impactful organisation operating nationally across the UK.

This is a strong opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys genuine business partnering rather than traditional month-end-focused finance. You’ll work directly with senior operational leaders, providing financial insight, constructive challenge and commercial support to help them make better decisions and identify financial risks early.

The role is predominantly remote, with a national remit and connection to a regional business unit.

The role:

As Strategic Finance Partner, you’ll manage relationships with a portfolio of Operational and Central Directors, providing targeted financial support where it can have the greatest impact. This includes regular strategic reviews, identifying emerging risks and providing financial challenge ahead of key decisions.

• Partner with operational leaders to assess financial performance, risks and opportunities
• Develop financial options and recommendations to support decision-making and service sustainability
• Provide financial input into commissioner and customer discussions, including funding, performance and contract variations
• Support the resolution of significant income and invoicing issues
• Provide finance input into bids, tenders and re-tenders, including pricing, assumptions and sustainability
• Deliver practical financial training and coaching to non-finance colleagues
• Work closely with FP&A, Financial Control and Shared Services to ensure decisions are supported by robust financial information

About you:

You’ll already have experience within finance business partnering or management accounting, with a track record of supporting budget holders and reviewing financial performance. You should be comfortable identifying financial risks, understanding the commercial and operational drivers behind the numbers, and working collaboratively across a wider finance function.

You’ll need:

• Strong financial and analytical skills
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Confidence influencing and challenging senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Good Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems

The organisation is open to part-qualified candidates, so this could be particularly attractive to someone progressing through ACA, ACCA or CIMA who already has solid business partnering experience and is ready for greater senior stakeholder exposure.

If you’re looking for a role where finance is genuinely expected to partner, influence and challenge, please get in touch with Annabelle at MLC Partners for a confidential conversation.

The role

At Cruse, our strategy, sets out our charity’s plans to grow our income and build on our expertise and unique position in the sector. We provide expert bereavement and grief information and support, and our charity has been supporting people for over 65 years. We support adults, children and young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, through our national services, over 80 local branches and online information about grief and bereavement.

To lead and grow Cruse’s community fundraising and events programme, maximising income from existing activities/events while developing new fundraising opportunities. The postholder will take ownership of event planning and delivery, supporter engagement and volunteer and Branch fundraising coordination, helping to increase unrestricted income. This role is responsible for the planning and delivery of major events such as Cruse walks, whilst also creating new fundraising events for supporters to engage with us. Based in either the South of England or Wales

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. Please note that if you application does not include both a CV and covering letter, your application may not be considered. 

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 5 October 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early, as interviews will be held as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 5 October 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:

• Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
• Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders’ Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.

PWSA UK is looking for an individual who is experienced in individual supporter fundraising, capable of growing our income from our community network, individual givers including seasonal and capital campaigns. You will have the drive to make a difference for our stakeholders, be able to build strong supporter relationships at a distance and create compelling proposals that connect donors with PWSA UK’s mission and will enjoy working independently in a small team. 

About the role

This is a new role and you will manage and maintain a regular giving programme for new and existing supporters, developing tailored communications, proposals and engagement opportunities for the community that connect donors’ interests with PWSA UK’s mission. Working with colleagues, trustees and volunteers, you will support community fundraising, establish an effective individual giving programme using the CRM and increase the number of legacy pledges achieved over time

• Build and manage an individual giving programme.

• Support and build upon the community fundraising activity

• Develop persuasive campaigns, cases for support and donor communications.

• Maintain the CRM and utlise it to its full potential

• Keep accurate records, forecasts and pipeline reports.

About you

You will be an excellent communicator, careful researcher and organised fundraising manager, with experience in individual giving and community fundraising. You will be confident communicating with donors and senior stakeholders, handle sensitive information with discretion, and share PWSA UK’s commitment to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to shape a new fundraising role within a specialist charity and help grow high-value support for PWSA UK’s work.

Are you looking to add great value to an already successful finance team? Do you have a strong understanding of complex VAT? Are you immediately available or on a short notice period?

I am working exclusively with a large educational organisation seeking an interim VAT consultant on a long-term rolling contract.

The main responsibilities of the interim VAT Consultant are:

• Review VAT source data and underlying transactions.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Apply the agreed partial exemption mechanism.
• Review and advise on the VAT treatment of complex transactions.
• Support VAT coding relating to performances, ticketed events and other activities.
• Work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely VAT reporting.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced, VAT Consultant to come in and hit the ground running with an already successful organisation with an opportunity for flexible working.

My client is looking for:

• Qualified Accountant ACA, ACCA CIMA or equivalent – would consider qualified by experience
• An experienced finance professional who works well with changes on a regular basis.
• Education/NfP experience is highly desirable.
• Hands on approach, someone who likes to get stuck in

My client can offer flexible working with 1 day a month in the office based in central London and the rest working remotely.

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

Farm Discovery Programme Manager

Salary: £40,170 | Home-based | 35 hours per week | Permanent

This is a varied senior role combining programme leadership, team and contract management, quality assurance, safeguarding, data and financial oversight, partnership development and programme improvement.

You’ll ensure our Farm Discovery team has the clarity, support and resources they need to deliver consistently high-quality educational experiences for children from disadvantaged communities. You’ll also use data, feedback and evaluation to improve the programme, develop partnerships and contribute to its future growth and development.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record in programme management and leading complex delivery
• Is outstanding at enabling and leading educators and dispersed teams
• Understands the primary education context in England
• Can build strong relationships with schools, farmers, funders and partners
• Has experience of quality, safeguarding, health and safety and risk management
• Is confident using data, managing budgets and improving systems and processes
• Can communicate effectively and work collaboratively across an organisation
• Shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children experiencing disadvantage

The role is home-based, with regular travel across England and North Wales, including overnight stays, an essential part of the role. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements considered, including slightly reduced or compressed hours for the right candidate.

Closing date: Thursday 8 October 2026, midday.
CVs not accepted for this role. Please see our website for more information.

Lead services that support those who serve on the frontline
 

DMWS is seeking an experienced operational leader to develop and deliver high-quality services for blue light organisations and their workforces. This senior role combines strategic thinking, practical delivery, partnership building and strong project management.
 

A key part of the role is bringing services together. You will work closely with DMWS welfare teams, psychological services and clinical governance colleagues to strengthen referrals, coordinate support pathways and ensure operational delivery is safe, responsive and well governed.
 

What you will do
·   Lead operational plans, service performance, contracts, budgets and improvement activity.
·   Manage service mobilisations, pilots and improvement projects from scope through delivery, evaluation and handover.
·   Build effective working relationships across welfare, psychological, occupational health and partner services.
·   Coordinate cross-functional teams, project governance, milestones, risks, dependencies and reporting.
·   Strengthen relationships with military, blue light organisations, commissioners, public-sector partners, funders and suppliers.
·   Use evidence, outcomes and feedback to improve services, demonstrate impact and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
·   Lead and develop staff while maintaining high standards of governance, safeguarding and compliance.
 

What you will bring
·   Senior operational leadership experience in a complex service environment.
·   Strong project or programme management skills and a track record of delivering change.
·   Credibility with varied stakeholders and the ability to work effectively across professional boundaries.
·   An understanding of welfare, wellbeing and psychological support pathways and the importance of clear clinical and safeguarding escalation.
·   Commercial awareness, sound financial judgement and a commitment to quality and value for money.
·   A collaborative, evidence-led and values-driven approach.
 

Why join DMWS?
 

This is an opportunity to shape a growing area of work, strengthen integrated support for military Services, blue light communities and help DMWS turn trusted expertise into sustainable, high-impact services across the UK. This role is progressive and offers the right candidate an opportunity 
 

How to apply
 

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the requirements of the role by 28th September 2026. Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle which is required for this role. 
 

DMWS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

Fundraising Events & Community Manager
Salary:£40,000 pro rata
Contract:6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours:35 hours per week
Location:Flexible UK remote/hybrid working, with occasional travel to our Highgate office and events

Help shape the future of community fundraising at Ataxia UK.

Ataxia UK is the leading charity supporting people affected by ataxia, a group of rare neurological conditions. We fund life-changing research, provide vital support services and build a strong community for people and families affected by the condition.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Events & Community Manager to join us on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established fundraising programme, manage a dedicated team member and build on the success of a highly engaged supporter community.

The role
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you will lead the delivery and development of our events and community fundraising programme, helping to maximise supporter engagement and income growth.

You will:

• Lead and develop Ataxia UK's community and events fundraising activities
• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers, community groups and fundraising participants
• Deliver outstanding supporter stewardship and supporter experience
• Identify opportunities to grow income and increase engagement
• Monitor performance against agreed targets and objectives
• Manage and develop the Events & Community Fundraising Officer through coaching, mentoring and support
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, communications, finance, research and support services

About you
We're looking for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys building relationships and motivating supporters to achieve their fundraising goals.
You will bring:

• Significant experience in community fundraising, events fundraising or supporter-led fundraising
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience of line management, coaching or mentoring
• Experience of delivering fundraising activity against income targets
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Confidence using fundraising databases and reporting on performance
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment

Why join Ataxia UK?

This role offers a rare opportunity to step into a well-established programme with the freedom to make your mark. You'll be joining a collaborative, friendly and highly committed team where ideas are welcomed and success is shared.

We offer flexible ways of working and are open to applications from candidates across the UK. Whether you're looking for your next interim challenge or a fixed-term opportunity with immediate impact, you'll find a supportive environment and the chance to contribute to a charity that is making a real difference.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave pro rata, increasing with service
• Additional birthday leave
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Childcare vouchers
• Flexible working
• Time off in lieu for approved evening and weekend work

If you're passionate about community fundraising and want to help a growing charity continue its success while supporting people affected by ataxia, we'd love to hear from you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

12-month fixed-term contract | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Services to join our senior management team. 

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead nine services with nine direct reports, spanning criminal justice and housing/homelessness provision. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, you will need significant leadership experience across both Criminal Justice and Housing/Homelessness services, including housing or accommodation-based provision. 

You will understand the complexity of working across criminal justice, housing, local government and other statutory systems and be experienced in building effective relationships with commissioners and partners while maintaining strong operational and contractual oversight. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment at an important stage in Cranstoun’s transformation, offering the opportunity to lead a significant portfolio, strengthen operational performance and help shape the future development of our operating model. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

 

Permanent | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Service to join our senior management team.

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead eight services with nine direct reports, spanning substance use and services for children and young people. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, significant senior leadership experience within substance use services is essential, including experience of leading CQC-regulated provision and maintaining high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance. 

You will also need a strong understanding of safeguarding and the governance required to deliver safe and effective services for children and young people. Direct operational experience of Children & Young People services would be valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong safeguarding and CYP governance experience alongside substantial substance use leadership. 

This permanent appointment offers the opportunity to provide long-term leadership to a significant portfolio and help shape the future development of Cranstoun’s services. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

 

Trusts and Grants Manager

Little Flowers Club

Salary: £35,000-£42,000 pro rata for 2/3 days per week
Location: Remote
Reporting to: CEO/ Founder

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and capable of growth, whatever their starting point. That's the belief Little Flowers Club was built on.

We're a not-for-profit providing trauma-informed support for children and young people with SEN and complex, overlapping needs, through our Alternative Provision service in schools and settings across Gloucestershire, and our Stay & Play holiday clubs, giving SEN children a safe, sensory-friendly space during school closures.

Now we're looking for a Trusts and Grants Manager to secure the funding that makes this work possible.

The role

This is a brand-new, standalone fundraising role, and a genuinely flexible one. You'll own the trusts, foundations and statutory funding pipeline from end to end: spotting the right opportunities, writing applications that land, and keeping funders close so they come back again.

You'll work directly with our CEO to shape an income strategy built on trusts, grants and statutory funds, with real scope to make your mark from day one.

It's an ideal fit if you're an experienced freelance or part-time fundraiser looking for a role with genuine autonomy and immediate impact.

What you'll do

• Build and manage a trusts and grants pipeline, keeping applications and reports on track
• Research funders that align with our services and strategic goals
• Assess eligibility and funding guidelines to prioritise the strongest opportunities
• Write compelling applications, proposals and reports that bring our impact to life
• Keep clean records of applications, outcomes and reporting deadlines
• Track funding performance against targets, flagging gaps early
• Steward funder relationships to build long-term, repeat support
• Work with the team to pull together impact data, case studies and programme detail for bids

What you'll bring

• A proven track record of winning five- and six-figure grants from trusts, foundations and/or statutory funders
• Strong bid writing and reporting skills
• The organisation to manage multiple deadlines independently
• Confident written and verbal communication
• Relationship-building skills that put funders at ease
• A good head for budgets and project finances
• Comfort with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRMs
• The self-motivation to work independently in a small team

Nice to have: experience fundraising for SEN, youth or community services; CRM implementation experience; knowledge of Gloucestershire's funding landscape.

How to apply

Charity People is managing this recruitment for Little Flowers Club. Send your CV and a cover letter setting out why you're right for the role to Philippa Randle.

Closing date: midday, Thursday 1 October

Interviews: online, week commencing 5 October

We can't wait to hear from you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. 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 do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Are you an accomplished finance executive looking to combine strategic financial leadership with meaningful climate impact?

We're seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team of a mission-driven international organisation working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a complex, multi-entity organisation as it evolves towards a more diversified and sustainable funding model.

As the organisation's senior finance leader, you will provide strategic oversight of finance while leading key enabling functions including funding operations and facilities. Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team, you'll help drive organisational resilience, support informed decision-making and ensure robust governance across an international, remote-first environment.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Develop and deliver long-term financial strategy aligned to organisational growth, resilience and impact.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning and financial performance across multiple entities.
• Strengthen financial resilience through effective governance, controls, risk management and commercial insight.
• Partner with executive leaders to support strategic investment decisions and organisational transformation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Enable high-quality financial reporting, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience as a CFO, Finance Director or equivalent within a complex, multi-entity organisation.
• A recognised professional accounting qualification.
• A track record of leading organisations through change, transformation or evolving funding and business models.
• Experience across multiple funding environments, ideally spanning institutional, commercial and/or philanthropic sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen combined with exceptional governance, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to thrive in ambiguity while maintaining financial discipline and enabling innovation.

This role is ideal for a purpose-led finance leader who wants to apply their expertise to one of the defining challenges of our time. You'll join an ambitious, international organisation where financial leadership is central to enabling climate innovation, organisational resilience and long-term systems change.

Interested?

If you're an inspiring finance leader ready to shape the next chapter of a high-impact international organisation driving positive climate action, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, as such an early application is highly recommended.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.

Prospectus is pleased to be working with a social change organisation in the UK to recruit for a Head of Operations. This is a permanent, part-time vacancy offered at 0.6 – 0.8 FTE (3 or 4 days per week). This is a fully remote based role with some UK travel expected, including a monthly visit to Bristol or Reading.

The role will be responsible for supporting and coordinating the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team to function as effectively as possible. This includes developing their internal set up, processes and systems and overseeing compliance and risk management. Other responsibilities include coordinating team growth, culture and performance and overseeing long term financial planning and forecasting.

The successful candidate will bring previous experience having worked in a similar operational role. You will bring a passion for the mission and will have strong experience of embedding systems and processes. You will also have a good understanding of budgets and overseeing aspects of finance, although you are not required to be accountancy qualified for this role. You will have some experience relating to risk or compliance and will demonstrate excellent people skills, with the ability to engage with internal stakeholders at all levels. You may not have experience in every area of this job description and we would welcome applications from candidates looking to develop skills in some of these areas.

For details on how to apply please click through to the job on the Prospectus website where you can also find the full Appointment Brief.

Please note: Due to the urgency of this vacancy, shortlisting and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis therefore we encourage applications ASAP. We therefore reserve the right to close the application process early if necessary.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.