About the Role
As we scale, we are looking for a Head of Operations to provide operational leadership to ensure the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably in line with its mission and ethos. Working closely with the CEO, you will support the translation of the vision into reality by building strong foundations, enabling effective delivery, and supporting the scaling of the organisational from a regional base to a nationally impactful charity.
This is a pivotal role shaping how BeSpace grows. You will lead on strengthening systems, people, governance and operational delivery embedding accountability, and continuous improvement.
In this role, you will:
Strengthen governance, risk and compliance
· Develop and maintain robust governance frameworks and ensure legal and regulatory compliance
· Embed effective risk management processes
· Oversee key compliance areas including safeguarding, GDPR and reporting
Build operational systems and infrastructure
· Develop and implement scalable systems, processes and internal controls
· Improve data management (including CRM) and strengthen reporting
· Contribute to ensuring operational readiness to support national growth
· Work with external providers on IT and financial system integration
Lead people, culture and organisational development
· Oversee recruitment, onboarding and retention of a high-performing team
· Strengthen performance management and accountability frameworks
· Support and foster a values-led, healthy team culture aligned with BeSpace’s mission
Enable delivery, impact and growth
· Strengthen operational support for programme delivery and expansion
· Support the translation of strategic ambitions into practical systems and ways of working
· Improve data insight to inform decision-making
· Support development of fundraising infrastructure.
Contribute to wider organisational life
· Work collaboratively across the team to support evolving priorities
· Act as an ambassador for BeSpace’s values and Christian ethos
About You
We are looking for someone who:
· Has experience in operations, programme or an organisational role with increasing responsibility or has had operational leadership, ideally within a growing or changing organisation
· Has good experience in developing systems, processes and organisational infrastructure
· Can work closely with a CEO to translate vision into operational delivery
· Has excellent organisational and project management skills
· Is proactive, collaborative and relational leader who builds strong teams and culture
It would be a bonus if you:
· Are an experienced operational leader motivated by impact, flexibility, and supporting the growth of a mission-led organisation
· Have significantly enabled the scaling of a regional organisation to national growth operationally.
· Have experience in fundraising systems or donor management
Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.
This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.
You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.
Person specification
Key requirements include:
- Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment.
- Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership.
- Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively.
- Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.
See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK.
This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.
Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.
First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August
Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August
Our vision is a future where no child dies of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma or suffers due to the treatment they receive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.