Operation director jobs

Working alongside the other Finance Manager (job-share partner) and the Co-Director, this role is responsible for ensuring the charity’s finances are effectively managed and that financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The postholder will collaborate closely with their job-share counterpart; together, they will be jointly accountable for the smooth operation of the organisation’s financial systems, while maintaining clearly defined areas of responsibility.

This role has a primary focus on the operational delivery of finance functions, including day-to-day processing and book-keeping related to income. It will ensure robust financial controls, accurate record-keeping, and efficient financial processes, supporting Women for Refugee Women to operate effectively and maintain strong financial discipline. 

Location: Old Street, London (Hybrid) * Please note that we are based in a women-only building. 

Accountable to: Co-Director 

Salary and hours: £44,289 - £49,339 pro rata (dependent on experience), 21 hours per week, plus benefits 

Length of contract: Permanent 

Purpose of the role: Working alongside the other Finance Manager (job-share partner) and the Co-Director, this role is responsible for ensuring the charity’s finances are effectively managed and that financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The postholder will collaborate closely with their job-share counterpart; together, they will be jointly accountable for the smooth operation of the organisation’s financial systems, while maintaining clearly defined areas of responsibility.

This role has a primary focus on the operational delivery of finance functions, including day-to-day processing and book-keeping related to income. It will ensure robust financial controls, accurate record-keeping, and efficient financial processes, supporting Women for Refugee Women to operate effectively and maintain strong financial discipline. 

Key responsibilities

Finance Administration 

• Together with the Finance Manager (Strategic) and the Co-Director, ensure that the charity’s finances are well managed and accounts are kept up to date. 

• Maintain overall responsibility for accounts receivable, and support the Finance Manager (Strategic) with accounts payable.

• Working together with the Finance Manager (Strategic), ensure all income and expenditure is entered onto the electronic book-keeping system (currently Quickbooks) accurately and in a timely manner, and assigned to relevant funds in accordance with funders’ requirements and restrictions.

• Ensure all donation details are correctly entered into the Donorfy fundraising database. 

• Ensure imported data in the accounting systems reconciles accurately with recorded transactions, and produce bank reconciliations as needed. 

Finance Management 

• Implement and monitor day-to-day financial controls, ensuring all processes meet audit and internal control standards. Ensure proper document storage, coding and audit trails for all transactions. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) in reviewing and updating operational finance procedures and ensuring organisation-wide compliance. 

• Working closely with the Finance Manager (Strategic) and the Co-Director, support improvements to finance systems and workflows. 

• Act as a bank signatory where appropriate.

Income Management 

• Ensure that all grants and other income due to the charity are received and managed in line with funder conditions and restrictions. 

• Issue and track invoices to ensure all income owed to the charity is collected promptly. 

• Ensure all cheques / cash income received is deposited into the current account in a timely manner. 

• Support fundraising and individual giving colleagues by providing accurate, timely financial information on a weekly basis to strengthen donor stewardship and reporting. 

• Maintain accurate records of gift aid declarations made. Prepare and submit regular Gift Aid claims to maximise eligible income. 

• Maintain accurate records of gift-in-kind and pro bono donations, organisational assets and restricted funds. 

• Ensure all income is recorded consistently across both the financial system and the fundraising database, working closely with the Individual Giving Manager to ensure alignment and information flow. 

Operational Reporting & Support 

• Provide financial administration support across the organisation, including for delivery teams and fundraising colleagues. 

• Work closely with the Finance Manager (Strategic) to ensure accurate information flows between operational processing and financial planning/reporting. 

• Provide responsive support to staff, helping them navigate finance processes confidently and consistently. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) to prepare quarterly financial updates and Management accounts, as well as annual financial statements. 

• Support the Finance Manager (Strategic) and Co-Director with payroll, pension reports and human resources management when required. 

• Attend the quarterly Finance & HR committee meetings and contribute to preparing papers as needed. 

General 

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post.

• Support wider organisational activities as needed, including on occasion in the evenings or at weekends. 

• Meet regularly for line management, supervision and appraisal with the Co-Director. 

• Identify own training needs and undertake relevant training and development, approved by the Co-Director. 

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in either Crisis Skylight Edinburgh (EH8 8BQ), Newcastle (NE1 2AF) or Merseyside (L1 5BD) at least three days per week. There is an expectation of regular travel across all sites and travel to our London head office approximately once every six weeks.

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity, including external secondments.

Salary: £74,572 per annum

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a pivotal senior leadership role at a critical moment for Crisis. We are looking for a Director of Operations on a 12-month fixed term contract or secondment, someone who thrives in periods of transformation and can lead a geographically dispersed senior team. If you are energised by complexity, motivated by mission, and ready to make a real difference during a period of change, we want to hear from you.

With a bold new strategic direction placing Client Services at the heart of ending homelessness, Crisis is implementing a place-based approach to system change, becoming a housing provider, and scaling the impact of our nine Skylights and Christmas offer. This role sits at the centre of that change. You will provide strong, values-led leadership across our Skylights in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Merseyside, senior support to the Lead Clinical Psychologist as well the entirety of Client Services across Great Britain. You will be bold in driving continuous improvement, collaborative in your approach to partnerships, impactful in your use of data and insight, and equitable in your leadership.

About you

• Significant senior leadership experience in a relevant sector, such as homelessness, adult social care, health, education, or employment, with a strong track record of inspiring and empowering people and teams through change.
• Excellent networking, partnership-building and influencing skills, adaptable to a range of audiences from frontline staff to senior politicians and funders
• A proven track record in operational leadership: implementing quality standards, compliance assurance, governance, and driving continuous service improvement
• Strong analytical skills and confidence using data to generate insight that improves service effectiveness, alongside experience managing significant and complex budgets
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and an understanding of psychologically informed, trauma-informed approaches when working with people who have experienced complex adversity
• A genuine commitment to Crisis’ purpose and values, and a passion for ending homelessness — we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members, volunteers and supporters are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 23:59

Stakeholder panel interview: Thursday 25 June 2026 online via Microsoft Teams

Main panel interview date and location: Friday 3 July 2026 at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£55k per annum

This is a newly created role. with responsibility for financial management owned previously by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Finance & Operations. In the refreshed structure operational and finance functions are separated.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively. You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance.

Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time:
1. Financial stability, control and risk management
2. Artistic and charitable ambition
3. Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth

Over the last two years the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations. We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions.

The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial leadership
• Financial reporting and insight
• Festival and programme support
• Sustainability and development support
• Systems and data
• Compliance, governance and risk management
• Leadership and team management

Essential Knowledge, skills and experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits 
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
• Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment

For full information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website.

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Please complete the online application using the links on our website. 

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

Interim - 2-3 Months

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced interim finance leader to join a highly respected international charity, providing steady leadership while a permanent appointment is recruited.

This short-term assignment will focus on maintaining strong business-as-usual operations across finance and business support, ensuring continuity, stability, and visible leadership across the organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team and trustees, supporting governance, operational delivery, and financial oversight during this interim period.

The remit covers finance, HR, governance, IT, and operational support, requiring someone comfortable operating in a broad and hands-on leadership role within a collaborative environment. You will oversee a small team, support audit and committee processes, maintain strong financial controls, oversee payroll and banking approvals, and ensure the organisation continues to operate effectively during this transition period.

This role would suit a qualified accountant who enjoys supporting purpose-led organisations and can quickly build credibility with stakeholders while providing calm, pragmatic leadership. Candidates with previous international NGO or wider charity sector experience would be particularly well suited to this assignment.

Key requirements:
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Strong experience leading finance operations within complex organisations
• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on
• Experience supporting audits, governance, and board reporting
• Ability to provide stability and leadership through change
• Strong stakeholder management and team leadership skills
• Previous NGO, international development, or wider charity sector experience would be highly advantageous
 

The role is expected to commence around 22nd June and will likely run for approximately 2–3 months while the permanent recruitment process is completed.

Hybrid working is available, with an expectation of office presence two days per week in Central London.

If interested do apply or contact Rosemary Pini for more details

Operations Coordinator (maternity leave cover)​

We are recruiting a fixed term Operations Coordinator (maternity leave cover) to join our team. This role will be responsible for coordinating our Finance and HR administration as well as providing Executive Assistant support to the Director.

Suitable candidates will:

• be passionate about supporting young people to make safer choices about drugs and alcohol,
• have experience of Finance and/or HR coordination, with excellent organisation skills
• have excellent time-management, attention to detail and be a skilled and effective communicator, both in writing and orally, with a range of people and agencies
• be proactive, self-motivated and confident to take initiative
• enjoy working as part of a small and busy team

The Job description, person specification and application form are available below. 

If you have any questions, please contact us using the HR email address in the application form and please share with anybody you think might be interested in joining our brilliant team!

• Closing date: Tuesday 30th June 2026 
• Interviews: Wednesday 22nd July 2026
• Start date: Week beginning 7th September 2026

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a small East London charity offering ecotherapy and community gardening to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a strategic, hands‑on Director (21 hours per week) to lead our next chapter, working closely with a committed staff team, trustees and volunteers.

As Director you will hold overall responsibility for the charity’s vision, strategy and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring our programmes run safely, sustainably and in line with our values. You will lead on fundraising and finance, including developing and delivering a fundraising strategy, managing budgets and reporting to funders and the Board of Trustees.

You will line‑manage our Ecotherapy Worker, Gardener, and three sessional staff, nurture a positive, inclusive culture, and make sure staff and volunteers are supported to do their best work. Building relationships with local mental health services, community organisations and partners will be central to the role, helping us reach people who can benefit most from time in the garden.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical delivery in a small organisation, and who is confident working independently while collaborating closely with others. If you care about mental health, social justice and nature connection, and want to help a much‑loved local project thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Purpose of Role:

• To ensure the smooth and effective running of all aspects of Healthwatch Bucks’ delivery.
• Work with the Chief Executive to review, maintain, and update policies and procedures and ensure organisational compliance.
• Maintain HR and other records in line with agreed policies and legal requirements.
• Provide effective administrative support for the recruitment, onboarding, induction, training, and departure of staff, volunteers, and directors.
• Oversee a professional, courteous, and empathetic signposting service for people seeking health and social care information.
• Ensure that all staff, volunteers, and directors can use data, information, and record-keeping systems appropriately and comply with policies and procedures, including Data Protection, confidentiality, and GDPR.
• Act as the central point of contact for volunteers, helping to facilitate positive relationships between volunteers and staff and ensuring volunteers remain engaged in the wider work of the organisation.
• Deputise for the Chief Executive at agreed meetings and forums.

This is a home based role with regular travel within Buckinghamshire.

This is a pivotal role at National Numeracy, helping to ensure our people, systems and processes enable the
successful delivery of our mission to improve numeracy across the UK.

As a key member of the operations function, you will work closely with the Operations & Impact Director to
strengthen organisational effectiveness, support colleagues across the organisation and help drive
continuous improvement in the way we work.

During this maternity cover period, a particular focus will be supporting the ongoing development and
adoption of our CRM and operational systems, ensuring they provide robust information, efficient processes
and an excellent user experience. You will also play a central role in maintaining effective governance,
supporting our people practices and helping to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational
culture.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving systems, enabling others to do their best work and
helping mission-driven organisations operate effectively and sustainably.

The postholder will also provide line management and support to one team member, helping to ensure their
development, wellbeing and contribution to organisational objectives.

The role is a maternity leave cover with an ideal start date in August 2026 and an anticipated end date of
31st July 2027. It would be suitable for either 4 or 5 days per week.

Could you lead Babbasa into its next chapter?

Babbasa is one of Bristol’s most recognised youth empowerment organisations, supporting talented young people from low-income and ethnically diverse communities to progress into employment, education and enterprise.

Founded in 2010, our name comes from an ancient African word meaning “ordinary people coming together to act as a support bridge.” That belief continues to shape everything we do.

Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 4,000 young people, built powerful partnerships across business, education and civic sectors, and received national recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

We are now entering an important new phase.

Following a period of organisational reset and renewal, Babbasa is implementing a bold and focused 2026 strategy centred on:

• A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme

• A stronger, values-led organisational culture

• A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure

• Sustainable growth and long-term impact

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our Founding Director and help lead Babbasa through this next chapter with clarity, discipline, compassion and ambition.

About the Role

As Managing Director, you will work closely with the Board, senior team, employees, partners and young people to:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation

• Embed Babbasa’s new integrated programme model

• Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience

• Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners

• Support and develop a committed, ambitious team

• Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination

• Act as a visible and credible public leader for the organisation locally and nationally

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected social mobility organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a values-led and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational capability.

You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, youth, public or private sectors, but you will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service

• Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition

• Strong financial, governance and operational management capability

• Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

An understanding of the barriers faced by people living in ethnically diverse and/or low-income communities is vital.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Why Join Babbasa?

At Babbasa, you will join an organisation with:

• A nationally recognised social mobility mission

• Deep roots within Bristol’s communities

• A strong manifesto and values-led culture

• An ambitious and committed Board and team

• Significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation

We believe talent should never be limited by background — and we are looking for a leader who shares that belief.

Additional Information

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension contribution scheme

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Evening and occasional weekend representation required

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds. We believe our diversity strengthens our work and helps us better serve the young people and communities we exist to support.

Babbasa exists to ensure that talent is never limited by background. Join us in building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future.

PA to the Director of Professional Standards
£35,791 - £39,651 pa, plus excellent benefits
Aldgate, London (including flexible working)

We are looking for an exceptional Personal Assistant to provide high-level support to the Director of Professional Standards within a large, diverse and fast-paced department at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, highly organised and dynamic individual who thrives on variety and enjoys working at the centre of a busy professional environment. The successful candidate will be a confident self-starter with excellent customer service and communication skills, able to build strong working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

You will manage competing priorities, coordinate complex schedules and provide seamless administrative support, while helping the department operate efficiently and effectively. You will also play a key role in supporting colleagues across a broad portfolio of professional standards work.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being at the heart of a busy team and takes pride in delivering high-quality support in a professional and purpose-driven organisation.

The College values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves. 

We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture, a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.  We aim to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

We will provide appropriate reasonable adjustments for candidates who may have a disability.

We only recruit the best and in return for your commitment, the College offers an attractive salary and benefits.

We operate a hybrid working model of on-site and working from home/remote, which helps to ensure a flexible work-life balance.

We welcome applications from all sections of the Community.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional membership body for psychiatrists and promotes excellent care for people with mental illness. It has 20,000 members and engages with government and the media as the leading voice of the UK’s mental health services. The College is a values-based organisation and was named Charity of the Year in the European Diversity Awards.

Closing date: 18 June 2026.
Interviews: 2 July 2026.

Join Kingston Hospital as our new Director to lead a well-established NHS charity and drive forward both fundraising income and impact for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

Who we are

Kingston Hospital Charity is the dedicated charity for Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. Working closely with clinicians and teams across Kingston Hospital and local community services, we raise and steward charitable funds to enhance care and the experience of patients and their loved ones—above and beyond what NHS funding alone can provide. Our support helps create welcoming, healing environments, invest in innovation and technology, and strengthen staff wellbeing and development so that exceptional care can be delivered every day. Relaunched in 2017, the charity brings together grateful patients and families, community groups, businesses, trusts and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference for local healthcare.

About the role

The Charity Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for Kingston Hospital Charity. Reporting to the Board, the postholder will lead the charity’s growth, profile and impact, ensuring charitable income is maximised to enhance patient care, staff wellbeing and innovation beyond core NHS funding. There is a real focus on securing major gifts to successfully deliver trust strategic priorities and other funding opportunities as well as expanding the charities’ reach and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and delivering the charity’s long-term vision and strategy
• Leading income generation across fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy and grant funding
• Building strong relationships with clinicians, NHS trust leadership, donors and community stakeholders
• Ensuring excellent governance, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance
• Leading and developing a high-performing charity team
• Acting as a senior ambassador and advocate for the charity locally and regionally

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a senior fundraising leader to lead a small but ambitious charity team and drive income growth. You will need:

• Senior leadership experience in charities, fundraising or a relevant sector
• A strong track record of income growth and strategic development
• Experience in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Credibility operating at the Board and executive level
• Commercial acumen combined with a strong values-led approach
• Passion for improving healthcare outcomes and patient experience

This role offers a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a well-established NHS charity and make a tangible difference to local health services.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 26th June.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.

The Director of Audiences role is a new role at Freelands Foundation, and the successful candidate will be first in post. They will be joining us at a time of growth and opportunity, as we start planning for a major building refurbishment to re-open as a “centre for visual art education” with the needs of our audiences embedded into our plans and designs. All this while still delivering programmes and awarding grants that create positive change across our sector, including our flagship £1.5m Freelands Awards and our expanding Freelands Studio Fellowships with UK universities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Audiences is responsible for one of the three core pillars of the Foundation. Alongside the Director of Programmes and the Director of Finance and Operations, they form the organisational leadership team who are responsible for delivering the Foundation's mission.

The Director of Audiences will lead the cohesive development and delivery of all Freelands Foundation's audience-facing work, delegating and managing delivery where appropriate, and ensuring that our audiences are identified and served in ways that meet our strategic objectives and align with our values.

They will lead the Audiences department that currently comprises the Head of Digital, Graphic Designer and Digital Content & Communications Coordinator.

Closing date: 12pm (noon) Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026

The Deputy Director (Operations & Finance) is a new position in the organisation that will lead the day-to-day running of the organisation, bringing together operations, HR, governance, finance oversight and property management under clear, reliable leadership. Working closely with the Director and deputising in their absence, you will line-manage teams across finance, buildings, studios and administration, and act as Company Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Beyond keeping the organisation running well, you will play a central role in what comes next including delivery of our 3–5-year strategic business plan, securing a permanent home for the charity, developing Not Another Art School as a scaled income stream, and supporting our pathway toward Arts Council England NPO status.

This is a hands-on, generalist leadership role. You will need to be equally comfortable reviewing a lease, running a Board meeting, troubleshooting an IT system and supporting a member of staff sometimes all in the same week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead governance and compliance acting as Company Secretary, coordinating Board activity, managing statutory filings, and overseeing health & safety, GDPR, and HR frameworks
• Oversee day-to-day operations across studios, galleries, offices, and project spacesLead on all HR processes recruitment, contracts, appraisals, and staff support for a team of ten
• Manage financial oversight alongside the Finance Manager: budgets, cash flow, management accounts, year-end, and funder reporting
• Develop and manage property relationships lease negotiations, landlord liaison, new site acquisition in line with agreed strategy
• Support fundraising applications and funder compliance, and contribute to building diversified income across earned revenue, trusts & foundations, and public funding
• Drive delivery of the strategic business plan, including NAAS development and ACE Illuminate audience data preparation

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You don't need to come from the arts sector, but you do need to be operationally excellent, values-driven, and genuinely excited by what TBFAF is becoming. We are looking for someone with strong experience running operations in a small organisation, solid understanding of governance and finance, confidence managing teams, and the breadth to hold a wide remit without dropping the ball.Experience in property or facilities management, HR management, and familiarity with fundraising applications are all desirable, alongside arts, charity, or cultural sector experience and experience working with Boards of Trustees.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organisation: Happy Days
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Calderdale

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity.

The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.

The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.

Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The COO provides executive oversight of, operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions
• Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of:
  • Supported and temporary accommodation services (68+ properties)
  • Crisis and drop-in provision
  • Food programme and social supermarket
  • Winter shelter provision
• Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans
• Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth
• Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures
• Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability
• Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation

Housing, Property & Supported Accommodation Executive Oversight of:

• Operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services
• Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers
• Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways
• Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes
• Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards
• Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design
• Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth

Safeguarding Operational Platform

• Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems
• Ensure SOP’s are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs including:
  • addiction
  • mental ill-health and physical health needs
  • dual diagnosis
  • homelessness
  • domestic abuse
  • offending histories
  • health exclusion
• Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes
• Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery
• Lead continuous safeguarding improvement and organisational assurance processes
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards

Health Inclusion & Community Services

• Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion
• Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience

Corporate Governance, Compliance & Organisational Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure
• Lead organisational responsibility for:
  • Human Resources
  • Health & Safety
  • Insurance and organisational risk
  • Operational systems and digital infrastructure
• Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained
• Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations
• Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning
• Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation
• Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability
• Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO

Systems Development & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure
• Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination
• Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness
• Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Culture

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development
• Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development
• Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards, including the VSI Volunteer Excellence Award

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Budget development and financial planning in conjunction with the CEO and Finance Team
• Support organisational sustainability through efficient service delivery
• Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes
• Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services
• Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments
• Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management
• Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services
• Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems
• Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors
• Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems

Desirable

• Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services
• Experience working within housing such as a registered housing provider
• Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities
• Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks
• Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation

Key Attributes

• Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability
• Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments
• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership