Operation officer jobs

Purpose of the role

Are you passionate about how digital communications can be leveraged to help even more people understand the role and importance of churches and to encourage and support those who are caring for these historic buildings? We are looking for a part-time Communications Officer to join our small Communications Team at the National Churches Trust. You will help plan, write, build and send our regular newsletters, manage our photo library and permissions, and support us in making sure our website is up-to-date, accurate and accessible.

If you are a good communicator and writer, you understand the importance of UX design and supporter journeys, and you want to use your skills to help keep churches open and in use, then this could be the role for you.

Hours of Work: Part-time, 21 hours per week split over three days, working Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Introduction to the National Churches Trust

We want to keep the UK’s wonderful collection of church buildings well maintained, valued and in use. Working on the ground in all four nations, we support churches of all denominations. Our vision is to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities.

Our mission:

• We Speak Up: churches are valued and supported

• We Build Up: churches are well maintained, adaptable and in good repair

• We Open Up: churches are sustainable, open and welcoming

Our values:

• Being straightforward in responding to others’ needs

• Providing support that makes a difference

• Joining forces to achieve greater impact

• Driving change that brings our vision closer​

Please note, we are not looking for any freelancers to fulfil this role.

For more information, download the job description supporting document. To apply, visit our careers page via the Apply button.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

Interviews: Thursday 23 or Friday 24 July 2026 in Westminster, London.

Thank you for your interest in the National Churches Trust and our mission to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities. We look forward to hearing from you.

Our client has supported children and young people across Berkshire for over 85 years; they champion safe spaces, trusted relationships and opportunities that help young people develop confidence, skills and aspirations. They are values-led, inclusive and youth-centred, working with communities, schools, partners and their member network to improve outcomes for young people across Berkshire. At an exciting time of growth, they are now recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join their small, committed team.

The Operations Manager is a pivotal senior leadership role within the organisation, responsible for strengthening the operational backbone of the organisation. This role ensures that the organisation’s buildings, systems, people, suppliers and processes operate smoothly, safely and compliantly, enabling high-quality youth work delivery. The Operations Manager provides strong day-to-day operational leadership and discipline, freeing the CEO to focus on strategy, partnerships and organisational growth. The postholder will be highly organised, practical and accountable, with a strong focus on implementation and follow‑through.

To apply for this role, you will have significant operational management experience in a charity, public sector, education, community or similar environment. You will have demonstrable experience of managing multi‑site operations, facilities or complex operational systems and will have proven experience of workforce planning, operational delivery and implementing organisational change. You will have experience of managing suppliers, contracts and procurement processes and will have a strong understanding of operational compliance, risk management and audit readiness. Overall, you will be practical, organised and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work across teams and with trustees, suppliers and external partners.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange a call to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.

Please note this role will be hybrid-working, based either from Newbury or Reading, with regular travel across Berkshire.

Our client is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will undertake an enhanced DBS check and references.

We are looking for an Operations Assistant, to support the Executive and Operations team in administrative and travel support delivering campaigns to accelerate a fair phase-out of oil and gas in the UK. We have grown rapidly as an organisation over the last five years and are looking for a new member of the team to provide cross-organisational support as we head into the next phase of our development. We’re looking for someone with energy and enthusiasm to provide comprehensive executive support to the Executive Director, and support to underpin the smooth running and efficiency of our operations. It is a varied role that will suit a versatile and strong “generalist” who can handle complexity and is proactive and resourceful. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Operations Team across a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to guide First Step into its next chapter, following the announcement of the planned retirement of our current CEO after 11 years of dedicated service.

You join us at an exciting and transformative time. We are actively driving the organisation forward, focusing on long-term sustainability while ensuring we never lose sight of the families who rely on us.  We are looking for a CEO who shares our values, inspires others and can lead with vision, compassion and determination.

This is a hands-on, outward-facing role, leading from the front, championing First Step’s profile within the community and igniting the interest of existing and potential supporters and donors. You will need to:

• Inspire, energise and direct the First Step team of staff and volunteers, to consistently deliver outstanding support for families of children with special needs and or disabilities
• Foster a positive and proactive culture that embodies excellence and compassion at every level
• Shape and communicate a strong strategy and vision, ensuring that every aspect of our work aligns seamlessly with First Step’s objectives and values
• Actively seek out and embrace new possibilities to expand and enhance services, driving innovation to ensure the organisation continues to make a meaningful difference to the community

As we follow the recruitment requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education we do require a fully completed application with a full education and working history with any gaps explained.  A supplimentary CV can also be provided for additional information, but not in place of a fully completed Application Form.

At First Step, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is at the core of everything we do. Working closely with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and the wider community, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Our team is vigilant and proactive to identify and address any concerns, and to follow our robust procedures whenever there is a belief that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm.

We are equally passionate about championing equality and diversity in our employment practices and the services we provide. First Step embraces inclusion, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our organisation. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexuality, religion, background, or personality – to play a key role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. Our commitment is rooted in recognising and valuing the strengths diversity brings to our team and our wider community.

Please note: You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety and trust.

The Society of Authors (SoA) is the UK's largest trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators. We’ve been advising authors and speaking out for the profession since 1884. 

We’re currently looking to welcome a Finance Manager to our team.

The role

The Finance Manager leads on the operational management of the finance function to ensure there are robust financial controls, effective reporting and efficient day-to-day financial operations across the organisation, including our ancillary charities and literary estates. The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships across the organisation with all staff, member volunteers, senior colleagues, board members and charity trustees.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Finance Manager has significant responsibility for:

· Management accounts and reporting

· Budgeting and forecasting

· Cashflow oversight

· Audit and compliance

· Financial controls and process improvement

· Operational financial analysis

Responsibilities

Day-to-day financial management 

• Manage the day-to-day finances for the organisation. Ensuring all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and kept updated including banking and sales and purchase ledgers.
• Manage the finances for our 14 charities. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are kept updated.
• Undertake monthly reconciliations ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the organisation including the partial VAT exemption calculation.
• Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of any restricted funds for the charities ensuring that monies are allocated as per donor wishes or grant specifications.
• Prepare any ad hoc budget request and figures for other departments or the management.
• Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Support with funding bids and reports for donors and grant-making bodies.

Budget process management

• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer on preparing the annual budgets for the organisation and our ancillary charities.
• Prepare quarterly figures for review, explaining any variation from budgeted figures.
• Monitor the actual spend against budgets for all the charities.

· Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the needs of the organisation and our charities in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Charities.

• Work closely with all Departmental Heads to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget. 

Statutory reporting

• Assist the Chief Operating Officer with the preparation of the organisation’s accounts.
• One of the main points of liaison with the external auditors, ensuring all supporting papers are collated for an efficient and effective annual audit to take place.
• Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts and agreements.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place to safeguard the financial assets of the organisation.
• Lead on preparing all our charity accounts.
• Assist the COO to ensure the organisation and its ancillary charities are compliant with statutory bodies and external institutions including:

o Companies House

o Certification office

o Charity Commission

o HMRC

o  All banks and payment processors

Financial risk management

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the organisation.
• Develop, update and produce long-term cashflow forecasts for both the organisation and our ancillary charities.

· Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels. 

Governance support to the Finance Sub-Committee and Charity Trustees

• Assist in the preparation of all associated papers and minutes for the Finance Sub- Committee.
• Assist the Chief Operating Officer in preparing papers for Board and Charity Trustees.

 The duties above outline the broad areas of responsibility. The SoA reserves the right to vary these duties to suit the requirements of the business.

 Person specification

Essential

• Minimum part-qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the organisation.

· Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases. 

• Experience of using Sage 50 Cloud Accounts.
• Significant experience and confidence in managing a full range of finance operations in a small or medium sized organisation in the not-for-profit sector.
• Confident presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills.

· Resilience in working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback. 

· Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate. 

• Ability to work with the Chief Operating Officer to develop the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies for the society and its ancillary charities.

Desirable Skills

· Specialist knowledge of Charities, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

· Experience of working for a trade onion or a membership organisation.

· Tax and charities law, including a good understanding of partially exempt VAT status.

 What we offer

As a progressive and ethical not-for-profit organisation, we offer a range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. We are a London Living Wage and a Disability Confident – Committed employer.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Death-in-service benefit (8 x salary)
• Employee assistance programme
• Flexible, hybrid working practices.
• Family-friendly, disability-confident inclusive culture
• Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays.
• Salary exchange pension scheme
• Interest-free annual travel card loan
• *Office closure over Christmas
• Private healthcare

*Colleagues can work over the Christmas period, although the building is closed. For those who wish to take additional time off, colleagues take these days from their annual leave allowance.

As an employer, we nurture a working environment in which staff can grow and develop. We recognise the value of flexibility in the way we work with a positive culture of hybrid working practices.

Inclusion, diversity, and representation are at the core of our values, and we work to tackle structural discrimination and prejudice. Part of this commitment means that we are looking to increase diversity in our organisation at all levels. We strongly encourage applications from a broad range of social, cultural, educational, and underrepresented backgrounds

This is a pivotal moment for MYTIME. We are growing fast, our ambitions are national, and we need a Head of Operations who is genuinely ready to grow with us - not just manage what we have today but help build what we need for tomorrow.

As a true second-in-command to the CEO, you will be the operational backbone of the organisation: the person who ensures our governance is airtight, our systems are fit for purpose, our commissioner relationships are strong, and our data tells the story of our impact. You will think and act strategically, while remaining close enough to the day-to-day to spot what needs fixing before it becomes a problem.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation at a critical stage of its growth. If you are the kind of person who thrives on complexity, takes initiative, challenges thinking, and brings rigour without bureaucracy, we want to hear from you.

Job Title: Head of Business Operations
Salary: £40,000 per annum (£32,000 per annum pro rata) + 10% company pension on successful completion of probation
Contract: Permanent
Base: The Brain Charity, Norton Street, Liverpool, L3 8LR
Hours: Part Time - 30 hours per week
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: 4

Summary of Role

The Head of Business Operations will play a key leadership role within The Brain Charity, leading and overseeing the effective and safe delivery of a range of business and operational activities. This includes responsibility for premises management, health and safety, data protection compliance, ICT systems, and operational services such as room hire and café provision.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior colleagues, the role will ensure that systems, processes and services run efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and support the charity’s wider objectives. The postholder will also lead on continuous improvement, oversee operational performance, manage budgets and commercial activities, and develop sustainable income-generating services that support people living with neurological conditions.
 

Key Responsibilities

Management of Physical Assets

• Hold responsibility for the organisation’s assets register.
• Ensure that all buildings owned by the organisation and their fixtures and fittings are maintained to a high standard in a cost-effective way.

Health & Safety, Security & Business Continuity

• Provide leadership and assurance on the effectiveness of Health & Safety controls across the organisation.
• Ensure the safe, secure and continuous operation of the charity’s premises, including oversight of access arrangements, security controls, and incident response.
• Ensure Health & Safety and food safety policies are in place, effectively implemented, embedded into day-to-day operations, and consistently monitored to maintain full compliance across all operational activities.
• Ensure statutory checks, monitoring activities and remedial actions are completed, documented and reviewed in line with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain organisational readiness for incidents affecting premises safety, security, or continuity of service delivery, and act as the designated Deputy within the Business Continuity Plan, carrying out responsibilities in line with the defined scope and actions of the plan.
• Act as a designated security key holder and first point of contact for premises alarm activations and building security incidents, ensuring appropriate timely response and escalation.

Data Protection & GDPR

• Support and contribute to ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation across the organisation.
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team in meeting data protection responsibilities, including compliance reporting and engagement with the ICO and Subject Access Requests where required.

ICT, Digital & Systems Oversight

• Provide oversight of ICT infrastructure, Microsoft 365 accounts and CRM systems, ensuring they support operational and business objectives.
• Produce and present quarterly reports covering ICT performance, KPIs, system risks and improvement activity.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts for IT support services, including due diligence, contract management and renewal.
• Support ICT and CRM development initiatives in line with organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Cyber Essentials requirements and oversee the organisation’s cyber security posture.

Operational Management

• Take responsibility for improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of the café, room hire services.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the promotion and advertising of business activities, including room hire and café services.
• Lead and manage facilities refurbishment and improvement projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Oversee contractor engagement ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and contractual requirements during works.
• Ensure appropriate insurance policies are in place, regularly reviewed and maintained in line with organisational risk exposure.
• Act as the operational lead for insurance-related matters, including renewals and claims support.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters relating to business activities as required.
• Monitor and analyse business data, producing reports and delivering presentations to senior management and the trustee board.

Financial Management

• Set and manage budgets for existing product and service delivery.
• Forecast sales targets and monitor progress against these.
• Support the CEO and Trustee Board with financial matters related to business activities as required.

People Management

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and ensure they are adhered to by all staff within your department.
• Monitor, performance manage and improve the efficiency of all direct reports.
• Support the professional development of all direct reports.
• Provide ongoing and regular formal supervision through the organisation’s supervision and appraisal framework.
• Motivate staff to achieve their KPIs through quality controls.
• Monitor, train and support all volunteers.
• Delegate tasks to achieve the overall aims of the organisation in line with own responsibilities.
• Contribute to The Brain Charity management rota when required. 

Other

• Take responsibility for being up to date with the charity’s current policies and procedures and to adhere to these.
• Actively support promotional and fundraising events for The Brain Charity, attending a minimum of 1 fundraising or client-focussed event over the course of a year.
• Assist and support volunteers within the team as and when required.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks which may be required by the charity from time to time.
• Regularly provide cover for all aspects of the department you belong to during any absence relating to your colleagues.

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

Salary
£50,000 per annum

The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.

The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity’s mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.

Success in the role will balance the following elements:

• Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
• Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
• Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic operations
• Strategic contribution
• Festival delivery
• People and resource management
• Governance and compliance 
• Systems and process improvement
• Leadership and team management 

Essential Person specification:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
• Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
• Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience • Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
• Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
• Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
• Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing. and data governance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation

For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website. 

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.

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

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced, highly organised Operations & Office Coordinator to play a central role in keeping our London office running smoothly and supporting our wider organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role, with responsibility across office operations, governance coordination, and senior leadership support. You’ll be a key point of contact for colleagues and trustees, helping ensure everything runs efficiently behind the scenes.

Flexible working that works for you

This role is designed to be genuinely flexible.

• 21 hours per week, with flexibility over how these are worked
• We’re open to a range of working patterns (e.g. school hours, shorter days across the week, or compressed hours)
• Hybrid working, with two days per week in our London office

We aim to agree a working pattern that provides consistency and predictability, while fitting around your other commitments.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced candidates returning to work after a career break, including parents and carers.

What you’ll be doing

This is a broad and rewarding role with real ownership. You will:

• Support governance processes, including Board and Committee meetings and documentation
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Maintain and improve systems and processes, with the opportunity to shape how things are done
• Coordinate IT support, equipment and asset management
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events and travel
• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the London office, ensuring it is organised, efficient and welcoming
• Act as the main point of contact for facilities, suppliers and office-related queries

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings strong prior experience and enjoys working in a role with variety and responsibility.

You will likely have:

• Experience managing or coordinating a busy office or operational environment
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of tasks and processes
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work with senior stakeholders
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• A proactive approach and the ability to juggle competing priorities

Why join us?

• A genuinely flexible, part-time role designed to support work-life balance
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to take ownership of a varied and important role
• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful impact

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a leading charity working with smallholder farmers and small businesses in eastern Africa to improve incomes while protecting the environment.

We combine expert knowledge with practical solutions to create lasting change for farmers, their families, and the ecosystems they depend on.

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome those returning to work after a career break.

More information about the role can be found on the jobs page of our website. 

Interim Director of Finance and Operations
London | Hybrid Working (2 days per week in the office)
3-6-Month Interim Assignment
£500-£600 per day

We are working with a respected UK membership organisation seeking an experienced Interim Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic leadership across finance and corporate services during a key period for the organisation. 

Reporting to the Chief Executive and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead Finance, HR, Membership, IT and Facilities, ensuring strong governance, operational effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Board and Committees
• Strengthen financial controls, governance and risk management
• Oversee year-end accounts, audit and statutory reporting
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement across corporate services
• Provide leadership across HR, IT, Membership and Facilities functions
• Support organisational development, culture and staff engagement
• Ensure compliance across GDPR, health and safety and regulatory requirements
• Lead and develop a high-performing corporate services team
• Support the delivery of strategic priorities and organisational change initiatives

About you:

• CCAB-qualified accountant
• Experienced Finance Director, Director of Finance & Operations, COO or equivalent senior leader
• Strong track record within charities, membership bodies, professional institutes, Royal Colleges or other not-for-profit organisations
• Experienced in working with Boards, Committees and Trustees
• Broad corporate services experience covering finance, governance, risk and operational management
• Commercially minded with a hands-on and pragmatic approach
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery

Previous experience within a membership organisation, professional body or charity would be highly advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation and play a key leadership role during an important period of organisational development and change.

London-based with hybrid working, typically requiring two days per week in the office.

Camden Disability Action (CDA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our mission as a leading user-led charity for Disabled people.

As COO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across the organisation, ensuring CDA delivers high-quality, accessible, and impactful services. You will translate our vision and strategy into effective day-to-day operations, driving performance, consistency, and continuous improvement across all areas of delivery.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees to support organisational strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability. You will bring strong strategic insight, alongside the ability to lead people, systems, and services with confidence and clarity.

You will have responsibility for core operational functions, including HR, Finance, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Communications, as well as oversight of service delivery and contract management across CDA’s portfolio. You will ensure our infrastructure and processes are robust, compliant, efficient, and aligned to our values.

The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced leader, able to balance strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You will also act as deputy to the CEO when required, providing trusted leadership across the organisation.

Due to the nature of the Chief Operating Officer role and the space-based approach of the Greenwood Centre, it cannot be delivered remotely. The post requires regular in-person operational delivery. However, we are open to offering one day of remote working per week, where practical.

CDA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ people, and others who are underrepresented in the charity sector and leadership roles. We are also open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares, where this can support the successful delivery of the role.

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Head of Finance and Operations for this well-established Charity based in North London

• Location: North London
• Salary: to £65,000 per annum depending on experience  
• Hybrid working: 2 – 3 days a week is required at our offices.
• Working pattern: Flexible working hours, with home and office working
• Reports to: Chief Executive
• Direct reports: Senior Finance Officer 
• Key working relationships: Senior Management Team / Treasurer / Board of Trustees

Purpose of Role

The Head of Finance & Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability, operational effectiveness and strong governance of the charity.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, Treasurer and Senior Management Team, the postholder will lead the charity's finance function whilst overseeing governance, risk, compliance, systems, facilities and business operations.

This is a hands-on role within a lean and ambitious organisation, requiring both strategic leadership and operational delivery. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting organisational decision-making, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the charity is well-positioned for future growth.

Key Responsibilities
 

Financial Leadership

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes
• Develop and manage cashflow, ensuring long-term financial sustainability
• Produce timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports for the CEO, Board and Committees
• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit process
• Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and fraud prevention measures
• Support the CEO, Treasurer and SMT with financial insight, analysis and scenario modelling
• Line-manage the Senior Finance Officer to ensure effective financial reporting and controls.
• Develop longer-term financial planning, cash flow and budgeting processes to help shape the future financial direction of the charity.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and fraud prevention controls.

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Planning

• Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and planning.
• Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insight.
• Support performance monitoring and organisational decision-making across the charity.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of sustainable growth plans.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Lead the coordination of Board and Committee cycles, ensuring meetings are effectively planned and delivered.
• Oversee the preparation and collation of Board and Committee papers, working with SMT colleagues to ensure timely submission of reports.
• Maintain the governance calendar and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory deadlines.
• Attend Board and Committee meetings as required, providing financial and operational insight.

Systems, Data & Information Governance

• Provide strategic oversight of the charity's systems, technology and data infrastructure.
• Lead systems improvement projects to enhance efficiency, reporting and user experience.
• Oversee the charity's CRM, finance systems and reporting platforms.
• Manage relationships with external IT providers and consultants.
• Act as the charity's Data Protection Accountable Person.

Operations, Facilities & Procurement

• Oversee office operations and facilities management.
• Manage supplier relationships and key service contracts.
• Lead procurement processes and ensure value for money across operational expenditure.
• Ensure operational policies, procedures and controls support effective service delivery.
• Support organisational resilience and business continuity planning.

This exciting role links our 350+ community organisations that receive food from us — known as our Community Food Members (CFMs) — with our thriving and fast-paced food operation. As the Food & Membership Operations Coordinator, you will work across the charity with the Food, Membership and Warehouse Teams, as well as our large and diverse volunteer community, to ensure CFM organisations receive a smooth, reliable and high-quality service each week.

The purpose of this role is to strengthen the connection between food supply, warehouse capacity and member demand. Acting as a key cross-functional coordinator, you will help ensure that surplus food flows efficiently into the organisation and out to the communities who need it. You will support both food-sourcing and membership functions, helping resolve issues quickly, improving communication, maintaining accurate data, and ensuring operational plans are aligned across teams.

Reporting to the Food Manager, with a dotted line to the Membership Manager, this role is central to improving collaboration across the organisation and ensuring FareShare South West delivers a safe, efficient and impactful service to frontline community organisations across the region.

1) Cross-Functional Coordination

• Support daily and weekly communication between Food, Membership and Operations regarding supply and membership demand 
• Maintain awareness of the food pipeline, providing timely updates on incoming supply, changes, restraints, gluts or shortages.
• Assist the Food Manager and Membership Managers with aligning food allocation planning to member needs, operational realities and transport schedules.
• Help coordinate solutions to operational challenges (e.g., quality issues, storage constraints, cancellations, short-dated stock).

2) Food Sourcing Support

• Support the Food Manager with local food sourcing activity, particularly in administration, supplier updates and basic relationship maintenance.
• Be a point of contact for day-to-day supplier communication, ensuring timely responses and accurate information flow
• Help maintain accurate sourcing records and documentation, including volumes, quality notes and engagement history.
• Support awareness-raising activities about FSSW’s surplus redistribution capability (e.g., events, promotional updates).
• Assist with capturing local supply opportunities and best practice shared through the FareShare Network and escalating them to the Food Manager.
• Help coordinate truck logistics schedules in partnership with Operations ensuring incoming food is aligned with capacity.
• Assist with food safety and compliance tasks related to local sourcing (e.g., documentation updates, supplier follow-up, recall administration) under direction from the Food Manager.

3) Member Support & Service Delivery

• Support member onboarding, offboarding, account updates, queries, complaints and general membership administration.
• Lead on resolving daily member-facing issues, including food quality concerns and product recalls, escalating where appropriate.
• Support food allocation writing, ensuring allocations reflect supply, need and warehouse capacity.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date member information, including delivery instructions, profiles and seasonal variations.
• Support membership-related campaigns, events and targeted projects (e.g., HAF, bolt-on models, piloted services).
• Communicate supply changes, special offers and gluts/shortages clearly to members in coordination with relevant teams.

4) Data, CRM & Reporting

• Maintain accurate member records in Salesforce and ensure data integrity across systems.
• Support reporting for funders, SLT and internal operational updates, including supply, allocations, member engagement and service metrics.
• Track and summarise recurring issues (e.g., cancellations, quality problems, demand spikes) to support decision-making.
• Contribute to KPI monitoring across both Membership and Food functions.

5) Compliance, Food Safety & Member Standards

• Operate in accordance with the FareShare Food Safety Manual and maintain required training.
• Support documentation for community food member (CFM) compliance, including kitchen checks, food safety standards and follow-up actions.
• Conduct in-person compliance visits with member organisations as required.
• Provide administrative support for product recalls, safety notices and compliance related communication.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience or knowledge working in an operational, coordination or customer/member support role
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence working with data and digital systems
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to coordinate across teams and externally

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in food sourcing, logistics, warehousing or surplus food redistribution, or an understanding of how food supply chains operate.
• Knowledge of food safety, warehouse processes or compliance requirements, or a willingness to develop this expertise.
• Experience using Salesforce, or similar CRM systems, with confidence managing data integrity and reporting.
• Experience working in a charity, community food environment or membership-based service
• Ability to build strong working relationships across internal teams and with external partners, suppliers or community groups.
• Comfortable representing the organisation externally
• Experience supporting projects or campaigns, including administration, coordination and communication tasks.
• Attention to detail in compliance-related work

An exciting opportunity to join our staff team and assist in providing funding that helps transform lives.

The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society – “The Shipwrecked Mariners” for short – was founded in 1839 and operates throughout the British Isles. Our primary purpose is to provide financial help to fishermen, merchant mariners and their dependants, both retired and of working age, who are in need. The Society has over 1,200 regular beneficiaries and receives over 600 applications for assistance each year.

To help us continue to provide a great service to mariners and their families, we have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us in the role of Grants Officer.

Our grants provide practical support for individuals and families that are experiencing severe financial distress and help them stabilise their situation during times of crisis. All our grants are means tested and exclusively focussed on those on low incomes (with little or no savings). A significant number of our grants are provided to those in retirement, however we also support those who are unable to work because of accident, illness, disability, or for compassionate reasons, as well as those who struggling to find employment. Our grants are used to cover a wide range of needs but are primarily aimed at helping people maintain a reasonable and dignified standard of living. We also help those who are struggling with debts as well as providing immediate support to the dependants of seafarers who have died at sea or during accidents ashore.

We are offering this role on a full-time basis, with a minimum of 2 days per week (Tues and Weds) working from our Chichester office, but potential for home working at other times. Some travel will be required for the role, including occasional overnight stays.

To be our ideal candidate, you will be an experienced, self-starting administrator with excellent communication and IT skills and a great eye for detail. But, above all, you will have a clear understanding of and empathy for the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by those we are here to support. If you want to be part of a highly dedicated but relaxed and friendly team, who take great pride in supporting an often-neglected sector of UK Society, then we would love to hear from you.

To apply for this post, please click the ‘apply’ button below where you can send your CV and a supporting letter of no more than two pages of A4 (size 12 font).

Your supporting letter should be focused on:

• Demonstrating how your personal qualities and experiences are closely aligned with the person specification for this role and have previously contributed to positive outcomes in your place(s) of work.
• Examples of your experience related to the key duties and responsibilities of this role.
• Helping us understand how you align with our organisational purpose and have a genuine empathy for the individuals that we support.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 5th July 2026. We will notify those shortlisted for an interview by end of business on Sunday 12th July 2026 and hold face to face interviews on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July 2026. The preferred start date for this role is 24th August, but we’re happy to be flexible about this for the right candidate.

Candidates must have permission to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society strongly believes in building a diverse team which understands the issues facing its beneficiaries, including those which most affect the quality of life and aspirations of vulnerable individuals and their families.