Operational director jobs in Birmingham

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

A leading anti-slavery charity is operating where most organisations do not: at the intersection of real-time victim insight, systemic prevention, and market-level change. Through its safehouses and community support, the organisation empowers survivors to reclaim their lives and dignity. As operators of a UK-wide Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, it provides vital national infrastructure that drives urgent action and delivers real-time data on exploitation trends.

The organisation is working to end modern slavery by empowering, equipping, and influencing others to bring about positive and transformational change. Its work combines frontline intelligence with policy influence and business transformation, turning hidden exploitation into actionable reform. It is a values-led organisation – honourable, insightful, dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious – relentless in its pursuit to build a future free from exploitation.

The organisation is seeking an inspirational, confident, and values-led Chief Executive Officer to lead it in its mission to tackle modern slavery and support survivors to rebuild their lives. The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s principal ambassador, engaging credibly and persuasively with government, policymakers, media, and the public.

The postholder will balance strong external leadership with rigorous internal excellence, ensuring the organisation remains a leading authority in the fight against modern slavery.

Chief Executive Officer
A leading anti-slavery charity

Salary: £85,000 – £90,000
Location: Remote, with a minimum of one day a week based at head office in Bristol

About you

The organisation is seeking a highly collaborative and competent leader, with:

• Significant senior leadership experience working with/reporting to a Board in progressive organisations across the charity, NGO, social justice, or public/private sectors.

• Proven ability to provide strategic direction and oversight in complex, mission-driven organisations.

• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive growth and diversify income.

• Strong advocacy skills with a track record of influencing government, legislative processes, and diverse stakeholders.

• A consistent commitment to diversity and inclusion, with experience advancing inclusive policies and organisational culture.

• Strong financial and operational expertise, with a record of maintaining robust financial controls and regulatory compliance.

Crucially, candidates will be inspired by the organisation’s vision of a world without slavery and its commitment to turning hidden exploitation into actionable reform that empowers survivors and informs broader public understanding.

How to Apply

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please click 'redirect to recruiter'.

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications:
25th February

First interviews with Prospectus:
w/c 2nd March

First stage interviews with the organisation (online):
w/c 16th March

Second stage interviews with the organisation (in person):
w/c 23rd March

Head of Health Information and Education

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Job summary for Head of Health Information and Education

The Head of Health Information and Education is a key role at Bowel Cancer UK, leading the delivery of our health information and health professional education. We currently provide high quality support, but we know we need to do even more, reach more people and have an even greater impact.

The Head of Health Information and Education will, alongside our Clinical Lead, lead the development and delivery of our services in this area. This is a pivotal role with key areas of focus:

• Drive innovation in health information.
• Drive innovation in the content and delivery of health professional education.
• Expand our reach and accessibility to ensure no one faces bowel cancer alone.
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders.
• Champion technology and digital solutions to enhance service delivery.

You’ll work closely with the Director and the Services Leadership team to set strategic direction and ensure our services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence based.
 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Let’s Talk About Loss is delighted to be recruiting a part-time Charity Lead to guide us through an important transition period.

Founded in 2018, Let’s Talk About Loss supports young adults aged 18–35 who are bereaved, creating safe, supportive spaces to talk openly about grief. We are a small, values-led charity with a national reach, built on the power of community, peer support and shared experience.

This role has been created as maternity cover and will play a crucial part in delivering Year 1 of our new 2026–2029 strategy. We are looking for someone who can bring steadiness, organisation and care , ensuring our services continue safely and consistently, income generation is secure, and governance and safeguarding remain strong.

This is a delivery-focused leadership role, not a growth or expansion post. It would suit someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, working closely with trustees and volunteers, and taking responsibility in a small organisation — for example, someone looking to grow their leadership experience, or to step sideways into a values-led role with real responsibility.

Role snapshot

Salary: £14,352

Hours: 56 hours per month (2 days) 

Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover)

Location: Remote working (UK-based)

Reporting to: Board of Trustees 

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is motivated by our vision that no young griever grieves alone, and brings care, integrity and compassion to their work.

• Is highly organised and delivery-focused, with a strong ability to prioritise, follow through and manage competing demands in a part-time role.

• Has hands-on experience of income generation, particularly grant fundraising and reporting, and is confident overseeing budgets and cashflow.

• Is comfortable working closely with trustees and volunteers, providing clear information and support to enable good decision-making and safe delivery.

• Understands the importance of safeguarding, inclusion and accessibility in community-led or peer-support services.

• Brings a calm, reliable and practical approach, particularly during periods of change or transition.

Please consult the job description for further information on the role responsibilities, and the skills and experience you'll need. We have also created a Candidate Information Pack with more information about Let's Talk About Loss. 

We look forward to receiving your application!

About the Tax Justice Network

The Tax Justice Network (TJN) is an independent international network, launched in 2003. It is dedicated to high-level research, analysis and advocacy around international tax and financial regulation, including the role of tax havens. TJN maps, analyses and explains the harmful impacts of tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax competition; and supports the engagement of citizens, civil society organisations and policymakers with the aim of a more just tax system. TJN pursues systemic changes that address the international inequality in the distribution of taxing rights between countries; the national inequalities – including gender inequalities – that arise from poor tax policies; and the national and international obstacles to progressive national tax policies and effective financial regulation.

The Tax Justice Network operates virtually with its legal base in the UK and staff working from home across multiple countries and continents. 

Role description

The Finance Officer is part of the Organisational Support and Development (OSD) team at the Tax Justice Network, which is led by the Director of OSD, and the role reports to the Head of Finance and Reporting. The OSD team leads and delivers on a range of operational services from finance management, risk management, project management, event management, human resources, IT systems and other enabling functions. The team is also responsible for fundraising for the organization. This includes responding to calls for proposals, tracking funding opportunities and engaging with donors regularly.

The role offers the chance to work across the financial functions and offers an experience through a breadth of finance work across the organisation making it a varied and a well-rounded role. 

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake the day-to-day bookkeeping including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking payroll and general ledger maintenance 

• Ensuring accuracy and integrity of all financial records and keeping a clear audit trail of all financial records 

• Manage the staff payroll process including pension, HMRC and other related processes 

• Manage the periodic payment runs and ensure that all payments are paid on time 

• Supporting financial planning and reporting for project proposals, project reporting and management reports 

• Support with project and year end audits schedules 

• Assist in the preparation of accruals, prepayments and other journals 

• Maintaining fixed asset register 

• Provide guidance to team on internal financial processes and policies and assist with queries and escalating them as necessary 

• Ensure organisational adherence to our internal and funder specific procurement policies 

• Undertake other financial administration work and supporting the wider OSD team on team responsibilities and duties as required 

Person specification

Skills and experience

Essential 

• Holding or working towards a CCAB or CIMA qualification 

• Hands on experience of working in a finance department of charities or not for profit organisations 

• Experience of carrying out detailed reconciliations, and can demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a thorough and methodical approach in all work 

• Strong IT skills with intermediate knowledge of Excel and cloud-based accounting software (preferably Xero) 

• Ability to communicate effectively, accurately and succinctly in English, in writing and verbally 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

Desirable 

• Experience of producing financial reports for a range of purposes 

• Experience of working with multi-currency transactions and cash holdings 

• Experience of working with EU funded grants 

• Experience of working with a variety of cloud-based platforms such as Airtable, Xero, SharePoint, Slack and Zoom 

Attributes

Essential 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with a high degree of initiative 

• Flexible and able to manage a varied workload and deadlines 

• Ability to deliver work of a high standard with excellent attention to detail 

• Knowledge of UK and / or EU financial regulations 

• Resourceful and flexible approach with a “can do, will do attitude” and willingness to learn and adapt 

Desirable 

• Passion for tax justice and international development issues 

• Previous experience of grant management 
• Use of electronic banking software 

Please do not use AI tools when completing your job application. We would like to hear your authentic voice and want to understand your unique skillset and perspective.  

Key details

Application closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026 (2359 UK time)
Start date:  April 2026
Reports to:  Head of Finance and Reporting
Contract:  Fixed Term to 30 June 2027
Hours:  Between 60% (22.5 hours a week) or 80% FTE (30 hours a week)
Salary: £39,501.57 –  £46,524.59 (FTE equivalent pro rata for 60% or 80% FTE) plus employer pension contribution, or equivalent based on contractual requirements. Appointment within range depending on skills and experience.
Location: For administrative reasons, this role is set to be Home-based in the UK. To be considered candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

The Role

If you are passionate about the outdoors, have a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and are looking for a role where your event management skills will make a lasting impact on young lives, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a dynamic individual who can lead our exciting portfolio of outdoor challenge events and help us take our fundraising to the next level.

The Youth Adventure Trust's outdoor challenge events are a vital source of funding for the charity, and the relationships we build with our participants and corporate partners are more important than ever. This is where you come in.

As our Challenge Events Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our exciting challenge events portfolio.You'll work on bespoke corporate team-building challenges, high-energy industry networking events like the Hike Bike Paddle for the sports and outdoor sector and the Housebuilders Challenge, and our popular open events like the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the Somerset Cycle. 

Challenge events not only enable people to raise amazing sums for the charity, but are also a fantastic way to engage supporters with our work, giving them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors and achieve things they never thought possible - similar to our work with the young people on our programmes.

The Challenge Events Manager role is a varied position which would be perfect for somebody who has event management experience. You will be responsible for the full event cycle, from the initial planning, participant recruitment and stewardship to on the day event delivery and post event follow ups. You will be somebody who can spot opportunities, take on a project and run with it. You’ll be an excellent communicator, happy to pick up the phone to chat to event participants, deliver pre-event webinars or create engaging participant emails. You’re self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy being outdoors. You should also have some fundraising experience, ideally in a paid capacity but in a voluntary capacity would also be considered.

You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnership Manager, who is highly experienced in delivering our challenge events, but needs time to develop new corporate partnerships which is why we have created this new role. You'll also line-manage our Events Fundraising Officer who plays a key support role on the events. You must live in or near the South West as there will be a semi-regular requirement to attend in person staff meetings, visit programmes and join event planning sessions.

About You

You’re a people-person, self-motivated and highly organised. You are as comfortable managing a budget and a CRM database as you are standing on a mountain side in your waterproofs! You’ll have:

• Event Expertise: A proven track record in delivering successful fundraising or challenge events.

• Fundraising Experience: You might be an existing fundraiser or somebody who has taken on fundraising activities in a voluntary capacity. You will need to be able to relate to the challenge participants and guide them on how to reach their fundraising targets.

• Agility: The ability to think on your feet and adapt plans dynamically when situations change on the ground.

• Leadership Skills: Experience managing staff or volunteers and the ability to motivate a team.

• A Passion for Adventure: A genuine love for the outdoors, comfortable in wellies and waterproofs with an understanding of 'the power of the outdoors'.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants, and with ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our fundraising challenge events are more important than ever.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on young lives through your passion for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our camps and see the tangible impact of your work. 

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, please download the full Job Pack for more details, including the job description and person specification. All applicants must complete an application form and refer to the job description and person specification in their application.

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. Full details can be found in the Job Pack.