Operations director jobs in harlow, essex

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Director to lead Heart of the City through its next phase of development. You will work closely with the Board to set strategic priorities, oversee all operations, and ensure the charity continues to deliver impactful programmes for SMEs. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Heart of the City as an independent charity, both within and outside the City of London Corporation.
• Developing and delivering annual and three-year business plans, reporting progress to the Board, Council of Members, and funders.
• Managing a budget, and driving business development - diversifying income streams, while maintaining the charity’s vision and objectives.
• Embedding robust impact measurement across all streams of work.
• Representing Heart of the City at senior levels across public, private, and third sectors, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

The Line is seeking a Finance and Operations Director to play a pivotal leadership role at an exciting time of organisational development. As East London’s public art trail, connecting communities with art, nature and heritage, we are committed to democratising access to art through our outdoor exhibitions and collaborative engagement programmes.

Working in close partnership with the Director, you will shape our financial strategy, strengthen operational effectiveness, and oversee governance and risk management, ensuring the robust systems needed for long-term sustainability. You will also play an integral role in organisational development and team culture, helping to foster an inclusive, creative and values-led environment.

This role would suit a mission-driven leader with strong charity finance experience and a proven ability to establish and uphold the systems that ensure smooth, effective operations.

Please see the job description on our website for full details and responsibilities of this role.

Application deadline and interviews

The closing date for applications is 11pm, Friday 9th January 2026. First round interviews are expected to take place in person at The Line's offices at Here East (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) on 21st or 22nd January 2026 with second round interviews on Monday 26th January.

Equal Opportunities

The Line is committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and in all opportunities. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector.

How to apply

• Apply through the application form on our website which requires a cover letter setting out your motivation for applying and how you meet the person specification, a copy of your CV and contact details of two referees
• Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (please note this will not be reviewed by the individuals reviewing applications)

If you do not meet all criteria in the person specification but feel you meet the majority or bring alternative strengths, please feel encouraged to apply.

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

Bring your drive and passion to lead CPRE London towards its vision of a greener city and manage its strategic direction and delivery. This is a rare, part time opportunity to lead an organisation at the cutting edge of policy regarding green spaces and the environment, housing and planning. You will manage a small but motivated team of staff and dedicated volunteers. We are looking for candidates with the confidence to pitch for new funding and prioritise projects, coupled with a track record of liaison work across the environmental space ideally drawing on a background in planning.

CPRE London is a leading environmental charity in the capital, an independent charity and the London regional branch (1 of 42) of the national CPRE organisation, ‘The Countryside Charity’.

The focus of our campaigning is to make London a well-planned, greener, climate-resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Skills in leadership, oversight of income and expenditure, communication, negotiation, and project management are needed to run our operations. In addition to leading CPRE London you will also work closely with a supportive board of trustees.

Currently at the exciting stage of developing the London Tree Ring project, additionally we are involved in many more initiatives such as Healthy Streets Scorecard and GoParksLondon and supporting local campaigns to protect our precious green spaces from development. 

Further details available on our website: Get Involved: Jobs and Volunteering Tab.

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Application Closing Date: 16 January 2026 

Location: Remote or hybrid working within the UK; individuals will be required to attend episodic in-person office days in London as needed and prescribed by the organisation. This role requires applicants to be able to show that they have the right to work in the UK. 

Term: full time - 35 hours a week

Organisation: Global Greengrants Fund UK 

Salary: Salaries at Global Greengrants Fund UK (GGF UK) are dependent on applicable salary scales, internal pay policies including equity considerations and budget. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations perpetuate existing structural inequities, GGF UK has moved away from salary negotiation processes for any candidate. Our best offer for this position is £42,000 per annum. 

Benefits: We have improved our benefits package and we now offer 10% employer’s pension contribution, remote and flexible remote working, generous family and sick leave, employee assistance programme, health and life insurances, 28 days annual leave plus all UK bank holidays. 

About Global Greengrants Fund: 

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries.GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action. 

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions. 

In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30+ years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative and self-steering – we call this our transformational journey. The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable. 

The Role 

The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator is a critical, multi-functional role supporting the financial, operational and administrative systems of GGF UK. The role will report to the Head of Finance with a dotted line to the Operations Manager on all operational tasks.

Acting as a key liaison between grants management, operations and finance, this role requires taking ownership of specific financial processes – particularly those intersecting with grants payments, forex providers and internal systems. The ability to clarify issues and relay technical information across functions will be essential and hence demand high attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to navigate and communicate complex financial and grant-related processes to non-financial colleagues.

Coordinating closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, the postholder will provide proactive administrative support including diary management. 

The candidate profile. 

The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. They demonstrate knowledge and experience in charity/nonprofit grant accounting/financial issues and dealing with both financial and grant information and processes, understand accounting principles, and have knowledge of accounting, and grantmaking processes. They have experience of using banking services and payment experiences (including international payments). They demonstrate excellent administrative and organisational skills, and the ability to ensure the accuracy of work and demonstrate precise attention to detail. They will have the skills to give, receive, and work with feedback constructively. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must. 

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking, strategic risk management, and the ability to influence and resolve differences across boundaries. With a high degree of self-awareness and insight, the candidate will excel in building strong interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the organisation, and possess outstanding communication and collaboration skills. 

How to apply: 

Applications need to be submitted through GGF UK’s job platform by 16 January 2026 date at 23:00 GMT. To apply via the job platform and to see the detailed Job Description, please click on the 'Apply' button and you will be redirected to our recruitment platform. You will be required to complete a set of screening questions and upload a current CV. You will need to submit these in English. If you’re intrigued by this position but feel like you don’t fit the profile precisely, please still apply. 

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Director of Operations

LEF

Reporting to Chief Executive

London/Hybrid 2 days per week in the office, ideally Tuesdays and Thursdays (off Tottenham Court Road, WC1E 7EB)

6-month FTC

Salary £70,000 - £95,000 depending on experience (pro rata for part time)

Full time, 35 hours per week (part time considered) with flexible working

Excellent benefits including 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time and for FTC) pension, private healthcare, employee assistance programme

Are you a strategic and values-led leader with significant senior experience leading core support functions, including HR, IT, organisational infrastructure, and contract and supplier management, and available for an interim contract starting in January?

Charity People are delighted to be supporting LEF, an independent foundation supporting communities across the UK to use the law to create a more just and equal society, to recruit an Interim Director of Operations.

LEF was established as the Legal Education Foundation in 2012. Over the years, the organisation has grown into providing broad support for organisations in relation to law and social justice, and, in 2025, they became LEF with a focus on the potential of the law to strengthen the power of communities to create a more just and equal society.

LEF is entering a bold new strategic phase, following a transformative rebrand and renewed focus on the power of communities to use and shape the law to achieve social justice. With financial assets exceeding £280 million, LEF is uniquely positioned to build bridges between the law and communities facing injustice, to tackle the root causes of inequality.

The Director of Operations is a member of the Senior Management Team. The overall purpose of the role is to work with colleagues across the organisation to develop and oversee effective and efficient administrative, IT, finance and operational policies, systems and services to support delivery of the foundation's strategy, while ensuring that these policies, systems and support services uphold the foundation's culture and values.

The Director of Operations also plays a key role in shaping and sustaining an inclusive, collaborative and values-driven organisational culture, ensuring that systems, processes and ways of working promote staff wellbeing, equity and learning across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide organisational leadership across core operational functions and contribute to SMT and Board decision-making to ensure effective, compliant and future-focused operations.
• Human Resources: Oversee HR strategy, policies and processes to create an inclusive, supportive and high-performing workplace.
• Digital, IT, Facilities & Infrastructure: Ensure robust, secure and efficient digital, IT, facilities and infrastructure systems that enable staff to work effectively across all locations.
• Finance: Lead and support the finance function to maintain strong financial planning, control, compliance and investment oversight.
• Governance: Maintain effective governance structures, ensure regulatory compliance and provide clear, timely information to the Board and committees.

Who we're looking for:

We're seeking a strategic and values-led leader with

• Senior experience leading core support functions, including HR, IT, organisational infrastructure, and contract and supplier management.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills, with the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective systems, processes and delivery.
• Experience overseeing organisational risk, compliance, data protection and safeguarding frameworks, or the ability to develop these confidently.
• Proven ability to engage constructively and authoritatively with the Board of Trustees and its committees, providing clear information, insight and challenge.
• Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience leading and developing staff teams, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and a collaborative, empowering leadership style.
• Deep understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with experience building diverse teams and fostering inclusive, trust-based cultures.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with sound financial literacy and the ability to interpret and communicate data and organisational information.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak clearly, persuasively and with authority.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Commitment to the Foundation's vision, mission and values, and to working in ways that advance social justice.

Senior experience in the foundation or wider voluntary sector, ideally with insight into the needs of social justice organisations and voluntary sector infrastructure is desirable.

LEF is based near Goodge Street tube station (WC1E 7EB). You will need to be willing to attend the office at least twice a week, as well as be able to attend meetings and events across London. This is an interim role for 6 months. LEF will be recruiting for the permanent position early next year and the successful candidate will be open to apply. Candidates will need full right to work in the UK, and the role is subject to satisfactory references. The ideal start date for the candidate will be mid/late-January so you will need to be immediately available or able to start in January.

How to apply

The application process is CV and answers to three questions to form your Supporting Statement. For more information and for the full Job Pack, please share your CV via the link below. The closing date is 9am on Thursday 18 December. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

About us

GSG Impact is a UK-registered charity with a global footprint. We work with a network of National Partners and collaborators across multiple countries to help build “impact economies”, strengthening the systems, relationships and market infrastructure that enable capital and policy to deliver better social and environmental outcomes. Our work brings together evidence, convening power and practical support, partnering with leaders across public, private and civil society to accelerate progress and share what works globally. 

The role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our organisational operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance and risk. You will ensure strong systems, controls and processes that enable excellent delivery across an international organisation. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead organisational operations across finance, HR, IT, legal, admin and key systems

• Own budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and treasury/controls

• Strengthen UK charity governance, policies, compliance and risk management

• Oversee contracts, procurement, supplier management and external advisers

• Lead people operations across multiple jurisdictions (including Employer of Record arrangements) 

About you

• Track record in UK charity governance/compliance and international operations

• Senior operational leader with strong financial and people management experience

• Confident working across complex stakeholder environments and multi-country teams

• Clear communicator, pragmatic problem-solver, calm under pressure 

How to apply

Please send CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability.

GSG Impact is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

At our charity, we believe in the transformative power of holidays - especially for families facing some of life's toughest challenges.

Behind every joyful moment we create is a team of dedicated professionals ensuring our operations are financially and strategically aligned. As we grow, we're looking for an Operations Manager who shares our values and wants to make a meaningul impact through scaling up delivery, unlocking new partnerships, and showing the impact holidays have on well-being and resilience. 

As Operations Manager, you'll oversee the end to end experience for families, ensure compliance and quality, and use data and insights to drive continuous improvement. You'll also play a vital role in demonstrating the difference our work makes to families, funders and to us.

If you're pasionate about operational excellence, thrive in a fast paced environment, and want to make a tangible difference for families across the UK, we'd love to hear from you. This is a hands-on management role with real scope to shape how we deliver and grow.

The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) supports the Director of Operations and Development (DOD) in ensuring the smooth, compliant, and strategic functioning of the ELSC across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.

The DDO line-manages the Finance and Human Resources Managers and provides operational leadership in compliance, finance, HR, coordination, and employee engagement.

The ELSC has four departments (Legal, Monitor & Research, Advocacy & Communications, and Operations & Development) and five work teams (Britain, Netherlands, Germany, EU, Crimes and Complicity).

The DDO coordinates staff gatherings and internal engagement, including planning the annual in-person all-staff event, managing logistics for departmental and work team meetings, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

The role also assists the Director of Operations and Development with meeting facilitation and agenda development, co-facilitates weekly remote all-staff meetings, and supports the coordination of the monthly staff assembly.

This role requires exceptional organisational, interpersonal, time-management, and analytical skills.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience in a senior operations and/or compliance role (5+ years).
• Experience with Finance, Governance, and Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of British, Dutch, and German legal and organisational frameworks (or ability to acquire this quickly).
• Experience organising events, preferably in more than one jurisdiction.
• Experience with line-management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated skills in managing HR and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated skills in line-managing a remote team and excellent interpersonal communications.
• Proficiency in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills (English is the working language of the ELSC).
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Palestine.
• Facilitation proficiency, both remotely and in in-person events.
• Teamwork skills and flexibility; ability to manage time and competing priorities according to organisational needs.
• Highly organised, strong attention to detail, driven, with excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks and manage a busy workload.
• Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
• Flexibility within the broad remit of the post.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Graduate in Business Administration, Law, Human Resources, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or other relevant fields.
• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Basic knowledge of International and European law.
• Proficiency in German, Dutch, or Arabic.

MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS

Management

• Line manage Finance Manager and Human Resources Manager.
• Schedule regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, provide guidance on division of tasks, and monitor workload.
• Support direct reports in the implementation of Finance and HR strategy.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance for ELSC entities in the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.
• Ensure Dutch insurance compliance and associated operational requirements.
• Review and monitor payroll monthly.
• Lead the establishment of a German legal entity, working with external advisors as needed.
• Oversee the British office operations, including the evaluation of office space.
• Conduct a review of office costs and usage.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Senior Legal Committee where needed, including facilitation and documentation.

Staff Coordination

• Plan and oversee the in-person all-staff gathering (2026) in coordination with the ELSC executive management team.
• Coordinate the logistics of annual departmental gatherings.
• Organise Work Team gatherings, supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
• Support the Director of Operations (DOD) with facilitation and agenda development for internal meetings.
• Facilitate 50% of Remote All-Staff Meetings (60min, weekly).
• Support the coordination of Monthly Staff Assemblies.

People & HR

• Oversee HR policy implementation and delivery of the annual People Strategy.
• Support the HR Manager in leading HR operations and in the recruitment and induction of new staff.
• Oversee the development of an Organisational Handbook.
• Review and improve the performance review process.
• Establish promotion guidelines to create transparent career progression pathways.
• Maintain and update the Organisational Chart quarterly.
• Review the Organisational Wiki (“The Fridge”) yearly.

Finance

• Oversee ELSC financial operations.
• Support the Finance Manager, providing oversight and strategic direction.
• Ensure effective operation of the Finance Committee, led by the Finance Manager.
• Review and distribute monthly financial reports to Department Heads via the Finance Committee.
• Ensure monthly financial summaries are reported to Work Teams through the Senior Legal Committee.
• Oversee completion of the organisational audit.
• Support short-term investment strategies.
• Monitor and report on operational budgets, ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility across departments.
• Liaise and coordinate with the ELSC Treasurer Board member.

Training

• Standardise training and qualifications frameworks across departments to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in line with the ELSC Pay & Benefits Scale.
• Lead investment in staff training and development initiatives to strengthen organisational capacity.
• Support the qualification and professional development of junior legal staff through structured learning pathways in three jurisdictions with the support of the Director of the Legal Department.

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery) 
Contract: Part-time (0.5 FTE) 

Interview process: Will be in the New Year 

Role Purpose 

As Payroll Lead, you will manage HOST’s global payroll operations — ensuring that all staff, contractors, and hosted partners are paid accurately, compliantly, and on time. 

You will bring structure, care, and precision to one of HOST’s most essential services: ensuring the people driving climate and social action receive the financial stability they need to do their best work. 

This role supports both internal HOST staff and hosted partners, liaising across HR, Finance, and Community Support to deliver secure, compliant, and efficient payroll management. You will also help develop new systems and processes as HOST expands internationally, ensuring our operations remain smooth, transparent, and aligned with local legislation. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Payroll Management 

• Manage all aspects of monthly payroll for UK and international employees, contractors, and hosted partner staff. 

• Prepare and process payroll changes (new hires, terminations, pay adjustments) in line with internal procedures. 

• Ensure timely submission of payroll information to Finance and external providers. 

• Reconcile payroll each month, identifying and resolving any discrepancies. 
   

• Reporting cadence: Monthly payroll cycle; quarterly summary to Operations Director. 

2. Compliance and Record-Keeping 

• Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, tax regulations, and international payroll requirements in collaboration with external providers. 

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee and contractor records. 

• Support statutory reporting, including PAYE, HMRC, and pension submissions. 

• Liaise with HOST’s Finance Team on audits and compliance reviews. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly compliance report; annual payroll compliance review. 

3. System Management and Improvement 

• Maintain and improve digital payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy and secure integration with Finance and HR tools. 

• Support the development of HOSTHub payroll features and automation processes with the Tech Team. 

• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and strengthen reporting. 
  Reporting cadence: Quarterly system and process improvement review. 

4. Contractor and International Payroll Support 

• Coordinate with the Community Support and Finance Teams to process international contractor payments, ensuring correct deductions and documentation. 

• Liaise with local payroll providers and Employer of Record (EoR) partners to ensure compliance in each jurisdiction. 

• Track and report on cross-border payroll performance and issue resolution. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly report; immediate escalation of compliance concerns. 

5. HR and Staff Support 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from staff and contractors, providing clear and timely responses. 

• Collaborate with the HR & Operations teams to ensure policies and processes reflect payroll updates and legislation. 

• Support onboarding and offboarding processes for staff and contractors. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; monthly summary of staff queries and resolutions. 

6. Risk and Confidentiality 

• Identify potential payroll or compliance risks, escalating concerns to the Operations Director and Finance Manager. 

• Ensure all payroll data and personal information are handled securely, in line with GDPR and HOST’s data protection policies. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; quarterly inclusion in organisational risk report. 

Key Relationships 

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Manager, Accountant, Community Support Leads, HR & Payroll External Specialist, and Legal Lead. 
External: Payroll providers, Employer of Record partners, and hosted partner representatives. 

Performance Indicators 

• 100% accuracy in payroll delivery and documentation. 

• 100% on-time monthly payroll completion. 

• All compliance and statutory submissions completed by deadline. 

• 100% confidentiality maintained in payroll data handling. 

• Measurable improvements in payroll efficiency and staff satisfaction. 

Qualifications/Experience:  Member of recognised payroll body e.g. CIPP/GPA 

This is a unique opportunity for an astute, super-efficient, fast learner to join the first international climate campaign organisation focused on the steel sector, one of the largest and least-challenged drivers of climate change. In this role, you will provide critical executive administrative support to our Executive Director and leadership team in a fast-moving and developing organisation, bringing invaluable organisational expertise that we need to thrive. There will be plenty of opportunity to develop your own skills and responsibilities as SteelWatch evolves. You will join an international team across countries that are nimble, collaborative, and hugely ambitious in the task of influencing the steel sector, which drives 7% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

SteelWatch is an international non-profit civil society organisation established in June 2023, driving corporate accountability in the steel sector and urgent climate action. Our vision is a steel sector that underpins a thriving zero-emissions economy. We are still in 'start-up' mode, actively campaigning while developing our team and systems. We are small but growing, seeking to hold the huge steel industry to account for its impacts and drive urgency into a sector that is, so far, slow to change. The team is spread across countries and timezones, working closely collaboratively and remotely.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing critical, executive administrative support to enable the Executive Director and SteelWatch Leadership team to operate effectively. The Executive Assistant will be a vital team member, ensuring smooth operations across executive functions and key organisational processes. We are looking for a candidate with curiosity and the capacity to adapt as SteelWatch continues to evolve. The Executive Assistant reports to the Operations Director and works closely with the Executive Director on day-to-day priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The role is focused on supporting the Executive Director and SteelWatch Leadership team on a number of tasks, not limited to:

Executive Support

• Stay up to date on ED priorities and tasks. Manage diaries, schedule appointments, set up meetings accordingly, adapting to priorities.
• Organise and book travel arrangements according to diary needs, ED needs, and internal policies.
• Arrange and prepare for meetings with external partners, allies, industry experts, donors and industry meetings, handling logistics (timing, location, travel, virtual arrangements) and ensuring advanced preparation where needed.
• Draft supporting materials (e.g., presentations) and assist with minute-taking, ensuring team input.
• Track and manage written communication with key external contacts, including funder updates.
• While managing immediate diary priorities, stay one step ahead on the medium and long-term diary, to flag to ED, others in LT or in the staff team where advanced action or decisions are needed.

Governance and Operational Activities

• Manage ongoing engagement with the Supervisory Board by ensuring clear agendas, logistical support in organising these meetings, plus minute taking, sign-off and circulation.
• Manage the logistics for the annual staff retreat and other face to face meetings
• Coordinate weekly team meetings as directed by the Executive Director.
• Assist with key organisational processes and tasks, collaborating closely with the Operations Lead and team members on document management, process improvements, new staff recruitment, and onboarding processes.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience of executive support and a proactive, creative and tactful approach to making logistics and relationships run smoothly in a busy, evolving, international organisation, and must be happy working in a fully remote environment.

They will be detail-oriented and fussy about accuracy while comfortable operating in a context where systems are improving.

They will be able to navigate ambiguity, drive action forward in a fluid context, and enjoy doing so. Additionally, they will have enthusiasm for a start-up culture, demonstrating a willingness to lean into each other's roles and support team members as needed. They will have the highest professional standards and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Essential skills and experiences

• At least 3-5 years' experience (and possibly much more) and a proven track record as a proactive and problem solving assistant, supporting an Executive Director with calendar management and other administrative challenges.
• Strong belief in the organisation's mission.
• Tech savvy and able to work highly effectively using collaboration tech tools, including Google products (Google Docs, Google Drive, Google sheets, etc.) and other tools (Slack, Zoom, etc).
• Strong organisational and logistical skills with enthusiasm for supporting smooth operations across the leadership team and wider organisation.
• Proven track record as a team player, able to work well with colleagues across cultures and geographies, creating respectful collaborative relationships and efficient teamwork.
• Comfortable in a fully-remote working environment, and able to adapt to the team working practices and team building of an online environment.
• Comfortable working with fluidity and the flexibility of a start-up organisation, able to work independently and adapt to team priorities, committed to investing in strengthening the organisation.
• Willingness to lean into building system improvements and adapting to the pace and urgency of changing priorities. 
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Willingness and ability to work across time zones, collaborate with diverse teams, and accommodate some early start times to work with colleagues in Asia.
• Ability to travel once per year internationally, potentially twice a year in Europe, and to meet irregularly with the UK-based ED and/or Netherlands and Belgium-based Operations team in person.

Desirable

• Prior experience in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) setting is preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of audiences from analysts to communication experts and campaigners.
• Proven strong organisational skills to coordinate multiple inputs and manage different deadlines, working on immediate tasks as well as longer pieces of work.
• Demonstrated ability to think both strategically and creatively.
• Desire and ability to take initiative and to learn as you go.
• Enthusiasm to work with colleagues who bring different skills and expertise, and many of whom are on a learning curve about steel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location/remote working

• The position is fully remote with some occasional face-to-face time with colleagues, particularly the Executive Director and Operations Director.
• The UK is the preferred location due to ease of travel and contracting, but we will also consider exceptional applicants located in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• The successful applicant must be based in a time zone within one hour of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• Being within a four-hour train journey of London is strongly preferred to facilitate travel and in-person collaboration, though we will consider exceptional candidates outside this range.
• While we offer some flexibility for you to work away from home base, this will need to be coordinated with travel of other colleagues, may depend on timezone changes and/or be limited by legal contracting constraints.
• You must have the right to work in your location. You will be employed in that country. SteelWatch is unable to support any visa application process. Work environment/Travel
• Working hours are flexible, but to facilitate collaboration, the core coordination window is 08:00-17:00 GMT/BST, Monday-Friday and you should be reasonably accessible during this window for meetings and coordination purposes. Work may occasionally be required outside of this standard time frame to meet deliverables.
• You will have the flexibility to adjust your weekly schedule to balance out those hours and fit into other commitments.
• Occasional travel will be required to collaborate with the team, including:
  • Annual full team retreat (once per year, may be in Asia, Europe or elsewhere) - essential.
  • Additional travel for events and face-to-face time with the team as needed.
• Face-to-face time with other colleagues may not be frequent, but it is essential. If you are constrained in your ability or permissions to travel, please discuss this before investing in an application.
• We pride ourselves on building a collaborative team of different cultures and working styles. Team members embrace the flexibility and learning curve of a start-up, and adapt to supporting each other as priorities arise.

Terms

This role is full time, 5 days/week. The initial contract period will be up to 12 months with a possibility to renew, depending on country regulations. The type of contract will depend on the location.

The gross salary for this position, if based in the UK, is in the range of £33,423-£44,576, based on experience and qualifications. Salaries are adjusted by location.

Our leave policy, unless varied by national regulation, provides 34 days in total combining public holidays and paid leave in all countries, plus birthday leave and inspiration time.

Ethics

We are a values-based organisation. Every staff member and consultant is asked to sign our Ethics statement and help us as an organisation live up to our values.

Equal opportunities

We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the climate change movement. If you require any adaptation or assistance during the application process, please be sure to let us know so that we can adjust.

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