Senior finance business partner jobs in Cambridge, cambridgeshire

At SSE, finance isn't a back-office function — it's central to everything we do. Every pound we manage connects directly to our mission: supporting social entrepreneurs to change their communities for the better.

Our finance team is small, close-knit, and genuinely hands-on. We manage income from a wide range of funders — from major institutions through to smaller, place based partners — alongside distributing millions of pounds in grants directly to the social entrepreneurs we exist to serve.

The work is varied, meaningful, and never dull. Because we manage everything in-house, you genuinely own your work end to end — from coding invoices and uploading forecasts into Business Central, to presenting financial insight to our Senior Management Team and steering us through external audit.

We're a team that performs well but we never stand still and welcome people spotting a better way of doing something. If you want to embed smarter technology, automate a clunky process, we always welcome fresh thinking

About The Role

As a Finance Business Partner, you'll work alongside budget holders across Alzheimer's Society, turning complex financial information into clear insights that support better decision-making.

In a role where every pound matters in the fight against dementia, you'll help ensure our resources reach the places they can have the most impact, whether that's funding ground-breaking research, delivering vital support services, or campaigning for systemic change.
You'll build trusted relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, providing the financial analysis, challenge and support they need to navigate complexity with confidence. Through coaching and partnership, you'll help budget holders strengthen their own financial capability, so that sound financial thinking becomes part of how the Society operates, not something that sits only within Finance.

You'll be part of our Finance and Assurance directorate, where our vision is to be the Society's single point of truth. Working within the Financial Partnering, Planning and Analysis function, you'll be the dedicated finance partner for our Dementia Support and Partnerships directorate, connecting Finance with the teams responsible for providing our services across the UK. You'll translate their plans into sound financial frameworks that enable our mission rather than hold it back.

About you

You're a finance professional with proven business partnering experience who understands that effective partnering means combining accurate numbers with clear communication, constructive challenge and a genuine interest in helping others see the bigger picture. You're comfortable working across boundaries, building relationships at all levels, and coaching colleagues to develop their financial confidence.

- A relevant professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), either fully or part qualified, or qualified by experience.
- Experience supporting business teams with budgeting, forecasting and month-end processes, including ensuring appropriate controls are in place and financial performance is communicated effectively and on time.
- A track record of applying analytical skills to provide financial advice that supports strategic decision-making.
- Experience of identifying and collecting feedback and other data to inform quality improvement and to monitor the performance of processes or tools.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and present it in a way that tells a clear story.
- The confidence to challenge, negotiate and influence, while taking a balanced view that incorporates different perspectives.
- Experience working with ERP systems. Experience with Unit4 would be particularly valuable, though it is not essential.
- The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities, while knowing when to consult and when to ask for support.

Key Responsibilities:

- Partnering with budget holders across your assigned directorate to provide analysis, insight and recommendations that support effective, informed decision-making.
- Preparing financial reports, budgets, forecasts and business plans, and modelling financial data to support operational and strategic priorities.
- Supporting and challenging budget holders to identify risks and opportunities early, escalating appropriately and agreeing remedial action where needed.
- Strengthening financial knowledge and confidence across your stakeholder group through coaching, training and a partnership-based approach.
- Working collaboratively across the Finance team to design intuitive reports and analysis that meet the needs of colleagues across the Society.
- Advocating good accounting principles and helping to educate, inform and develop others within your directorate and the wider Finance team.
- Identifying cost saving or optimisation opportunities, working closely with colleagues in Procurement and Sustainability to realise these.
- Supporting Senior Business Partners in identifying key performance metrics and collecting routine feedback from partners across the Society to drive constant quality improvement.

You may also line manage a Finance Business Partnering Assistant, role-modelling a high challenge, high support culture where accountability, performance and development go hand in hand.

Are you ready to be a trusted financial partner, bringing both challenge and practical solutions to the people working to make life better for everyone affected by dementia?

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place on Teams during week commencing 27th July and week commencing 3rd August 2026.

Please join us for a Q&A session via Zoom on Tuesday 14th July at 2pm by emailing [email protected] for the joining details.

Are you a forward-thinking finance leader who thrives on building a high-performing team and delivering a highly efficient and dependable finance function?

Wycliffe Bible Translators is one of the most exciting Christian charities to work for. We are a dynamic organisation with a big vision – a world where everyone can know Jesus through the Bible.

As our Assistant Director of Finance, you will hold direct operational accountability for our processes and outputs, serving as a vital steward of the resources that support our global mission. We are looking for a relational, rigorous accountant eager to serve as a key deputy and strategic partner. You will own the integrity of our financial engine, but you will use a business-partnering approach to work alongside our departments to best serve the organisation.

• Salary: £60,000-70,000 + benefits
• Location: Home based or the option of a desk in our Oxford or Belfast offices.
• Terms of appointment: Full-time (37.5 hours per week). Permanent
• Closing date: Thursday 23 July at 9am
• Interview date: Interviews will be held in Oxford on 11-12 August

Key responsibilities:

• Finance function control
• People development and leadership
• Strategic support and business partnering
• Systems, innovation and ethos

Benefits include:

• 33 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Employer pension contributions up to 7.5%
• Fully employer-funded life assurance
• 24/7 employee assistance programme for emotional and practical support
• Family-friendly employer
• Monthly in-person team days in Oxfordshire or the Chilterns (expenses covered)
• Hot-desking facility at Belfast office
• Fully paid-for professional development opportunities.

​It is an occupational requirement of this role that you have a clear, personal commitment to the beliefs set out in our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Position Statement.

Purpose of the post

The Associate Director of Finance is a senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the charity’s financial health through sound management of its day-to-day financial operations, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance. This post exists to provide leadership to the team, oversee treasury management, payment processing, payroll, and audit functions, and continuously improve financial processes and systems to support the charity’s long-term sustainability and mission.

With overall responsibility for the Finance and Funding Team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role ensures that the organisation’s financial framework is robust, supporting effective decision-making and delivering transparent, accurate financial reporting. The post-holder will also play a key role in revitalising the internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains high standards of accountability, and is prepared for future growth.

Main responsibilities

Financial Operations and Treasury Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring effective controls and timely processing of transactions.

• Manage the charity’s treasury function, including cash flow forecasting and management of HDR UK’s bank accounts.

• Oversee maintenance of the accounting system, ensuring it supports effective financial reporting and compliance.

• Review and approve weekly payment runs and monthly payroll.

• As the organisation’s Finance lead, provide advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team regarding HDR UK’s financial position, controls and processes, and strategic direction.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead the preparation of the charity’s annual accounts, ensuring they meet statutory reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate the audit process.

• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements to regulators and other authorities (including HMRC, Charity Commission, The Pension Regulator, ONS)

Quarterly Forecasting and Budgeting:

• Work closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager on quarterly forecasting and the annual budgeting process.

• Ensure alignment between financial operations and the charity’s broader strategic goals.

• Support the production of monthly management accounts.

• Work with the Associate Director of People to carry out the annual salary review, making recommendations founded on economic analysis and impacts on budget to SLT and the Remuneration Committee.

Process Improvement and Systems Management:

• Drive continuous improvement of internal financial processes, ensuring they are fit for purpose and scalable.

• Oversee and refresh HDR UK’s internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains strong internal controls.

• Implement and monitor key financial controls to safeguard the charity's assets, including management of the fixed asset register and ownership of HDR UK’s insurance policies.

 

Team Leadership:

• Directly manage the Finance Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Business Partner, providing mentorship and development opportunities.

• Lead and develop HDR UK’s Finance & Funding team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.

Governance and risk management:

• Support the development and implementation of financial policies, risk management strategies, and internal controls to maintain robust financial governance.

• Management of the delegated authority framework to increase efficiency in the approvals process while maintaining accountability.

• Attend and actively contribute to meetings of Senior Leadership Team, Board and relevant sub-committees such as Audit & Risk.

Stakeholder management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with operational and finance teams within HDR UK’s wider community and network of university partners, ensuring transparent and effective communication and collaboration.

Experience

Required:

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within the UK charity sector with a robust understanding of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

• Proven track record of managing and leading financial operations, including treasury management, audit oversight, and financial reporting.

• Experience in developing and improving internal financial controls.

• Previous experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including senior leadership, external auditors, and operational teams.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and approving payroll, payment runs, and managing complex financial transactions.

• Experience in developing and improving internal audit frameworks.

• Experience working on quarterly forecasting, annual budgeting processes, and the production of management accounts.

Job Title:  Head of Finance and Income Operations
Hours:  Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract:  Permanent
Salary:  £45,000 per annum
Location:  Home-based in the UK, with occasional travel for team meetings and events
Role profile: A detailed role profile can be found in the 'supporting documents' for this advert

About the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN)

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is a farmer-led organisation helping farmers restore the balance between farming and nature. We support farmers by sharing knowledge, resources and case studies that help boost food production, protect wildlife, and build climate resilience.

We influence policy to secure fair rewards for farmers who care for nature, and we connect like-minded farmers across the UK.

Our network is open to all: farmers, the public and partner organisations.

About the Role

We are looking for a Head of Finance and Income Operations to lead NFFN’s finance function and help strengthen the systems, controls and reporting that will support the organisation’s next stage of growth.

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of a small, ambitious and mission-led organisation. You will oversee day-to-day financial management, budgeting, management accounts, restricted funds, funder reporting and income operations. You will also help improve how finance works across NFFN, giving budget holders clearer information and helping the organisation make confident, well-informed decisions.

The role is about more than keeping the numbers moving. We are looking for someone who can help build a stronger finance function, improve internal systems, support funder confidence, and help NFFN manage a more complex mix of grants, donations, restricted funding and revenue-based delivery work.

Depending on your background, this may suit someone with strong charity finance experience, or someone from a finance, grants, funding operations or mission-led commercial background who wants to use their skills in a values-led organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• leading day-to-day financial management, controls and reporting

• preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts and financial updates

• supporting budget holders with clear, practical financial information

• improving finance systems, processes, approvals and reporting tools

• overseeing restricted funds, grant conditions, funder reporting and income tracking

• supporting funding applications with budgets, financial information and reporting structures

• helping NFFN manage VAT, full cost recovery and different types of income as the organisation grows

• working with the CEO, CSO, Head of Fundraising, SLT, Board and external advisers

• providing line management to the Head of Fundraising and potential future roles within the finance and income operations function 

This role will suit someone who combines financial rigour with practical judgement. You will need to be comfortable working independently in a remote organisation, explaining finance clearly to non-finance colleagues, and improving systems in a way that is proportionate and realistic for a small non profit organisation.

We know this is a broad role, and we are not expecting one person to have done everything before. We are looking for someone with strong financial experience, good judgement, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in helping NFFN build the financial infrastructure it needs for the future.

This is a fully home-based role, with flexibility in how work is managed and occasional travel for team meetings and events. You will be joining a collaborative, values-led team working to support farmers, nature and a more resilient food system.

Location: Great Britain home-based or London hybrid, with regular travel to London

Every successful bid helps GamCare secure the public-sector contracts and funding needed to keep vital gambling harms support services running and to reach more people who need help. We are now seeking an experienced Bid Manager to lead and strengthen our bid function at a pivotal moment, as gambling support in Great Britain moves to a new statutory commissioning model.

GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for people affected by gambling harms. We deliver the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline, treatment services, prevention programmes and targeted community support across Great Britain. With new opportunities commissioned through bodies including NHS England, OHID, Integrated Care Boards and Local Authorities, this role will help us demonstrate our impact, grow our reach and keep essential support available.

This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You will manage the full tender process, from identifying and qualifying opportunities through to submission, review and mobilisation support. Working with senior leaders, service teams, Finance, Data, Marketing and external partners, you will write and coordinate persuasive, compliant bids, develop clear win themes, and turn complex service models and evidence into compelling funder-focused narratives.

We are looking for an experienced bid or tender professional who can help GamCare compete confidently in a statutory commissioning environment, with a strong track record of writing and managing successful public-sector submissions. You will bring excellent writing and editing skills, strong project management, confidence working with internal experts and external partners, and a good understanding of public procurement. Experience of statutory tenders, NHS or Local Authority commissioning, health or social care, public-sector frameworks, social value, financial modelling or gambling harms would be helpful.

If you are looking for an opportunity to shape a growing bid function at a moment of real change, and to see the direct impact of your work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The role can be Great Britain home-based or London hybrid. Due to the nature of the role, regular travel to the London office and attendance at stakeholder or market engagement events, including face-to-face meetings, will be required. As a guide, home-based colleagues attend the London office around one day per fortnight, and London-based colleagues around one to two days per week. Flexible and part-time working will also be considered. We will consider reasonable adjustments where required.

Benefits You Can Enjoy

• 33 days basic annual leave entitlement per annum (pro-rated for part-time colleagues) including bank holidays which increases with service
• A generous pension scheme - we contribute 6% and you contribute 2%
• Discretionary company sick pay from day one of service
• Employee assistance programme with 24-hour support

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is 31st July 2026. 

Interviews: Stage 1 (online): 13 August 2026. Stage 2 (in person, London), if required: 20 August 2026. 

GamCare is committed to offering the best support to people affected by gambling harms, as such we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.

GamCare is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to meet the travel requirements of the role. Visa sponsorship is only available in limited circumstances.

Please note: Previous applicants for this role, need not apply.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Contract: Full-time 
Location: Remote, with at least one all staff in-person meet up annually in the UK 
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum 
Benefits: 40 days holiday + 2 activism days + 1 duvet day 

Why this role matters 

At HOST, we believe that anyone, anywhere, should be able to drive transformative climate and social action - without being held back by operational barriers, financial risk or hostile environments. We host the world’s changemakers so they can focus on delivering the impact only they can create. 

The Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring HOST’s financial management is robust, compliant, transparent and scalable across both our internal operations and our project hosting services. This role brings financial leadership to the organisation, supporting strong decision-making, reliable reporting, effective controls and continuous improvement across our finance function. 

The role sits within HOST’s senior leadership and works closely with colleagues across the Delivery, Partnerships, Legal and Engagement circles, as well as the Board, to ensure we can deliver high-quality support to partners while managing risk and using resources well. 

The role in a nutshell 

The Finance Director leads the Finance Team and is responsible for HOST’s financial management, ensuring strong compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

The Finance Director is part of the HOST Leadership Team and would have line management responsibility for three Finance Managers within the Finance team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee HOST’s financial management, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements. 

• Develop and monitor budgets for both HOST operations and hosted projects. 

• Provide regular financial reporting to the Leadership Team and Board. 

• Lead efforts to improve financial systems, controls and workflows. 

• Ensure robust financial oversight of hosted projects and HOST’s internal systems. 

• Contribute as an integral member of the Leadership Team, bringing financial insight to strategic and operational decision-making. 

• Manage cashflow strategy, including multi-currency considerations. 

• Oversee delivery of monthly management accounts. 

• Develop and report on profitability across HOST’s range of services and offerings. 

• Support HOST’s strategic direction by working with the Leadership Team on KPIs and organisational dashboards. 

• Ensure effective, timely and efficient delivery of the following by the finance function: 

• Records of income and expenditure, including grants, donations, receivables, consultancy receipts and invoices. 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in finance systems and other interconnected databases. 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements and payment service providers for HOST. 

• Month-end reporting, including management reports and accounts such as income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and KPIs. 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance requirements. 

• Payroll services for HOST and hosted projects. 

• Accounting reports for new services. 

• VAT preparation and submission. 

• Records of income and expenditure are maintained: grants, donations, receivables, and consultancy receipts, invoices 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in Xero and other interconnected databases 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions in Xero, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements, and payment service providers for HOST 

• Month-end reporting process by preparing management reports and accounts, such as income/expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and KPIs 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance 

• Payroll service for HOST and hosted projects 

• Accounting reports for new services 

• Managing VAT preparation and submission 

Knowledge and Experience 

• Proven experience as an SME finance leader 

• Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA or CIMA. 

• Experience implementing financial controls and processes. 

• Multi-currency cashflow and treasury management experience. 

• Experience setting budgets and forecasts. 

• Internal audit experience. 

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver projects to tight deadlines. 

• Minimum 5 years’ people management experience. 

• Excellent knowledge of cloud-based working. 

• Knowledge and experience using Sage or other similar accounting systems 

• Knowledge and experience of other relevant software applications, such as Excel, Teams, ClickUp etc. 

• ESG or sustainable finance experience. 

• Software implementation experience. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic thinking 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Attention to detail 

• Planning and organising 

• Time management 

• Interpersonal skills 

• Initiative 

• Confidentiality

• Reliability 

• Leadership of staff

Essential Abilities 

• Ability to confidently discuss financial narratives with senior leaders and Board members. 

• Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and time to meet priorities and deadlines. 

• Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions to work-related issues. 

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with a wide range of people, including handling queries in a tactful and confidential manner. 

• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to business partner effectively with non-finance colleagues. 

• Good organisation and administrative skills. 

• Able to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Ability to undertake a range of financial functions. 

What success in this role looks like 

• Finance systems, reporting and controls are robust, reliable and audit ready. 

• Leadership Team and Board decisions are informed by clear, timely and useful financial insight. 

• Hosted partners receive accurate, consistent and responsive financial support. 

• The finance function continues to improve workflows, systems and reporting as HOST grows. 

At HOST, we believe change starts with people who care. 

If you’re passionate about building strong financial systems that help changemakers thrive - and want to play a key leadership role in supporting climate and social change around the world - we’d love to hear from you. 

Lead with purpose. Drive commercial performance. Shape the future.

Our client is a successful, values-led organisation operating within the care sector. With an ambitious strategy for growth and a strong social purpose, they are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join their Executive Leadership Team.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a broad executive role that goes well beyond traditional finance. As a key member of the leadership team, you will influence organisational strategy, commercial performance, property investment, governance, technology and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board, you will help shape the future of a respected, multi-site organisation where commercial success delivers meaningful social impact.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will:

• Lead the organisation's financial strategy, planning and reporting.
• Provide commercial insight to improve operational performance.
• Oversee finance, property, governance, risk and assurance functions.
• Support strategic investment, business cases and long-term growth.
• Develop meaningful management information and performance reporting.
• Partner with senior operational leaders to drive informed decision-making.
• Present high-quality financial and strategic reports to the Board and Executive Team.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior finance leadership experience gained within a commercially complex organisation.

You will also bring:

• Strong commercial and strategic thinking.
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and Board-level communication skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across functions.
• The confidence to challenge constructively while building strong relationships.

Experience within healthcare, social care, hospitality, property or other multi-site environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• £100,000 - £125,000 salary (dependent on experience)
• Car allowance
• Performance-related bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Generous annual leave
• Flexible working
• Life assurance
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role within a purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future.

Apply

If you are a commercially minded finance leader looking for an executive role where your expertise can influence strategy, drive performance and create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Team: Philanthropy & Partnerships 

Location: Homebased with some travel for meetings & events 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday 

Salary: Up to £49,149.84 per annum 

Contract: Fixed term until 30th June 2027

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our enthusiastic employees, volunteers, and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Corporate Partnerships Development Manager: 

• The Corporate Partnerships Development Manager will play a key role at Cats Protection by raising new and transformational funds in support of the organisation’s 10 year strategic objectives.

• The role will lead the Corporate Partnerships new business team, to build profitable, multiyear relationships with companies, ensuring propositions are maximised and new partners onboarded to the highest standards 

About the Corporate Partnerships team: 

• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate. 

• The corporate partnerships team is split between new business and account management, made up of driven, passionate and dynamic corporate fundraisers 

• We currently have a team of one full time and one part time Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officers in new business. On account management side our team consist of a Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager and Corporate Partnerships Officer. This is in addition to a Lead Corporate Partnerships Manager who oversees the entire corporate partnerships team. 

What we are looking for in our Corporate Partnerships Development Manager: 

• Significant experience of developing relationships and raising money from new businesses and other corporate organisations. 

• A demonstrable track record of delivering significant financial results against agreed targets and timescales. 

• Experience of leading fundraising teams to deliver and drive income and growth 

• Significant experience of managing a diverse range of stakeholders and relationships at a variety of levels 

• Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities. 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service. 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing. 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

Application closing date: 21st July 2026

Virtual interview date: 29th & 30th July 2026

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams 

3. Final stage presentation (dependent on first stage interviews) 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Salary: £60,000 (full time equivalent)

Hours: Full or part-time working, we are open to flexible working arrangements and applications from candidates seeking 30+ hours per week. Salary will be calculated on a pro rata basis for part time hours.

Location: The role is home-based, with regular travel across the South East, alongside occasional national travel.

Job Type: 12 months fixed term contract (Subject to the organisation's future strategic priorities and financial position, there may be the opportunity for the role to become permanent)

Chiltern Music Therapy is seeking an Interim Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month appointment to lead an ambitious programme of organisational transformation and sustainable growth. Working closely with our Board and team, you will strengthen our financial sustainability, develop new opportunities for growth and leave the organisation well positioned for its next permanent Chief Executive. 

Hello, we’re Chiltern.

We are a social enterprise providing music therapy, community music services and training across England. Each year, we support more than 2,000 children, young people and adults across health, education, social care and community settings.

For many years, we have been exploring and developing a more self-managing and distributed approach to organisational life — one rooted in trust, autonomy, shared responsibility and reflective practice. This has helped us build a highly engaged and thoughtful team, alongside services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

We are entering an exciting period of change, with a clear ambition to strengthen our commercial sustainability, increase our reach, grow our income and ensure our operating model is fit for the future. This interim appointment is a key part of that journey, bringing focused leadership to help us deliver meaningful organisational change while remaining true to our collaborative culture and values. 

About the role

This is a delivery-focused interim leadership role with a clear mandate to accelerate organisational transformation and sustainable growth over the next 12 months. 

The role combines strategic leadership of the organisation with hands-on responsibility for strengthening financial sustainability, business development, organisational alignment and ensuring the organisation is well positioned for long-term success.

We are looking for a CEO who is excited by creating opportunities. Someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting potential and turning ideas into sustainable partnerships that increase both our impact and our income. A central part of this role is generating new business for Chiltern by developing strategic partnerships, securing larger-scale opportunities and helping us grow in ways that remain true to our values and culture. 

The role requires someone who can comfortably hold both the bigger picture and the operational reality — someone who enjoys being connected to the organisation, understanding how things are working in practice and helping create the conditions for people and services to thrive.

We are looking for a leader who is relational, commercially aware and emotionally intelligent; someone who can navigate complexity with clarity and steadiness, and who is comfortable working within a collaborative and distributed leadership culture rather than a traditional hierarchy.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can operate effectively in a self-organising, values-led, evolving system.

We are interested in hearing from people with senior leadership experience within complex, people-focused organisations.

You may come from health, education, social care, the charity sector, social enterprise, or another relevant service environment. What matters most is your ability to step into organisations during periods of change and quickly build trust, momentum, and clarity.

The successful candidate will leave a lasting legacy by strengthening the organisation's sustainability, capability, and readiness for its next phase of development. 

You'll work within a collaborative and, values-led organisation, but you'll also be expected to provide clear direction, make confident decisions, prioritise effectively, and deliver measurable progress over a 12-month period. 

You will likely bring:

• Experience leading organisational transformation or significant change

• A track record of driving sustainable growth and income generation

• Strong commercial and financial leadership

• Ability to quickly build credibility with Boards, staff and external partners

• Experience delivering measurable organisational improvement

• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills

• Confidence making decisions in complex environments

Experience of self-managing, employee-owned or distributed leadership environments would be welcomed, although this is not essential.

We’ve outlined the essential and desirable experience, knowledge and attributes for this role in the full candidate pack.

We know that strong candidates do not always meet every requirement. If this role resonates with you, we would encourage you to consider applying.

Recruitment process

We aim to make our recruitment process thoughtful, proportionate and human. You will be asked to complete an application form, answering some questions to demonstrate your skills and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview/ strategic leadership conversation with Board members and will be asked to deliver a presentation.

The application deadline is Sunday 26th July at midnight, with interviews/strategic leadership conversations taking place at Irwin Mitchell, London, EC4Y 0AY on Wednesday 12th August.

A full candidate pack is available here, including further information about the role and our organisational approach. 

How to apply

Please complete the application form on our website and email a summary of your relevant experience (maximum 2 pages, traditional CV optional).

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the role, would like to discuss accessibility or reasonable adjustments, please contact us.

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities. As our new Director of Programme Impact, you will shape the strategic direction and development of our programme portfolio, ensuring our partner-led work continues to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact.
You will bring strong programme leadership, people management expertise, and a commitment to partnership-based approaches that support locally led development. As a member of CBM UK’s Leadership Team (LT), you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation while leading and motivating a committed Programmes Team. You will play a key role in strengthening CBM UK’s contribution to the CBM Global federation, working closely with country teams, technical specialists, and partners to maximise our collective impact.
An experienced leader, you will provide strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of programmes, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Overseeing an annual budget of around £4million, you will have a strong track record of delivering impactful programme strategies, building and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an established senior leader who is ready to take the next step into their first Director-level position, as well as those with existing director-level experience.
Forward-thinking and adaptable, you will be excited by the opportunities and challenges facing the international development sector. You will play an instrumental role in exploring the changing role of UK INGOs within the localisation agenda and will work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop new approaches and business models that respond to an evolving global context. You will also bring experience of securing and growing institutional and strategic funding opportunities, alongside the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a wide range of audiences.
Above all, you will share our commitment to inclusion, equity, and disability rights and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a world in which all people can enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential. You will be inspired by the chance to shape both organisational strategy and sector-wide conversations, ensuring that people with disabilities remain at the heart of international development and humanitarian action.

Key Responsibilities
Programmes Leadership & Management (70%)
1. Lead the strategic and financial development and oversight of CBM UK’s international programme portfolio, ensuring the organisation delivers its programme strategy with maximum impact and effectiveness in alignment with CBM Global’s strategy. Support and line manage the team to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans to ensure excellence in programme funding, development and delivery.
2. Drive quality and effectiveness within CBM UK projects and across CBM Global by
a) ensuring effective coordination of tasks, forward planning of key activities and events, and providing space for collaboration, problem-solving, escalation and innovation across the portfolio.
b) identifying and improving policies and procedures that ensure proportional programmatic oversight and support complex institutional funding management.
c) supporting Programmes staff to work with country teams to pursue a localised approach to programming, drawing on the CBM Global localisation roadmap.
3. Work with Programme Funding colleagues to lead and oversee the development of strategic partnerships and packaging of programme approaches that secure institutional funding for CBM UK’s programmes, including by strengthening intelligence on donor trends and funder priorities, developing immediate responses to new opportunities as they arise in line with CBM UK’s mission.
4. Work closely with CBM UK finance, fundraising, communication teams and other CBM Global Members in creating and responding to opportunities for funding, driving growth, and promoting effective use of CBM UK’s voluntary income to leverage match funding.
5. Together with the Board and LT, actively manage programme risks based on CBMUK’s overall risk management framework.
6. Demonstrate leadership in maintaining an environment free from harm for project participants, CBM UK and partner staff by overseeing the management of safeguarding concerns arising in CBM UK supported projects, including reporting to the Board and Charity Commission where appropriate.
7. Promote within the Programmes Department a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement which only results in an improved programmatic approach but also informs and supports our advocacy, advisory, and evidence and learning work.

8. Liaise closely with CBM UK colleagues to ensure coordination and effective integration of programme activities into opportunities for fundraising, including contributing to the innovation in business models to diversify CBM UK’s funding base, including exploring sustainable funding approaches to enhance programme delivery and reduce dependency on the charitable model (in conjunction with the CEO and Director of Fundraising, Impact and Communications).

Organisational leadership (20%)
1. Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of CBM UK through the Leadership Team, and in collaboration with the CEO, including contributing to Board meetings.
2. As part of the Leadership Team, take shared leadership responsibility for the wider CBM UK team of staff and volunteers, supporting effective collaboration and organisational cohesion, and taking on cross-functional responsibilities where appropriate.
3. Encourage and promote a culture of ambition, learning and excellence across the CBM UK team.
4. Be responsible for producing and initiating regular reports, briefing papers and other relevant programmes information for the CEO and Board Programmes Committee as appropriate.
5. Lead on supporting the Board Programmes Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to ensure members are provided with the information necessary to permit strategic oversight and robust risk management.
6. Lead UK’s engagement with CBM Global's programmatic leadership, in particular Directors of Programmes in other CBM Member Teams (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland), CBM Global Secretariat, and Technical Directors, working towards greater alignment, escalation of issues, and collaboration to advance CBM UK’s approach to localisation.

Representation and advocacy (10%)
1. Represent the organisation at the highest levels, including deputising for the CEO where required. Act as a key spokesperson for CBM UK with a range of external audiences, including institutional and statutory donors and strategic partners, media, policy and decision makers and other international and national non-government organisations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key geographic stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, ensuring effective engagement and alignment with CBM UK’s programme priorities.
2. In alignment with Advocacy and with Advisory colleagues, contribute to best practice in the UK disability and development sector by forging good relationships with UK-based and international NGO and disability sector networks to advocate for the adoption of inclusive development policies and practices, and champion innovative inclusive programmatic approaches.

For full details please download the Recruitment Pack.