Senior finance business partner jobs

Human Resources Manager (maternity cover)

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 / year

Location: Our offices are in Toynbee Hall, East London, but we welcome applicants from across the UK who do not wish to relocate. You should be willing to travel to our London office for team and project meetings up to six times per year. Project related travel costs will be reimbursed

Hours: Four to five days a week (flexible – minimum 28 hours/ week). The Young Foundation supports a 4.5 day working week and staff work this, wherever possible (pro rata for those working less than a 35-hour week)

Contract: Up to one year fixed term contract. Start date March 2026

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus three office closure days between Christmas and New Year. We also provide two wellbeing days per year. Staff are signed up to one of two pension schemes and access a personalised well-being budget through Better Space. All employees also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

About The Young Foundation

The Young Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation driving community research and social innovation. We bring communities, organisations and policymakers together to understand the issues people care about and support collective action to improve lives. We involve communities in research and innovate together to inspire positive change.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to lead and run the HR function at both a strategic and operational level, providing expert guidance and leadership across the organisation. You will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of HR services, both internally and with external partners.

This role is particularly suited to a confident, adaptable HR leader who can support and guide the organisation through a period of significant change, including the transition to a new CEO. You will play a key role in shaping organisational culture, embedding change initiatives, and ensuring HR strategies align with business objectives and values.

The successful candidate will combine strong operational HR expertise with strategic insight, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders while maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, and employee experience.

About you

We are recruiting an experienced Human Resources Manager with a strong track record of providing strategic HR leadership at a senior level, ideally within the charity or social impact sectors. You should have extensive experience in employee relations, performance management, and organisational development, with the ability to advise senior leaders and resolve complex HR issues with discretion and professionalism.

This role would suit a motivated self-starter with a passion for the work we do, someone who can work independently while also influencing and collaborating with senior teams and trustees. You will have a deep understanding of inclusive recruitment, employment law, payroll, pensions, and HR systems.

You should be a proactive, CIPD Level 7-qualified professional (or equivalent senior-level experience) with the ability to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of HR practice. Strong stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and the ability to turn people insights into actionable organisational improvements are essential.

Process

This is a two-stage application process. The first stage will involve an interview, and the second stage will consist of an interview and a potential task.

First stage interviews will take place w/c 2 February 2026 (online via MS Teams)

Second stage interviews will take place w/c 9 February 2026 (In-person at our office). There might be an opportunity for final candidates to meet the incoming CEO.

The Young Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and as part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of our team we actively encourage people from Black and Ethnic Minority or other under-represented groups to apply for this role. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

You must have the right to live and work in the UK. Applicants who require a work permit in order to take up employment will not be considered.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
• Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
• Annual performance and pay progression reviews
• Up to 5% pension contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering access to free therapy
• Work phone and laptop
• A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events
• Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity   

Personal development programme: 

• You will have a line manager dedicated to growing your strengths and supporting your professional skills development 
• You can work with your manager to set your own objectives within the scope of the job description 
• You will have a dedicated buddy within the team 
• You will take part in external and internal training to help grow your knowledge and skills

Please note that care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our team and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to being a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diversity is celebrated. In our last staff survey, 95% said they feel a sense of belonging at Settle. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

We are looking for a Partnerships Engagement Officer to join us at this exciting stage in Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we aim to significantly grow the number of young people we are working with while maintaining the quality and impact of our programme. The Partnerships Engagement Officer will join the Business Development Team, reporting to the Senior Partnerships Manager. You will be integral to helping us to grow our reach so that we can work with more care-experienced young people across London. 

The successful candidate will nurture and strengthen our existing partnerships to maximise referral numbers. The core of the role will be to build strong formal and informal relationships with partners and increase awareness and a deeper understanding of Settle’s work. You will make regular in-person visits to Local Authority, Housing Association and charity referral partners across London to promote the Settle programme and ensure our offer is well understood and uptake is maximised.  Ideally, you will spend some of your time working from partner offices. 

With some experience of working for or with local authorities, housing associations or charities, you enjoy working collaboratively to improve processes and widen access to opportunities in order to create better outcomes for young people. This role will suit someone who can work independently and appreciates variety in their work: one day you might enjoy a lively conversation with a group of social workers and another you will delve into the data to produce informative reports for partners.

About Us

Freeways and Freeways Trust are linked local charities that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Freeways is a highly regarded provider offering a range of social care support services and Freeways Trust owns and manages a portfolio of properties which support the work of Freeways. Both charities are passionate about helping people to become as independent as possible by supporting them to make choices, learn new skills, and make links with their local community.

About the Role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of both Freeways and Freeways Trust and will be responsible for developing  and delivering financial strategies that align with the charities' objectives while maintaining financial sustainability. This position also involves overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance and leading the finance team to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to set strategic direction and develop financial strategies and budgets.  Develop the financial strategy and five-year budget plan, including capital investment plans and cashflow forecasts that align with strategic priorities and operational plans.

• Financial Management and Control: Oversee finance operations, ensure timely reporting, and lead the annual audit process.  Maintain, review, and update internal financial controls across the finance function, identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks. Be responsible for the review and audit of financial processes across the organisation including for the people we support.

• Organisational Performance: Manage budget-setting and performance tracking, providing insightful analysis to stakeholders. 
• Governance: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with charity law and maintaining essential records with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Leadership, Management and Culture: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and lead the finance team to achieve operational excellence and foster a positive organisational culture.

About You

You will be a qualified and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving financial processes. Your strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills will allow you to explain complex financial information to various audiences and help them understand the impact on the wider charity and the potential future options. You will also possess a solid understanding of financial management, compliance, and governance, along with the ability to lead and develop a team.

Benefits

• 35 days (pro-rata) annual leave entitlement (including public holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to rules of the scheme)
• Free parking on site
• Family-friendly/work-life balance policies
• Free DBS check every 3 years
• Occupational health provision
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour access to a counselling and legal helpline

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS and Adult Barred List check.

We’re recruiting for a Finance Manager role with significant exposure to operational leaders, boards, and committees, offering the opportunity to influence decision-making, drive value for money, and support the delivery of essential property and maintenance services.

The role

Reporting into the Head of finance, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive range of financial services across a sizeable property services operation (c.£150m annual spend). You will act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, combining strong technical finance capability with commercial insight and leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering closely with senior operational leaders to provide strategic financial advice and challenge
• Leading the production of management accounts, KPIs, forecasts and board-level reporting
• Managing, developing and motivating a small team of qualified finance professionals
• Supporting annual budgeting and medium-term financial planning processes
• Providing financial appraisal and due diligence for business cases and investment decisions
• Overseeing year-end financial accounting, audit processes and statutory reporting inputs
• Ensuring robust financial controls, governance, and risk management across the service area
• Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and reporting
• Representing finance in discussions with internal and external stakeholders

For more information about the role, please contact Charlotte Dow at Ivy Rock Partners.

Help protect the green spaces that matter to every community — forever

Parks, playgrounds, sports fields and green spaces are essential to our physical and mental wellbeing, to thriving communities, and to a healthier planet. Yet too many of these spaces are under threat.

Fields in Trust exists to change that. For over 100 years, we have worked to legally protect the UK’s green spaces so they can never be lost to development. Following our centenary year and the launch of a bold new five-year strategy, we are now focused on growing our impact, strengthening our organisation, and securing our long-term future.

The opportunity

We are seeking a values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment for the charity.

This part-time role is about far more than numbers. It is an opportunity to use your financial leadership to safeguard green spaces for generations to come — ensuring Fields in Trust has the resilience, systems and governance needed to deliver lasting impact.

You will play a central role in shaping our financial strategy as we diversify income, develop new commercial opportunities, and continue to evolve as an organisation. Alongside finance, you will also provide strategic oversight of our resources, including IT, HR, facilities and risk.

What you’ll do

• Shape and lead a long-term financial strategy that supports our mission and ambitions
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with trustees and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability
• Strengthen and develop the finance function (currently outsourced), embedding robust systems, controls and reporting
• Support the growth of new income streams through financial modelling and commercial insight
• Oversee budgeting, statutory accounts, audit and compliance
• Ensure our IT systems, data and digital infrastructure are secure, effective and fit for the future
• Provide strategic oversight of HR processes, payroll, pensions, facilities, health and safety and business continuity
• Be a key part of the SLT and play a critical role in shaping wider strategy and direction
• Provide clear communication and in-depth support as the key interface between finance and the rest of the organisation

Who we’re looking for

You will be an experienced senior finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. You might come from the charity, public or private sector, but you will share our commitment to protecting green spaces and public benefit.

You will bring:

• Strategic financial leadership experience at senior level
• A strong understanding of governance, risk and working with boards or trustees
• Experience supporting organisations through change or growth
• A collaborative, inclusive and pragmatic leadership style
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a part-time role

Most importantly, you will be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Recruitment timeline

Application deadline: Sunday 8th February, midnight

Shortlisting:w/c 16th February

First stage interviews: w/c 23rd February

Second stage interviews: w/c 2nd March

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages) to via the link.

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.
 

We have a new opportunity available in The City for an ambitious procurement professional looking for a new challenge at an early-to-mid point in their career.

We're seeking applications from Procurement & Commercial Officers, Category Managers, Procurement Specialists, Procurement Business Partners and Procurement & Commercial Managers.

You'll have strong experience managing areas of indirect category spend such as professional or corporate services (including HR), digital/IT, marketing, media, music licensing etc.

Your profile and background

• You'll have experience of working with a diverse internal stakeholder group to ensure successful commercial outcomes
• You'll have a basic knowledge of contract law and experience of working within cross functional unit teams to deliver procurement projects
• You will have first-class communication skills, and strategic sourcing and category management expertise and be commercially focused with the proven ability to consider total cost of ownership and deliver added value

This is a hybrid role with a charitable organisation requiring 2-3 days in the office each week (London, The City).

Please apply now for more details.

Salary: £45,732 - £50,614 
Contract: 12-month FTC
Location: UK Hybrid (2 days/week in office in either London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Warrington)
Closing date: 31 December
Benefits: Generous annual leave, employee assistance programme, flexible working arrangements. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior New Business Development Officer to join a bold and innovative initiative that’s mobilising £20 million in philanthropic and investment capital to support climate adaptation enterprises. You’ll lead on developing and delivering a fundraising programme, building relationships with major donors, foundations, and institutions to drive real-world impact.

Working closely with senior leaders and sector partners, you’ll craft compelling campaigns, secure strategic funding, and help position the fund as a trailblazer in climate finance and international development.

To be successful as the Senior New Business Development Officer you will need:

• A strong track record of securing six-figure gifts from major donors or institutions
• Excellent project management and campaign analysis skills – in particular developing fundraising pipelines and stewardship plans
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities
• Knowledge of climate finance, impact investment, or international development (ideally)

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please get in touch and ask for Heather, quoting the reference 2800HB

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
 

Director of Finance and IT
London (Camden) | Hybrid working
Salary £90,000
Full time (37.5 hours) or 4 days per week considered

Thomson Foundation is an independent, globally respected organisation with over 60 years’ experience supporting free, ethical and trusted journalism around the world. At a time when reliable information has never mattered more, Thomson’s work is both impactful and deeply values-driven.

They are now seeking a Director of Finance and IT to join the senior leadership team at an exciting point in the organisation’s evolution.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior finance leader who enjoys combining strategic leadership while also being able to provide hands on support. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior colleagues to shape future strategy, while also getting into the detail to understand how things work today and where they can be improved tomorrow.

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy making your mark: strengthening systems, improving automation, streamlining processes and building robust, proportionate controls that suit a small, international organisation. This is not a role where you sit at arm’s length from the detail – you will be curious, practical and comfortable rolling up your sleeves, whether that’s reviewing processes, posting journals, improving reporting or driving smarter use of technology.

Alongside financial leadership, you will oversee IT, risk, compliance and governance across the Thomson Group, working with outsourced providers and internal colleagues to ensure systems are secure, efficient and fit for purpose. You will play a key role in delivering the Finance and Technology Transformation Plan, helping the organisation operate more effectively and sustainably as it continues to grow and adapt.

Thomson has a small, welcoming team and a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture. You will be joining an organisation where people are trusted, ideas are welcomed and impact really matters. The role is based in Camden, with hybrid working two days per week in the office.

This role will suit someone who is:
• equally comfortable thinking strategically and working hands on
• motivated by improving systems, automation and ways of working
• curious, detail-oriented and happy to implement change
• values-led and excited by working in a mission-driven, international charity

If you are looking for a senior leadership role where you can genuinely influence, improve and help shape the future of a highly respected organisation, this is an outstanding opportunity.

How to Apply

For more information, please contact Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane who is supporting on this role and happy to answer any questions.

Please apply by sending CV and supporting statement before 1st February

Location: Head Office, Victoria
Flexible working: this role is based at our head office typically 2 days per week, the remaining can be worked from home. Flexible working requests are available from day one.
Salary: £66,576 - £70,309

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work

Role & Responsibilities

We’re entering an exciting new phase. With a bold new strategy, ambitious Nature Recovery programmes (including species reintroductions, landscape-scale rewilding and river restoration), and a rapidly rising public profile — including recent collaboration with Sir David Attenborough on the BBC’s Wild London — this is a pivotal moment for our organisation.

To support this growth, we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Finance to reinvigorate, strengthen and modernise our finance function — ensuring it’s fit for the organisation we’re becoming.

Reporting to the COO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Board, you’ll lead all aspects of financial management across London Wildlife Trust and our trading subsidiary. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how Finance operates — improving systems, controls, reporting and insight so the organisation can confidently adapt to recent and future growth.

Transaction volumes have increased significantly in recent years, and a key early focus of this role will be leading a programme of operational improvement. You’ll roll up your sleeves, lead the finance team through change, and embed better ways of working that strengthen our foundations while enabling smarter decision-making across the organisation.

• Lead all aspects of financial management for London Wildlife Trust and its trading subsidiary
• Lead a programme of finance transformation, improving systems, processes, controls and ways of working to ensure Finance is fit for a growing organisation.
• Own budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial planning, producing clear, insightful management accounts and analysis to support decision-making.
• Provide high-quality financial reporting and advice to the SLT, Finance Committee and Board, highlighting risks, opportunities and strategic choices.
• Act as a finance business partner to senior leaders and teams across the Trust, improving financial understanding, ownership and accountability.
• Work closely with fundraising, trading and project teams to support income generation, funding compliance and effective financial oversight.
• Lead, coach and develop the finance team, building a confident, collaborative and improvement-focused finance function.

Our ideal Head of Finance

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Significant experience at Head of, or equivalent, level in the charity sector (likely 3-5 years)
• Strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and charity financial governance
• Experience with delivering and overseeing exceptional financial operations
• Strong financial planning, reporting and insight experience

Closing Date: Monday 26th January at 9am
Interviews: Are scheduled to take place on 4th and 6th February and reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates.

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities. Find out more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion on our website.

We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

REF-226 026

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality programmes.

Are you an experienced youth worker ready to take the next step in your development?
Do you enjoy leading sessions, supporting colleagues, and shaping meaningful opportunities for young people?

We are seeking a Senior Youth Development Worker to support the development and delivery of One YMCA’s Universal Youth Work provision in Bedford.

The Role

Reporting to the Youth Work Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality youth work for young people aged 9–18. You will lead engaging sessions, support and supervise sessional youth workers, and contribute to the growth and development of One YMCA’s youth work offer in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy.

This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, team support, and partnership engagement. You will help ensure young people feel safe, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth work sessions for young people aged 9–18
• Lead sessions and act as a positive role model for young people
• Support and supervise sessional youth workers during delivery
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, schools and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records to monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Contribute to the development and expansion of One YMCA’s youth work offer, including partnership and funding opportunities
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work

About You

You are passionate about youth work and committed to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. You are confident leading sessions, supporting others, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

You will have:

• Experience delivering youth work (paid or voluntary)
• Confidence leading group sessions and supporting small teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of inclusive and safeguarding-led practice
• A Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or willingness to work towards one (essential)

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 18 hours per week, salaried on a monthly basis
• Working pattern is flexible but will include evenings and weekends, with most delivery taking place after school

Additional Information

• Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, subject to a conditional offer

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support to participate fully.

Our partner is working towards a new strategy launching in 2027 and is seeking external support to review its business and operating model. The organisation is operating in a challenging funding environment, with volatile grant income and a concentrated, ageing donor base, and wants to ensure its future model is financially sustainable, affordable, and resilient.

The review will combine an assessment of income sustainability, cost recovery, and organisational structure. Alongside continued efforts to diversify donor income, they are exploring opportunities for growth and efficiency, including potential changes to their operating model and the feasibility of moving to a dual-entity structure. The consultancy will support senior leadership and trustees to make evidence-based decisions during this transition.

Indicative scope of support includes:

• Reviewing the organisation’s current business model, income profile and cost base, identifying gaps, risks and opportunities for improved financial sustainability.
• Assessing the potential of existing and emerging income streams, the investment required to grow them, and modelling future income scenarios over the medium term.
• Supporting improvements to cost recovery, including benchmarking against peer organisations, refreshing cost recovery policies, and considering adjustments to recovery rates while remaining competitive with donors.
• Reviewing the current organisational and operating structure to identify efficiencies and alternative ways of working, including consideration of a dual-entity or other revised operating models.
• Modelling the financial and operational implications of proposed changes and supporting senior leadership through facilitated discussions and decision-making.

Requirements

• A senior finance leader (preferably qualified accountant) with expereince supporting a complex international charity through a period of transition, including reviewing and redesigning operating models.
• Experience in multi-year financial planning, scenario modelling, cost reduction and cash management. 
• Experience of ideveloping commercial business models and raising investment is strongly desirable.

Working arrangements

• It is expected the consultancy will take 15-20 days
• Expected start date is January/February 2026, with the work to be completed within the first quarter of 2026
• Mainly remote in the UK with some meetings in their London office
• Right to work in the UK essential

We believe everyone deserves healthy, sustainable and culturally appropriate food, where they live. We believe the way people access food should be rooted in health, dignity and choice. We believe the food system should be shaped and determined by everyone, and that every voice matters. We believe a thriving local, independent food economy is one that celebrates healthy food. We believe that good food is not a luxury. It’s a basic human right.

If this aligns with how you see the world, and you want to use your skills and experience to help us build towards it, you’ll feel at home here.

Why this role matters

 Alexandra Rose run practical place-based food system transformation projects based around a voucher for fresh fruit & veg. We currently have 9 projects across the UK, and we’re aiming to scale in the coming years. Each project operates the same model, but each project adapts to work with different communities, different languages, different community support infrastructure, different retail options, and more.

At the core, we work with local trusted community organisations who distribute our vouchers to local families on low incomes with young children, and in some areas to local adults on low incomes managing food related health conditions (diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, etc). Voucher distribution is linked to a range of wider wrap around services to ensure that our projects support people in getting out of poverty in real and long-lasting ways. Our vouchers area accepted exclusively by local, independent healthy food businesses, ensuring that we are also supporting a fairer, healthier local food economy.

Our model directly tackles the barriers of affordability and accessibility to the most nutrient dense and most expensive element of a healthy diet. We change the health outcomes of young children and adults living with food related health conditions. We actively change the food environment that is available to a range of people who have been disadvantaged for decades.

As we grow nationally and expand the reach of our projects across multiple regions, we need strong operational leadership to ensure we can deliver consistently, efficiently and with confidence. You will help shape the systems and structures that support our operations, building on the strong work of our existing project teams.

This role is central to developing an operational approach that is both standardised and adaptable, supporting diverse communities while ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance, data collection and organisational resilience. As a senior leader, you will be an active part of the organisation’s Senior Management Team, and play a vital role in guiding the organisation through change, whether driven by shifts in policy, political context, funding environment or community need.

 Key Responsibilities

 Operational Leadership & Systems Development

• Build on the strong work of our project teams to develop consistent, scalable systems and processes that support effective delivery across different communities.
• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of robust operational systems: data management, compliance, monitoring, reporting, risk management and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (including data protection/GDPR), charity governance requirements and internal administrative standards.
• Work closely with external tech support and internal teams to maintain and improve our digital platforms and tools.

 Project Oversight & Delivery

• Provide leadership and coordination to regional project coordinators, ensuring high-quality delivery and alignment with organisational standards.
• Oversee the development of a simple, practical monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework to enable accurate tracking of reach, impact and performance across all projects.
• Support internal reporting to the CEO, SMT and Board, and external reporting to funders, partners and local authorities.

Financial & Resource Management

• Work with the Head of Finance to align operational budgets with organisational priorities, ensuring responsible resource allocation and cost-effective delivery.
• Contribute to financial forecasting and scenario planning from an operational perspective.

Organisational Resilience & Adaptability

• Contribute to organisational planning in response to external changes (policy shifts, political changes, funding conditions, inflationary pressures, etc.).
• Lead operational risk management and ensure continuity of delivery under changing circumstances.
• Promote a culture that values clarity, reliability, adaptability and dignity in service delivery.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Line-manage project coordinators.
• Maintain strong relationships with local partners, community organisations and local authorities to support effective delivery.
• Support clear internal communication so that people understand processes, compliance expectations and their roles in operational delivery.

Person Specification

 We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant relevant experience in operations management.
• Is highly organised, systems-focused and confident designing and continually reviewing and improving processes, tools and operational frameworks as the organisation grows.
• Is comfortable navigating and coordinating multiple projects, teams and stakeholders across different regions.
• Understands data protection, compliance and risk.
• Has strong digital literacy and can quickly learn new systems. The platforms and apps that underpin our work are central to Operations Team working.
• Has strong financial literacy and experience with budgets, forecasting and resource planning.
• Remains calm, pragmatic and solutions-focused during periods of change or uncertainty.
• Communicates clearly, constructively and collaboratively.
• Shares our belief in dignity, community, independence and the right to good food.

 Why join us?

• A senior leadership role with genuine influence in a mission-driven charity.
• The opportunity to shape and strengthen the systems that will support national growth.
• Work that contributes directly to fairer, healthier, more dignified food access across the UK.
• A culture that values flexibility, clear thinking, integrity and adaptability.

Use of AI in applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support aspects of their application, such as grammar, formatting, or drafting. We understand that using AI tools in this way can help you express your strengths more clearly. However, your final submission must be a genuine, accurate reflection of your own skills, experience, and understanding of the role. 

To support integrity and transparency in our recruitment process, we ask that you include a brief note explaining where and how AI tools were used in your application. Applications that appear overly generic, inconsistent with interview performance, or rely heavily on generative AI without clear attribution may raise concerns during the selection process.

 Additional information

We want our organisation to reflect the diversity of the communities we work in, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds.

Interview dates

• First stage interview - Thursday 19th Feb online via Teams
• Second stage interview - Thursday 26th Feb in person in a central London location TBC

Our partner, a respected and established international charity supporting programmes across Africa; seeks a qualified and experienced senior finance professional to provide strategic financial leadership, maintain robust systems, controls, and donor compliance across the organisation. The Director of Finance is responsible for organisational financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, external audits, risk management, and supporting programme delivery through high-quality financial oversight.This hands-on role requires the Director of Finance to execute daily tasks as well as overseeing, and mentoring, others within the team to undertake what is required.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning 

• Lead the organisation’s financial strategy ensuring sustainability and alignment with mission and organisational priorities. 

• Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and scenario planning. 

• Develop long-term financial models and cashflow forecasts. 

• Provide financial insight to strategic decisions, business cases, growth opportunities, and operational planning. 

Financial Management & Control 

• Oversee and execute specific tasks relating to financial operations including accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, and banking. 

• Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes are accurate and timely. 

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across central team and country/project operations. 

• Implement efficient systems and processes to support a lean but compliant financial environment. 

Budgeting & Organisational Performance 

• Lead the annual budgeting process 

• Monitor budget performance, variances, and financial KPIs, providing clear analysis for senior leadership. 

Donor Finance & Grant Compliance 

• Oversee donor grant finance, ensuring compliance with institutional donor restrictions and requirements. 

Audit & Assurance 

• Lead the annual organisational audit: prepare schedules, financial statements, and required disclosures. 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP) 

• Oversee financial donor audits, ensuring timely, accurate responses and evidence. 

Risk Management 

• Contribute to the organisational risk register by recording and presenting on financial risks to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee. 

• Implement financial due diligence for donors, suppliers, and country operations as required to meet organisation and donor policies. 

Oversight of International Operations 

• Ensure strong financial management of new country programmes creating and reviewing and renewing policies as required. 

• Support the development or review of financial systems, capacity, and reporting in relation to new country expansion work. 

• Oversee financial arrangements for countries where the INGO has no legal entity, including fiscal hosts, secondee payments, and contract structures. 

Leadership, Management & Culture 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence. 

Person Specification 

• Worked as a Finance Director or as a Head of Finance (with autonomy of decision making and board reporting duties) 

• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements. 

• Senior-level finance experience in an INGO, charity, or multi-country organisation (preferably with operations in the Global South) 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA or equivalent). 

• Demonstrable experience with institutional donor compliance. 

• Experience leading annual audits and preparing financial statements. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, including developing staff. 

• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills. 

• Experience managing multi-currency environments and international financial operations. 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff, senior leaders, and Boards. 

About Smile Train 

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

The Smile Trian UK Senior Manager, Individual Giving leads on the development and delivery of the individual donor offline fundraising program, responsible for the acquisition, retention, upgrade and reactivation of individual donors through various channels including Direct Mail, DRTV, Telemarketing and SMS and Print. Employing a test-and-learn approach across the programme and liaising closely with the Digital Fundraising Director and the Direct Marketing Global Working Group, the role contributes to the development of Smile Train’s global fundraising strategy. 

Serving as the local subject matter expert in direct marketing and fundraising data, you will translate complex data into easy-to-understand takeaways for the UK Fundraising Director and senior leadership ensuring that Smile Train is able to efficiently and effectively raise funds to continue transforming the lives of our beneficiaries.

This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity starting as soon as possible. Ability to travel, when necessary, for agency partner visits and organizational events is required.
 

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director
 

General Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the UK Director of Fundraising in the development of the offline Individual Giving Strategy and other key initiatives and keep them updated and fully briefed regarding their implementation
• Line-manage the Database Manager and Supporter Experience Officer 
• Develop engaging donor acquisition and retention campaigns 
• Utilise data to inform and strategically target key donor segments 
• Create and execute direct communications to our valued supporters 
• Ensure all offline direct marketing campaigns are completed on time and within budget 
• Management of all campaign delivery, including post analysis 
• Reporting to senior stakeholders on performance of the offline individual giving programme

Specific Responsibilities:

Direct Mail 

• Execute offline acquisition and retention campaigns including review of direct mail kit laser and insertion samples for quality control
• Effectively manage external agency partners and provide strategic direction on all direct mail campaigns
• Conduct testing to optimise creative and evaluate results to make data-driven decisions for future mail concepts 
• Manage direct mail creative development, ensure brand compliance and provide directive on content/messaging
• Participate in weekly production call with creative and production agencies to review status of deliverables for all campaigns

DRTV 

• Execute all aspects of Direct Response Television (DRTV) donor acquisition program, including:

• • Set-up of inbound telemarketing and SMS with telemarketing agency
  • Manage creative review and development
  • Manage weekly performance review and provide updates and recommendations to vendor
  • Review and approve media buying plans
  • Manage source code assignment and upload to database

• Management of external creative, media and contact centre agencies 
• Strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting 

Sustainer Program

• Manage all monthly Direct Debit and other regular individual donations 
• Manage the execution of the donor journey for all regular donors and the conversion, upgrade and reactivation efforts

Other Duties

• Working with external agencies, develop effective testing methodology to inform long-term investment decisions
• Execute all offline acquisition campaigns in diversification of new donor sources (e.g. Package Inserts)
• Approve cost estimates and media plans ensuring spend to budget across all campaigns
• Build and manage the offline individual giving programme budget across all channels
• Manage all invoice processing and complete monthly accruals for Finance
• Other duties as appropriate for this role.

Essential functions:

Sitting

Supervisory responsibilities: This role also oversees management of the supporter CRM and Supporter Care, line managing the Smile Train UK Database Manager and Supporter Experience Officer.
 

Required Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a direct marketing role, proven track record in planning and delivering effective direct marketing campaigns across a range of channels including Direct Mail, DRTV, Telemarketing, SMS and Print channels 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.
• Skilled with modern and traditional marketing and fundraising channels 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decision-making 
• Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
• Fluency in a donor CRM, experience with Salesforce preferred
• Demonstrable organisational, professional, and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across teams 
• Excellent people-management skills with the ability to coach and line manage staff
• Excellent project manager who is extremely detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of managing creative agencies, printers and external agencies 
• Ability to communicate the impact of marketing efforts with data 
• Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.
• Familiar with the MS Office

Accountability Expectations: 

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.

• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities. 

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.

• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role 

• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

Compensation Range: £50-£55K

Travel: Ability to travel, when necessary, for agency partner meetings and organizational events as required

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.