2 Head of commercial operations volunteer roles in London, Greater London
How's your job search on our site?
As the Guild has grown in the past few years, our risk management, financial controls, and body of policies and procedures have also matured. Following the scheduled departure of two trustees earlier this year, the Guild’s Finance Subcommittee is seeking to welcome an independent member with relevant skills to attend meetings and advise on financial matters to help us make good decisions effectively.
This voluntary role supports trustees and staff by providing independent insight, constructive scrutiny, and professional expertise on financial planning, budgeting, risk, and long-term sustainability. As a guest to Finance Subcommittee meetings, you will review financial information, contribute to discussions, and help ensure resources are used effectively to maximise our charitable impact for students.
The Finance Subcommittee currently consists of two elected Officers, two external Trustees, and may include a student trustee in future. Papers and reports are ordinarily provided by the Guild Director, who is a non-voting guest to Subcommittee meetings. The Subcommittee normally meets four times per year for around two hours.
Students’ Union experience is not essential, but we are seeking a volunteer able to operate within our distinctive context. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in finance, accounting, audit, charity governance, or business management.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We enrich the lives of all college, university, and apprentice learners at University College Birmingham so that they can achieve their full potential
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Position Description
This is an exciting time to join the Heart of the City trustee board. You will join a small but ambitious Charity with strong foundations and networks across the public and private sector. This is an opportunity to shape the next chapter for the Heart of the City, with a strong focus on developing a robust, sustainable three-year Strategy. The Strategy will be supported by work to further diversify funding streams, that provide greater financial resilience without compromising our mission to support SMEs to become responsible businesses and play a full role in responding to the Climate Emergency.
The incoming Chair will support the team to develop a three-year Strategy to support the growth of the Charity.
The plan will explore:
- The Mission of the Charity and how it should grow
- Diversifying and securing new sources of funding
- Broadening our programmatic offer to SMEs
- Defining the strategic relationship between Heart of the City and the City of London Corporation
Unlike most small charities, Heart of the City has an extensive network and governance structures with prestigious organisations. The Chair will help manage key relationships with the Bank of England and Corporation of London, as well as key Council Members. The Chair will be instrumental in managing an effective and focussed set of Trustees to help shape, scrutinise and deliver the Charity’s mission.
By the end of the three-year period as Chair, you will have supported the development and implementation of a Strategy, which meets the vision of the Charity, helped develop a sustainable and resilient funding model, ensured that the Charity is making an impact and reporting on its achievements and maintains effective relationships with key strategic partners.
Typically, the Chair will:
- Hold regular fortnightly meetings with the Managing Director.
- Attend quarterly Trustee Board meetings (usually lasting around two hours and held during the working day).
- Participate in a strategy half-day with Trustees and staff.
- Attend Council meetings (up to two per year).
- Support introductions to potential members, partners and stakeholders.
- Attend and occasionally speak at Heart of the City events on an ad hoc basis.
The Chair will contribute to ad-hoc requests including:
- Sharing their views on responsible business in interviews for our newsletter, social media or webinars
- Championing our work at other external events and meetings, on social media and on their own biographical profiles
About you
We do not expect one person to fulfil all specifications but would welcome applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate most of the following:
Experience & Knowledge
- Senior Executive experience in the Corporate, Charity or Public sector.
- Strong understanding of SMEs, their motivations and challenges.
- Strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Proven track record of setting strategic direction and leading senior teams.
- Well-connected senior network across businesses.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent chairing, facilitation and sound judgement in complex situations.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align resources to long-term mission and impact.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage audiences from SME leaders to senior stakeholders.
- Strong ambassadorial and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent listening, questioning and consensus-building abilities.
Commitment
Commitment to Heart of the City’s mission, values and responsible business agenda. Willingness to devote the time and energy required to fulfil the role effectively.
Closing application date
Midnight on 27 September 2026
Interviews
Trustees aim to meet with the candidates in the week commencing 12 October 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.