Role Description
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Reports to: Chief Executive
Direct Reports: Finance Manager, Senior Head of Income and Development, Head of Fundraising, Property and Maintenance Manager, IT Manager
Location: Hybrid Working/ 1-2 Days Each Week in Putney, London SW15 1SZ (Head Office Base)
Salary: £100k + Benefits
Key Responsibilities
Overall Job Purpose:
To provide overall leadership across operational and financial functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance standards while supporting the strategic goals of St Christopher’s Fellowship.
Oversee business development, fundraising, estates and maintenance, IT, and communications functions to support the organisation’s growth and sustainability.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contribute to the development and execution of St Christopher’s overall strategy, ensuring successful organisational performance and growth.
Leadership, Strategy, and Planning
Provide strong and effective leadership, both individually and as a member of SLT, in developing and implementing St Christopher’s overall strategy, ensuring its alignment with the organisation’s mission, and monitoring performance.
Lead the development and implementation of strategic projects in areas of finance, business development, fundraising, estates and maintenance, IT, and communications, holding the organisation accountable to deliver activities on time and within budget.
Actively contribute to strategic discussions within SLT, providing insight and support to Trustees to ensure accountability and sound governance.
Monitor external trends and environmental changes, ensuring they are factored into St Christopher’s strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Collaborate with other SLT members to foster an appropriate leadership culture, acting as a role model and ensuring that St Christopher’s values are consistently upheld.
Prepare and present detailed reports to the Council of Trustees.
Financial and Risk Management
Provide financial oversight, supporting the CEO, Trustees, and budget holders with accurate, timely, and actionable financial information, and address discrepancies as needed.
Respond to auditor comments on financial reporting and controls, ensuring any necessary corrective actions are taken promptly.
Lead forward financial planning, including managing reserves and ensuring effective processes for resource allocation and performance monitoring.
Oversee the organisation’s risk management framework, advising on risk appetite, and ensuring robust governance processes that support decision-making.
Ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements across all departments, with particular focus on financial, operational, and governance obligations.
Ensure that procurement, expenditure authorisation, and payment approval processes are in place and functioning effectively to guarantee financial control and value for money.
Business Development, Fundraising, Estates, IT, and Communications
Lead the Business Development team in identifying and pursuing growth opportunities, ensuring alignment with St Christopher’s strategic objectives.
Oversee Fundraising efforts, working closely with the team to develop sustainable funding streams and ensure the successful delivery of fundraising campaigns.
Oversee the Estates and Maintenance team, ensuring that St Christopher’s physical assets are well-maintained and that health and safety standards are consistently met.
Lead the IT and Communications teams, ensuring robust IT infrastructure, data security, and effective internal and external communications that align with organisational goals.
Other Responsibilities
Stay up to date on developments within the social care sector, understanding the implications for St Christopher’s services and operations.
Manage, motivate, and develop staff across the finance, business development, fundraising, estates and maintenance, IT, and communications teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and change management.
Ensure that all staff maintain the highest professional standards, adhering to St Christopher’s policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct.
Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, creating a safe working environment and adhering to relevant legal requirements.
The duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as the needs of the organisation evolve. You may be required to carry out additional tasks as requested by the Chief Executive to support the needs of St Christopher’s Fellowship.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
A full CIMA, ACA, or ACCA accountancy qualification.
Proven experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the non-profit, social care, or related sector.
Strong financial acumen, with experience overseeing financial planning, budget management, and financial risk management.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation across multiple operational functions (e.g., finance, business development, fundraising, estates, IT, communications).
Experience in working with Trustees, presenting detailed reports, and ensuring sound governance.
Proven track record of leading successful teams, with a focus on staff development, motivation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Desirable:
Degree or equivalent qualification in business administration, finance, or a related field.
Experience in fundraising or business development within the charity sector.
Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and governance requirements in the social care sector.
Skills and Abilities:
Leadership and Management:
Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage multiple teams effectively.
Strong project management skills, ensuring delivery of key activities on time and within budget.
Ability to think strategically and contribute to the organisation’s long-term success while overseeing day-to-day operations.
Financial and Risk Management:
Strong understanding of financial oversight, including budget management, financial reporting, risk management, and compliance.
Ability to respond effectively to financial discrepancies and audit feedback, ensuring corrective measures are taken promptly.
Strong governance skills, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
Strategic and Analytical Thinking:
Ability to analyse external trends and factors impacting the organisation and incorporate these insights into strategic planning and decision-making.
Capacity to present complex financial and operational data to the Trustees and senior management clearly and concisely.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including Trustees, staff, partners, and external agencies.
Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to foster a positive leadership culture and uphold organisational values.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills to manage procurement, contracts, and key partnerships effectively.
Personal Qualities:
Commitment to St Christopher’s Values:
Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and values of St Christopher’s Fellowship.
Acts as a role model, ensuring the organisation’s values are embedded across all teams and operations.
Resilience and Adaptability:
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Resilient and adaptable to change, with a solution-oriented mindset.
Integrity and Accountability:
High level of personal integrity, with a commitment to ensuring ethical financial and operational practices.
Takes accountability for the delivery of results and holds others to account for their performance.
Other Requirements:
Ability to work flexibly, including attending meetings at Head Office 1-2 days a week.
Willingness to undertake travel as required.
