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- Tasks: Lead corporate services, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with NCB's mission.
- Company: Join the National Children’s Bureau, a leading charity dedicated to improving childhood experiences in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, financial acumen, and a commitment to social justice are essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to enhance our leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid with regular attendance in London Office (London Fields, Hackney)
Status: Permanent, 35 hours per week (1 FTE) - Flexible working arrangements are welcome.
Salary: £90,820.00 with generous benefits package including 30 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, and 3 days of Christmas closure.
About Us
For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all. NCB is at the forefront of campaigning and action to ensure every child in the UK has a safe, secure, and supported childhood. This is a rare opportunity to take a central role in shaping how a high-impact national charity operates and delivers on its mission.
About you and the Role
As COO, you will lead the organisation’s Corporate Services directorate, spanning finance, people and culture, compliance, technology, and operations, and will work closely with the Chief Executive and trustees to ensure NCB remains modern, high-performing, and aligned with its values. This role is both strategic and hands-on — requiring a calm, capable leader with strong commercial and financial acumen, and a deep commitment to inclusive and purpose-driven leadership.
This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the systems, processes and people that support NCB’s transformative work for children, families and the professionals who support them. If you are passionate about driving operational excellence in service of social justice, this could be the perfect role for you.
We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of NCB's senior leadership and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in charity leadership, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on. We are taking a positive action approach to this key appointment, and as part of that, we would like to ensure that the shortlist reflects strong representation from Black and Global Majority candidates.
Applications close at 08:00AM on Friday 6th June 2025.
Preliminary interviews w/c 16th June and w/c 23rd June 2025 NCB two-stage, final interviews Tuesday 1st July and final round Monday 7th July 2025.
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our Search Partner to complete your application for this position. No agencies please.
Contact Detail:
NATIONAL CHILDRENS BUREAU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Research the National Children’s Bureau thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you align your experience with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of NCB. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations for the COO role, which can be invaluable in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with inclusive and purpose-driven leadership. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the challenges facing charities today, especially in the context of social justice. Being able to articulate your thoughts on these issues will demonstrate your commitment to NCB's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Operating Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your leadership experience and operational expertise. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and align with the values of the National Children’s Bureau.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for social justice and your commitment to inclusive leadership. Use this opportunity to explain why you are a great fit for the role and how your background aligns with NCB's mission.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion: Given NCB's focus on broadening diversity in leadership, make sure to mention any relevant experiences or perspectives you bring that contribute to this goal. This could include personal experiences or initiatives you've led in promoting diversity.
How to prepare for a job interview at NATIONAL CHILDRENS BUREAU
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research the National Children’s Bureau and its mission. Understand their values and how they impact the work they do for children and families. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to inclusive and purpose-driven leadership. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the role's focus on finance and operations, be ready to discuss your financial management experience. Highlight specific instances where you've improved financial performance or implemented cost-saving measures in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in a charity or non-profit context.
