Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk;

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath

Bath Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Berwick Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations and finance at a key Christian pilgrimage site.
  • Company: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a significant spiritual institution.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact in a meaningful role.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment aligned with Christian values.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance and operations experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is one of England's most important Christian pilgrimage destinations, welcoming thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year from the UK and overseas. Alongside its devotional life, the Shrine operates a range of activities including accommodation, catering, retail, education, events and visitor services, all supporting its charitable mission. Governed by the Walsingham College Trust Association, the Shrine is now strengthening its operational and financial foundations to ensure long-term sustainability while remaining faithful to its spiritual purpose.

The creation of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is in response to this context. The COO will act as deputy to the Priest Administrator and provide professional leadership across finance, operations and organisational systems. This is a broad and influential role, combining financial stewardship, commercial oversight and operational leadership, enabling the Priest Administrator to focus on mission, worship and pilgrimage. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the long-term sustainability of a nationally significant spiritual institution.

Essential experience includes:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
  • Senior level experience covering finance and operations
  • Knowledge of charity finance, governance and compliance
  • Commercial acumen and experience overseeing trading or income generating activities
  • Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • A collaborative leadership style aligned with Christian ethos and values
  • Preparedness to live within reasonable / practicable travelling distance of Walsingham.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners; Katie McEvoy – Consultant - Berwick Partners E: katie.mcevoy@berwickpartners.co.uk T: +44 (0)773 404 7261

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath employer: Berwick Partners

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant spiritual institution while fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work culture. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, with the chance to engage in diverse activities ranging from finance to visitor services, all within the picturesque setting of Walsingham, Norfolk. This role not only promises meaningful work but also the chance to be part of a community dedicated to preserving and enhancing a vital aspect of England's Christian heritage.
Berwick Partners

Contact Detail:

Berwick Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Shrine's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their spiritual purpose and operational needs. Tailoring your responses to reflect their ethos will definitely make an impression!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a thank-you note to express your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’ve made it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it lands in the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age!

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Senior Level Experience in Finance and Operations
Knowledge of Charity Finance
Governance and Compliance
Commercial Acumen
Experience Overseeing Trading or Income Generating Activities
Strong Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Collaborative Leadership Style
Alignment with Christian Ethos and Values

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the COO role. Highlight your financial stewardship and operational leadership experience, as these are key for us at The Shrine.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for our mission and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We want to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your collaborative leadership style and how it aligns with our Christian ethos. We value strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role in our community.

How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners

✨Know the Mission

Before your interview, take some time to understand the Shrine's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with its history and the role it plays in the community. This will help you align your answers with their spiritual purpose and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

As a COO, you'll need to highlight your experience in finance and operations. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, improved financial processes, or overseen income-generating activities. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the Shrine.

✨Emphasise Leadership Style

The role requires strong leadership and collaboration. Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with the Christian ethos of the Shrine. Share examples of how you've engaged stakeholders and led teams effectively, especially in challenging situations.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the Shrine's future plans, challenges they face, and how the COO can contribute to their mission. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; in Bath
Berwick Partners
Location: Bath

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