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 real 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 experience in finance and operations.
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.
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfol... in Braintree employer: Berwick Partners
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant spiritual institution while fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work culture. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities to engage in diverse operational activities that enhance the Shrine's charitable mission. Located in the serene setting of Walsingham, this role not only allows for meaningful work but also offers a chance to be part of a community dedicated to faith and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfol... in Braintree
✨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 understanding the Shrine's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals. This isn’t just about skills; it’s about passion and commitment to their spiritual purpose!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've led teams or projects successfully. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your collaborative style and how you’ve engaged stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfol... in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:When writing your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. We’re looking for someone who understands the spiritual and operational aspects of our mission, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our values.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to the Shrine’s mission. Share any personal connections or experiences that relate to our work.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes sure we don’t miss out on your fantastic application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Mission
Before the 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 in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the Shrine.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
The role requires a collaborative leadership style that aligns with Christian values. Think of instances where you've worked effectively with diverse teams or stakeholders. Share how you fostered collaboration and built relationships, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the Shrine's future plans, challenges, and opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
