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- 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 and ethos.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team supporting thousands of visitors each year.
- 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, Norf[...] employer: 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, Norf[...]
✨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 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-up! After your interview, drop a thank-you note to express your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, making you memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're a qualified accountant, and showcase your senior-level experience in finance and operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your values align with the Shrine's mission. Don't forget to mention your leadership style and how it fits with their Christian ethos.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your knowledge of charity finance and governance. Share specific examples of how you've successfully overseen trading or income-generating activities in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know the Shrine Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Understand its mission, values, and the various activities it operates. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience in finance and operations, especially within a charity context. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed financial stewardship or operational leadership, as this is crucial for the COO role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Given the collaborative nature of the role, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've engaged stakeholders and led teams in a way that aligns with Christian values, demonstrating your fit for the Shrine's ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the Shrine's future plans or how they envision the COO contributing to their mission. It shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the organisation's long-term vision.