Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)

Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / 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: Competitive salary plus benefits, with a focus on sustainability.
  • Other info: Collaborative leadership role aligned with Christian values.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of a nationally important spiritual destination.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior experience in finance and operations.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ 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.

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK) employer: Berwick Partners

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham offers a unique and fulfilling work environment, where employees are part of a significant spiritual mission that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the organisation fosters a collaborative culture that aligns with Christian values, providing opportunities for growth in finance and operations while ensuring long-term sustainability. Located in the picturesque setting of Walsingham, Norfolk, employees enjoy a meaningful career that combines operational leadership with a commitment to community and faith.
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; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)

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 a job description just can't.

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. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!

Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects. We want to hear about your collaborative style and how you’ve engaged stakeholders in previous roles.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at the Shrine.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)

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 match the COO role. Highlight your financial stewardship and operational leadership experience, as these are key for us at The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about our mission and how your background aligns with our values. We want to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your collaborative leadership style. We value strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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. This role is deeply tied to its spiritual purpose, so showing that you resonate with their ethos will set you apart.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen

As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Be prepared to discuss your experience with charity finance and governance, and how you've successfully managed budgets or financial strategies in previous roles.

Highlight Leadership Experience

This position requires strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, engaged stakeholders, and fostered collaboration in past roles. Make it clear how your leadership style aligns with the Shrine's values.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's current challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role 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; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) (UK - East Anglia, UK)
Berwick Partners

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