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- Tasks: Lead operations and finance at a significant Christian pilgrimage site.
- Company: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a key spiritual destination in England.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact on a national institution's sustainability.
- Other info: Collaborative environment aligned with Christian values and excellent leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team supporting thousands of pilgrims 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 E: katie.mcevoy@berwickpartners.co.uk T: +44 (0)773 404 7261
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk... 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 ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk...
✨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 land you that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shrine's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their ethos, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership style!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you on their radar. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Shrine and contributing to its important work.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk...
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the COO role. Highlight your experience in finance and operations, and how it aligns with the Shrine's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our spiritual purpose!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and engage others while maintaining a collaborative spirit.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, showing us why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 exciting opportunity at the Shrine. Don’t miss out!
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 being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you're not just a fit for the job, but also for the organisation.
✨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. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles to the table.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This position requires strong leadership skills. Think about specific instances where you've led teams or projects, especially in a collaborative environment. Share how you engaged stakeholders and fostered a positive team culture, aligning with the Shrine's Christian ethos.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's current challenges and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you as well.