At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and finance at a significant spiritual institution.
- Company: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a key Christian pilgrimage site.
- 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
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfol... in Essex 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 serene and inspiring setting of Walsingham, Norfolk.
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 Essex
✨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. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shrine’s mission and values. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the culture. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their charitable mission and operational goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfol... in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with 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.
Showcase Your Values:Since we’re looking for someone who embodies a collaborative leadership style aligned with Christian ethos, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how your values influence your work. This will help us see how you fit into our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
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 pivotal role in our organisation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 offers. 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 senior-level experience in finance and operations. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully overseen trading or income-generating activities, as this is crucial for the COO role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Given the collaborative leadership style they’re looking for, prepare to share instances where you've effectively engaged stakeholders and led teams. Highlight how your approach aligns with Christian ethos and values, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the future vision for the Shrine or how they measure success in their operations. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
