At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and finance to support 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 spiritually enriching environment.
- Other info: Collaborative leadership aligned with Christian values is essential.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of a national treasure.
- 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.
Chief Operating Officer in Newmarket 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 opportunities to engage in diverse activities such as accommodation, catering, and education, all aligned with the Shrine's charitable mission. Located in a serene and historic setting, the Shrine provides a meaningful workplace for those looking to make a lasting impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Newmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Shrine. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shrine's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership style and financial expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your passion for the role and the organisation. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to hear 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 noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Shrine and contributing to its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Newmarket
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. Provide 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 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 for the organisation as a whole.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed finances in previous roles, particularly in a charity or non-profit context. Highlight any experience you have with compliance and governance, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Leadership Style
This position requires strong leadership and collaboration. Think about your leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Make sure to convey your ability to engage stakeholders and foster a collaborative environment that aligns with Christian values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's operations, challenges, and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking and commitment to the organisation's mission.
