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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: Competitive salary of £60,000 – £70,000 plus additional benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment aligned with Christian values and strong community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the sustainability of a nationally important spiritual mission.
- 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.
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) in Newmarket employer: Berwick Partners
Contact Detail:
Berwick Partners Recruiting Team
katie.mcevoy@berwickpartners.co.uk
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) in Newmarket
✨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 that a CV 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!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (plus benefits) in Newmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the COO role. Highlight your financial stewardship and operational leadership experience, as these are key for us at The Shrine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for our mission and how your background in charity finance and governance can contribute to our long-term sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We value collaborative leadership that aligns with our Christian ethos. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully led teams and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised!
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 expertise in finance and operations. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed budgets, improved financial processes, or overseen income-generating activities. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can bring real value.
✨Emphasise Leadership Style
The Shrine values a collaborative leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in the past, particularly in a charity or non-profit context. Share stories that highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and foster a positive working environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's future plans, challenges they face, and how the COO role can contribute to their mission. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if this is the right fit for you too.