Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk... in Newmarket
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk...

Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk... in Newmarket

Newmarket Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / 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: 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 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... in Newmarket employer: Berwick Partners

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a 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 ranging from finance to visitor services, all within the picturesque setting of Norfolk. Joining our team means being part of a dedicated community committed to long-term sustainability and the spiritual enrichment of countless pilgrims and visitors.
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... 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 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

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making a great impression when it counts.

✨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 ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk... in Newmarket

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 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 showing that you resonate with their ethos will set you apart.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in charity finance and governance. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences managing finances and how you've ensured compliance in past 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 your previous roles. Make it clear how your style aligns with their Christian values.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's operations and future plans. 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 ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk... in Newmarket
Berwick Partners
Location: Newmarket

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