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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 destination.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior experience in finance and operations.
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 (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norfolk; Salary: £60,000 -£70,000 per annum (plus benefits) in Newmarket 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; 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. 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. Understand their operations and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in finance and operations clearly and confidently. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with their Christian ethos. We want to see your passion for the role shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady ofWalsingham; 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 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. Be sure 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. If you've overseen income-generating activities, share specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and operational leadership.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to understand the Shrine's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with its history and the role it plays in the community. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their spiritual purpose and operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial stewardship. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experiences in finance, especially in charity finance and governance. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about specific instances where you've led teams or projects. Share stories that showcase your collaborative leadership style and how you've engaged stakeholders effectively, particularly in a charitable or community-focused context.
✨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. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewers.