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 unique environment.
- Other info: Collaborative leadership role 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 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.
Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...] in Norfolk 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 of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...] in Norfolk
✨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 opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shrine’s mission and values. Show us that you’re not just after a job, but that you genuinely care about their spiritual purpose. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals – it’ll make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...] in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the Shrine's mission and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their spiritual purpose and operational needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Highlight your qualifications and experience that directly relate to the COO role. Be specific about your financial stewardship and operational leadership skills, as these are key for this position.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. The Shrine values a collaborative leadership style, so don’t hesitate to share your approach to teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches the right people and shows your commitment to joining our team at the Shrine.
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. Familiarise yourself with its role as a pilgrimage destination and how it supports its charitable activities. This will help you align your answers with their spiritual purpose and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a COO, you'll need to highlight your experience in finance and operations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets, improved financial processes, or overseen income-generating activities. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
The role requires a collaborative leadership style that aligns with Christian ethos. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, engaged stakeholders, and fostered a positive working environment. Highlight your ability to work closely with others, especially in a mission-driven context.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the Shrine's future plans, challenges, and opportunities. 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 with the interviewers on a deeper level.