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 and ethos.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team supporting thousands of visitors each year.
- 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 Chief Operating Officer (COO) is created to act as deputy to the Priest Administrator and provide professional leadership across finance, operations and organisational systems. This broad and influential role combines 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, Norf[...] in Norwich employer: Berwick Partners
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham offers a unique and fulfilling work environment, where employees are part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to spiritual and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the role of Chief Operating Officer provides an exceptional opportunity to lead operational and financial strategies in a setting that values collaboration and Christian principles. Located in the serene surroundings of Walsingham, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises both personal growth and the long-term sustainability of this important pilgrimage site.
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 Norwich
✨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 diving deep into the Shrine's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their spiritual purpose and operational needs. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership style and financial expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your genuine interest in the 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 (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...] in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for the role and the mission of The Shrine shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this opportunity excites you!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the COO role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance and operations, and don’t forget to mention any charity finance knowledge you have. We love seeing how your background fits our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at The Shrine!
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 role as a pilgrimage destination and how it supports its charitable mission. This will help you align your answers with their ethos 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. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, improved financial processes, or overseen income-generating activities. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the Shrine's long-term sustainability.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
The role requires a collaborative leadership style, so think about times when you've worked effectively with diverse teams or stakeholders. Share stories that illustrate your ability to engage and inspire others while maintaining a focus on shared goals, especially in a faith-based 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, too.
