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- Tasks: Lead operations and finance to support a significant spiritual institution.
- Company: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a key Christian pilgrimage site.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact in a charitable environment.
- Other info: Collaborative leadership aligned with Christian values is essential.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of a nationally significant institution.
- 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 in Olney employer: Berwick Partners
Contact Detail:
Berwick Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Olney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Shrine or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description 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, especially in finance and operations. Tailor your answers to reflect their Christian ethos and commitment to sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨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 important mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Olney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of COO, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the Shrine's mission shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who shares our values and is genuinely excited about contributing to a spiritual institution, so don’t be shy about expressing that!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 also for the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and past experiences in charity finance, governance, and compliance. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles, especially in a charitable context.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. Think of specific instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in a collaborative environment. Be ready to share how you foster teamwork and align your team's efforts with organisational values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's operations, challenges, and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive approach to leadership.