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.
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 Portsmouth 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 that support a nationally significant pilgrimage site. Located in the serene setting of Walsingham, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values Christian ethos, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding career path.
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 Portsmouth
✨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 interviews. 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. 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, especially in finance and operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a potential COO, you’ll need to demonstrate your collaborative style and ability to engage stakeholders. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, and be ready to share them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the team at the Shrine. Make sure your online profile is up-to-date and reflects your qualifications perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO); The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham; Location: Walsingham, Norf[...] in Portsmouth
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 and how you can contribute to our spiritual purpose.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in finance and operations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant charity work. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
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:Don’t forget to apply 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 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, your financial expertise is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with charity finance, governance, and compliance. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles, as this will highlight your capability to strengthen their operational foundations.
✨Emphasise Leadership Style
The Shrine values a collaborative leadership style that aligns with Christian ethos. Think about how you can illustrate your leadership approach through past experiences. Share stories that showcase your ability to engage stakeholders and lead teams effectively while maintaining a focus on shared values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the Shrine's future plans and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about their strategies for long-term sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission.
