At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and governance while ensuring smooth organisational growth and transition.
- Company: Respect, a charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel to London; options for full-time or part-time commitment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help shape the future of an impactful organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in operations and strategic finance oversight.
The predicted salary is between 64011 - 64011 £ per year.
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Respect to recruit for their next Interim Director of Operations. This is a senior interim appointment, stepping into an existing Executive role at a pivotal moment of organisational growth. The successful candidate will provide strategic operational leadership, ensure the organisation runs smoothly day to day, support and steady the operations team, and oversee delivery against agreed plans while a permanent appointment is secured.
Respect is open to appointing either:
- A full-time interim covering Operations, HR and strategic finance oversight
- A 3-day-per-week interim covering Operations and strategic finance oversight only
You will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior colleagues, bringing clarity, confidence and pace, while ensuring strong governance, risk management and a smooth transition to the permanent postholder.
Key details
- Salary: £64,011 per annum (pro rata)
- Contract: Interim – up to 6 months
- Location: Home-based, with regular travel to Respect’s London office (Pentonville Road, N1)
- Hours: Option 1: Full time (Operations, HR & strategic finance oversight) Option 2: 3 days per week (Operations & strategic finance oversight)
About the charity
Respect is a national membership organisation working to end domestic abuse. Its vision is a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse, where harm and control are never tolerated, perpetrators are held to account, and survivors’ needs are centred at all times. Respect works with members, partners and allies to drive high standards, innovative practice and evidence-led change across systems and services responding to domestic abuse. The organisation is values-led, collaborative and deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
About the role
The Interim Director of Operations is a core member of Respect’s Executive Leadership Team. This role exists to provide stability, strategic leadership and operational grip during a period of organisational growth and transition. The focus of the interim will evolve over time, but is currently weighted towards operations and people leadership, with finance sitting firmly at a strategic oversight and assurance level, working closely with an experienced Head of Finance. This is not a hands-on accounting role. You will provide leadership across operations, governance, risk, systems and (where applicable) HR, ensuring teams are supported, delivery stays on track, and the organisation is well positioned for a permanent Director to step in.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic leadership
- Act as a senior leader on the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational decision-making and problem solving
- Provide steady, credible leadership during a period of growth and change
- Ensure delivery against agreed operational and organisational plans
- Lead organisational risk management and ensure strong compliance and assurance
- Operations and governance
- Oversee the smooth running of Respect’s operations, systems and processes
- Ensure policies and procedures are robust, legally compliant, culturally competent and consistently applied
- Lead high-quality reporting to the ELT and Board
- Act as executive lead for relevant Board subgroups
- Oversee contracts, procurement and key suppliers
- Support a thorough handover and onboarding for the permanent postholder
- Finance (strategic oversight)
- Provide strategic oversight and assurance of the finance function, working closely with the Head of Finance
- Ensure strong budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and management accounts
- Oversee audit, statutory reporting and regulatory compliance
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, risk management and governance are in place
- Act as a trusted point of assurance for the CEO and Board on financial matters
- HR and people leadership (Option 1 only)
- Provide executive oversight of HR and people strategy
- Support and advise on complex employee relations matters where required
- Champion equity, diversity and inclusion across culture, policies and practice
- Ensure the operations and people functions feel supported, steady and well led
About you
You will be a highly experienced interim or senior leader who can step into a complex organisation and add value immediately. You are confident operating at Director level, comfortable balancing strategic oversight with practical problem-solving, and able to adapt your leadership style to what the situation requires. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience across operations and organisational governance
- Strategic finance experience at an oversight and assurance level (you do not need to be a qualified accountant)
- Strong people leadership skills, with confidence handling HR and organisational issues (Option 1)
- Excellent judgement, credibility and the ability to hit the ground running
- A flexible leadership style – able to be steady and reassuring, directive when needed, and coaching where appropriate
- A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppressive practice
Experience in the voluntary, social justice or membership sector, and knowledge of domestic abuse or safeguarding contexts, is welcomed but not essential. Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Director of Operations employer: Charity People | B Corp
Respect is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead operations within a values-driven charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful change in society. The home-based role, combined with regular engagement at the London office, fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and strategic impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Respect and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the Interim Director of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and uncertainty. This is key for a senior role like this, so make sure you’ve got some solid anecdotes up your sleeve.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Interim Director of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in operations, governance, and strategic finance, as well as your leadership skills. We want to see how you can add value to Respect!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your flexible leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and uncertainty. We’re looking for someone who can provide steady guidance while also being adaptable.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Values:Respect is all about equity, diversity, and inclusion. Make sure to reflect these values in your application. Share any experiences or initiatives that showcase your commitment to creating inclusive environments, especially in the context of domestic abuse or social justice.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our mission at Respect!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People | B Corp
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Respect thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to showcase your strategic thinking. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led operational changes or managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the challenges Respect is currently facing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people leadership skills. Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with Respect's values. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've effectively led teams through change, ensuring everyone feels supported and engaged.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges the operations team is facing or how they envision the transition to a permanent Director. This shows your proactive mindset and eagerness to contribute meaningfully.
