At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operational excellence for a £15 million turnover hospice.
- Company: Join a top 25 charity known for its inclusive culture and impactful work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team committed to exceptional care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while driving transformational change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance, ideally within the charity sector.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Charity People have partnered with a £15 million turnover hospice with sites in Luton and Bedford, in finding their next Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth. This is a pivotal moment to join the hospice, strengthening their impact and securing their long-term future. We are seeking an outstanding Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a high-profile, mission-critical role that combines strategic financial leadership with operational excellence and commercial growth. You will play a central role in ensuring the Hospice's future sustainability, driving income diversification, and enabling transformational change that supports the delivery of exceptional care. You will be delivering an ambitious new strategy working closely with an inspiring CEO, collaborative and forward-thinking SLT, and Board of Trustees. The hospice is in the top 25 of 100 Best Companies to work for.
Salary: circa £90,000 per annum; there is a performance-related incremental scale offered to all staff.
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours
Flexibility: The hospice has a flexible working policy available to all staff including partial home working (initially three days a week and will reduce to two days a week).
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Shape and deliver the organisation's financial strategy, providing insightful analysis and robust planning to ensure long-term sustainability, effective risk management, and strong financial governance.
- Finance Function Excellence: Lead a high-performing finance function, ensuring accurate, timely reporting, strong financial controls, and continuous improvement in systems, processes, and business partnering across the organisation.
- Growth & Commercial Strategy: Lead and support the development and performance of trading and commercial income streams, identifying new opportunities and forging strategic partnerships to diversify income.
- Operations, Estates & Sustainability: Provide strategic oversight of procurement, estates, facilities, and sustainability, ensuring efficient, compliant, and forward-thinking operations aligned to net zero and environmental goals.
- Transformation & Major Projects: Lead and sponsor strategic initiatives and capital programmes, developing robust business cases and ensuring effective delivery, governance, and realisation of benefits.
- Executive Leadership & Governance: Act as a key member of the Executive Team, building strong relationships with the Board and Audit and Risk committee, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
- Organisational Stewardship: Ensure effective use of resources, robust risk management, and strong organisational performance, while acting as an ambassador for the hospice and upholding its values at all times.
Person Specification
- Senior Leadership Experience: Proven track record in a Board or Executive-level finance leadership role, ideally within a complex, multi-faceted organisation.
- Sector specific: Senior financial and operational leadership experience within a charity or not-for-profit sector; or strong desire to be working in a mission-driven organisation.
- Charity SORP: Strong understanding of Charity Commission requirements and SORP.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Demonstrable success in financial strategy, commercial income generation, and driving sustainable organisational growth.
- Financial Expertise: Professionally qualified (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with deep knowledge of financial governance, planning, reporting, and risk management.
- Operational Leadership: Experience overseeing operations, estates, procurement, or infrastructure, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Change & Transformation Capability: Strong experience leading large-scale transformation programmes and delivering measurable organisational impact.
- Values-Driven Leader: A collaborative and inspiring leader who models integrity, builds high-performing teams, and is committed to the values and mission of hospice care.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to respond to three written questions to highlight their experience, approach, and leadership style. Role will be closing on 24th June, 2026. First stage interview via MSTeams or in person 2nd July, 2026. Second stage in person 7th or 8th July, 2026 followed by an informal chat to 'get to know' on 10th or 13th July, 2026.
Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that deliberately champions equity, diversity, and inclusion. We know charities thrive when inclusion is at the centre of decision-making. We proudly match organisations with talent based on skills and values, not background - because diverse teams deliver stronger results.
Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth in Ampthill employer: Charity People
Join a leading hospice in Luton and Bedford that is not only committed to delivering exceptional care but also prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a flexible working policy, competitive salary, and a place in the top 25 of the 100 Best Companies to work for, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a collaborative and values-driven team. The organisation fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, ensuring that you can thrive in your career while contributing to a vital mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth in Ampthill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Executive Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the hospice's mission, values, and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in financial leadership and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your strategic and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth in Ampthill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and operational excellence, as these are key for us. Don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking!
Nail the Written Questions:When you get to the written questions, take your time! We want to see your approach and leadership style. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you’ve tackled challenges and driven change.
Show Your Passion for the Cause:We’re looking for someone who’s not just about numbers but also cares deeply about our mission. Make sure to express your commitment to hospice care and how your values align with ours in your application.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the hospice sector, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership, so think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative and inspiring approach. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability in previous roles.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities within the charity and not-for-profit sector. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the values and mission of hospice care, and how you can contribute to their long-term sustainability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges the hospice might face and how you would approach them, especially regarding income diversification and operational efficiency.
