At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations to ensure the hospice's sustainability and growth.
- Company: Join Keech Hospice, a top-rated charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to impact the community positively.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values collaboration and innovation in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance, ideally within the charity sector, with strong strategic acumen.
Keech Hospice Charity People have partnered with Keech Hospice, 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 secure 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. Keech 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, including working with our excellent Ass. Director of Trading and Commercial, 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 Keech 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 Chudleigh employer: Charity People
Keech Hospice is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the top 25 Best Companies to work for, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a flexible working policy and a commitment to fostering collaboration and accountability, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in a mission-driven environment, ensuring the delivery of outstanding care while securing the hospice's long-term sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth in Chudleigh
✨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 Keech Hospice thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise answering common interview questions, especially around financial strategy and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your values-driven approach and how it aligns with the ethos of Keech Hospice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Keech Hospice.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth in Chudleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. We want to see that you understand the role and its requirements, so tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with what Keech Hospice is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:This role is all about strategic financial leadership and operational excellence. Make sure to include specific examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in finance and operations, to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for this pivotal position.
Be Authentic and Values-Driven:Keech Hospice values integrity and collaboration. When answering the written questions, let your personality shine through! Share your passion for mission-driven work and how your values align with those of the hospice.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team!
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 the key financial metrics relevant to Keech Hospice, such as turnover, income diversification, and financial governance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and inspiring leader. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, especially in high-pressure situations. Think about times when you've built high-performing teams or fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the charity sector, particularly regarding financial strategy and compliance with Charity SORP. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with Keech Hospice's mission and values.
✨Prepare for Transformation Discussions
Transformation is key in this role. Have concrete examples ready of large-scale transformation programmes you've led, focusing on measurable outcomes. Discuss how you can drive change at Keech Hospice and support their ambitious new strategy.
