At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic change to enhance operations and support families with disabled children.
- Company: Contact, a UK charity dedicated to supporting families with disabled children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and flexible arrangements available.
- Other info: Join a committed team focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while shaping the future of a vital organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or not-for-profit, with financial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
Contact is the UK charity for families with disabled children. We provide trusted information, advice and support to parent carers navigating complex health, education, social care and welfare systems, while campaigning to improve the policies and services that affect their lives. We are entering an important phase of development, with an ambitious strategy to reach more families, strengthen our impact and secure our long-term sustainability. We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help us turn that ambition into reality.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive, Anna Bird, and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the Chief Operating Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping Contact’s next chapter. This is a broad strategic leadership position, bringing together financial expertise, operational leadership and organisational transformation. You will lead a programme of change to modernise systems and processes, improve organisational effectiveness and ensure our resources are focused on delivering the greatest possible impact for families. With responsibility for finance, people, governance and digital functions, you will help strengthen our financial sustainability, improve decision-making and build the organisational resilience needed to deliver our strategy. You will also play a key role in leading cultural and structural change, ensuring colleagues feel supported, engaged and equipped to work effectively together. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in an organisation with a clear purpose, a committed team and an ambitious vision for the future.
About you
You will be an experienced senior leader from a charity, not-for-profit or similarly governed organisation, with a recognised professional accountancy qualification and significant senior financial leadership experience. You will bring a strong track record of leading complex organisational change, including improving operating models, systems and processes, alongside experience of financial planning, performance management and risk oversight. Commercially astute and strategically minded, you will be able to translate organisational ambition into practical action, balancing financial sustainability with mission and impact. You will also be an inclusive and collaborative leader who can build trust, navigate complexity and bring people with you through change, while having the confidence to make difficult decisions when needed. Above all, you will share Contact’s commitment to improving the lives of families with disabled children and be motivated by the opportunity to help us become an even stronger, more effective and influential organisation.
Terms of appointment
- Salary: c.£85,000 per annum.
- Location: Hybrid, with a minimum expectation of two days per week at Contact’s London office.
- Working arrangements: The role is envisaged as full-time, although Contact is open to exploring flexible arrangements, including a four-day week, to attract the strongest candidate.
Applications should include a CV of no more than three sides and a supporting statement of no more than two sides, explaining your motivation for the role and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
Closing date: Friday 27 November 2026
First-stage meetings: Week commencing 14 December 2026
Contact stakeholder meeting: Week commencing 4 January 2027
Final panel meeting: Week commencing 11 January 2027
Contact is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including people with lived experience of disability and caring responsibilities. We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible and inclusive.
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Contact
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our team members to excel in their roles. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that our employees are well-equipped to deliver high-quality results in the impactful Early Years SEND programme. Located in a supportive community, we value accountability and teamwork, making us an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Contact.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Contact.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Contact.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Contact. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Contact. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Operating Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Contact
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Contact. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
