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
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Salary: c.£85,000 per annum.
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Location: Hybrid, with a minimum expectation of two days per week at Contact’s London office.
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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.
