At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational efficiency and finance oversight to impact young lives positively.
- Company: Join Envision, a mission-driven organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to shape the future of our programmes.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we encourage applications from under-represented backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in communities across London and Birmingham.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 42000 € per year.
Salary: £39,000–£42,000 per annum (£65,000–£70,000 FTE equivalent)
Contract: Permanent – Part time, 3 days a week
Location: London or Birmingham
Working pattern: Hybrid. Cross-region travel up to twice a month for in-person SMT meetings.
Envision is at an exciting moment. Our programmes are working, our partnerships are growing, and our team cares deeply about getting it right. What we need now is someone to help us build the infrastructure to match our ambition – reaching and impacting more young people from less-advantaged backgrounds across London, Birmingham and Bristol.
As our Chief Operating Officer, you will join our Senior Management Team and take clear ownership of Envision's finance, compliance, HR governance, and operational efficiency. This is a newly defined role – created to give the function the senior leadership it needs and to free the CEO to focus on external leadership, fundraising, and strategy. You will join an SMT of four, working alongside the Director of Programmes and Impact and the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, led by the CEO. It is a collegiate team that operates with a high degree of mutual trust and collective ownership – and we are looking for someone who is as comfortable in a strategic conversation about Envision's future as they are reviewing a set of management accounts.
Key Responsibilities
- Play an active role in SMT – contributing operational and financial insight to organisational planning, strategy development, and decision-making alongside the CEO and senior leadership team.
- Lead finance oversight and board reporting: overseeing monthly and quarterly management accounts, leading the annual budget-setting process, owning the audit cycle, and preparing papers for the Finance, Audit and Risk Governance (FARG) Committee.
- Own HR policy and governance: maintaining Envision's HR framework, handling complex employee relations matters, and overseeing the full employee lifecycle with execution led by the Business Admin and Finance Officer.
- Line manage the Finance Manager and Business Admin and Finance Officer, providing clear direction and developing a high-performing team.
- Lead operational improvement: conducting a review of processes and systems, building a live improvement register, and implementing agreed changes through to completion – not just to proposal.
- Explore and pilot AI and automation tools for high-friction tasks. Genuine curiosity and willingness to experiment matters more than technical expertise.
- Hold compliance and risk governance oversight – GDPR, Health and Safety, regulatory filings – ensuring a clear calendar of requirements is owned and met.
Essential Experience, Knowledge and Competencies
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent finance expertise.
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role with finance oversight responsibility.
- Experience of audit management and board-level financial reporting.
- Track record of leading and developing small teams.
- Working knowledge of GDPR and charity compliance obligations.
- Demonstrable ability to operate at a strategic and governance level.
- Experience leading operational process or systems improvement, from diagnosis through to implementation.
- Active interest in AI and automation tools, with a practical approach to exploring and applying them.
- Commitment to Envision's vision, mission and values and ability to work well in, and contribute to, our organisational culture.
Envision actively encourages applications from those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
Envision graduates will be guaranteed a first-round interview. Please note: we are unable to support visa applications and therefore applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
To apply, please apply through CharityJob. Closing date for applications - Wednesday 10 June (midnight). Round 1 interviews (online): Thursday 18 June. Round 2 interviews (in person- London): Thursday 25 June. We will only be contacting candidates who have been shortlisted for interview.
The safety and wellbeing of the young people we work with is paramount at Envision. Successful candidates will be subject to a full Enhanced DBS check and reference checks. All new staff must attend safeguarding training during their induction period.
Locations
Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham, London employer: Envision
Envision is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of young people from less-advantaged backgrounds. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in vibrant cities like London or Birmingham. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values diversity and innovation, providing you with the chance to shape our operational strategies and make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of COO. Highlight your leadership skills and operational insights, and don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on the chance to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Chief Operating Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission and values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a COO, you'll be leading teams and driving operational improvements. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've managed. We love to see examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through CharityJob as it’s the best way for us to receive your application. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process, which is super important for us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Envision
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Operating Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and audits in the past. This will show that you can contribute effectively to the finance oversight responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic planning and operational improvement. Think of specific examples where you've led initiatives that resulted in significant organisational change. This will highlight your ability to operate at a strategic level, which is crucial for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Since compliance and risk governance are key aspects of the role, make sure you understand GDPR and charity compliance obligations. Be ready to share your experiences in managing these areas, as it will demonstrate your readiness to take ownership of compliance oversight.
✨Embrace Innovation
Envision is looking for someone who is curious about AI and automation tools. Prepare to discuss any relevant experiences you have with technology in operational processes. Showing your willingness to experiment with new tools will align well with their vision for operational efficiency.
