At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a charity focused on liver health and research.
- Company: Foundation for Liver Research, collaborating with top institutions.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible, hands-on role in a dynamic charity environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 (adjacent to King’s College Hospital; on-site 80% of the time)
The Foundation for Liver Research (FLR) is a charity dedicated to advancing liver health through research, education, and collaboration. FLR works in partnership with:
- King’s College London (KCL): Providing academic leadership and research infrastructure.
- King’s College Hospital (KCH): Delivering clinical expertise and patient care.
Together, these three organisations form the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS), a unique collaboration that brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and academics to advance understanding and treatment of liver disease. RW-ILS delivers pioneering research, translates discoveries into improved patient care, and influences national and international health policy. The Institute’s work spans laboratory science, clinical trials, education, and advocacy, making a real difference to people affected by liver conditions.
About the Role
As COO, you will be responsible for the business operations of both FLR and RW-ILS. You’ll work closely with the Director of RW-ILS, the FLR Board of Trustees, and colleagues at KCL and KCH to:
- Oversee and develop operational structures for FLR and RW-ILS.
- Lead and inspire a small, high-performing team across finance, operations, fundraising, and research support.
- Ensure robust financial management, compliance, and risk oversight.
- Support fundraising, donor engagement, and management of property and investment portfolios.
- Act as a key advisor and Company Secretary to the Trustees of FLR, keeping them informed, reporting on key activities, and supporting effective governance and strategic decision-making.
- Foster collaboration between FLR, KCL, and KCH, ensuring smooth partnership working and supporting research excellence.
- Represent FLR and RW-ILS with internal and external stakeholders.
About You
- Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Strong strategic, operational, and financial skills (accounting qualification not required).
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to motivate and develop teams.
- Flexible, hands-on, and committed to the values of the charity sector.
- Experience in research, education, healthcare or a charity is welcome but not essential.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Manjit Mundair‑Lalli at GatenbySanderson.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026. Early applications are encouraged.
Interview dates:
- 1st Stage – 12th February 2026 – 0900 – 1400 (online)
- 2nd Stage – 19th February 2026 – 1300 – 1800 (in-person at the Institute)
Chief Operating Officer - Foundation for Liver Research (FLR) employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - Foundation for Liver Research (FLR)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to FLR or RW-ILS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching FLR and its partnerships. Knowing their mission and recent projects will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the COO role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can inspire teams to achieve operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait until the last minute!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - Foundation for Liver Research (FLR)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the COO role at FLR. Highlight your senior leadership experience and how it aligns with the charity's mission. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strategic, operational, and financial skills through specific examples. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles, so share those success stories with us!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value excellent communicators who can build relationships, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’re passionate about advancing liver health.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible before the closing date. Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance to stand out. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Foundation for Liver Research and its partnerships with King’s College London and King’s College Hospital. Understand their mission, recent projects, and how they impact liver health. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a COO, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in complex environments. Highlight your strategic thinking and operational skills, and be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate others to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in multi-stakeholder settings. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions, showcasing your ability to navigate complex situations.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the future direction of FLR and RW-ILS. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.