At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation.
- Company: Join the Design Council, the UK's champion for design and positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes innovation.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and drive meaningful change in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 65000 £ per year.
- Head of Finance and Operations
- Hybrid
- Arts and charity
- Summary
An exciting opportunity for a hands-on Head of Finance & Operations to join Design Council, leading finance, business partnering, systems, Systems and operational excellence across a purpose-driven organisation.
Ideal for an ambitious professional with experience of both finance and business operations within a dynamic and fast paced workplace
Our Client
The Design Council is the UK's national champion for design, helping organisations, communities and government harness the power of design to create positive change.
A Royal Chartered charity with a team of around 30 employees, it is committed to making life better by design and supporting a more sustainable future.
The Role
Reporting to the COO, the Head of Finance & Operations will play a pivotal role in supporting organisational strategy, financial sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
- Lead the finance function
- Manage systems, IT suppliers, and operational infrastructure
- Deliver insightful reporting, forecasting, and business partnering
- Drive process improvement, controls, and risk management
- Manage and develop key finance and operations staff
- Member of the senior management team, business partnering with all department and being the key point of contact for finance, IT and operations
Main Duties
The role offers a broad remit across finance, operations, systems, and organisational leadership.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, and financial reporting
- Partner with budget holders to improve performance and decision-making
- Lead management of Business Central and related systems, IT, and office services
- Custodian of IT landscape, ensuring fit for purpose systems and optimising application use and licensing
- Support governance, compliance, procurement, and risk management
- Manage external providers including payroll, bookkeeping,
- Member of the senior leadership team (SMT), and line manager of Senior Finance Manager (part time) and Senior Operations & Special Projects Manager
- Working with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement strategy
- The Successful Candidate
- Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or qualified by experience
- Proven experience in an operations role manging functions that sit outside of finance.
- Strong business partnering, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills
- Experience of designing and implementing systems, and managing user / access requirements and navigating various data architectures
- A proactive, commercially minded individual who enjoys working in a hands-on environment and supporting organisational growth and impact
- Understanding of charity specific policies & procedures, including Data Protection, Financial Regulations, SORP, IT & Governance Frameworks and Health & Safety
What’s on offer?
- Hybrid working with offices in Central London (Clerkenwell)- 2 days in the office
- Opportunity to join a collaborative and mission-led organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive social impact
- Broad leadership role with significant visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to shape strategy, systems, and operational excellence
- Supportive and values-led culture centred around curiosity, collaboration, and driving meaningful change
- 28 annual leave days pro rata (plus ability to buy up to 5 additional days)
- 2 additional days for Christmas closure and Birthday day off
- 5% employer pension contribution (up to 7.5% if matched)
- Private healthcare insurance through BUPA
- Hybrid working policy (working in our office at least 2 days per week)
- Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success.
That's why we're committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported.
We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and strive to reflect the rich diversity of the global workforce in every role we recruit for.
Head of Finance and Operations in London employer: Mackie Myers Careers
Mackie Myers offers an exceptional work environment for the Finance Manager role, situated in the vibrant city of Oxford. As a rapidly growing SME, we foster a collaborative culture that prioritises employee development and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Our commitment to robust financial practices and supportive leadership ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our finance function while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.
