Director of Finance and Operations (Maternity Cover)

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is looking for an experienced Director of Finance and Operations to cover for a maternity leave for 9 months. This is a key leadership role, overseeing the College’s finance, operations, membership and governance functions, while ensuring continuity in its mission to improve mental health care.

As the professional body for psychiatrists in the UK, we are committed to advancing mental health care and supporting our members. With over 230 committees, our work includes delivering high-quality education, supporting policy advocacy, and promoting mental health standards across the UK.

As a leader in mental health, we are focused on continuously improving our services and offering vital support to our members. During this period, we need to ensure that our financial and operational services continue to run smoothly, while also advancing our work in fundraising, governance, and data protection.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for leading the Finance and Operations teams and advising on and managing the College’s budget, investment strategy, and annual financial reporting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Board of Trustees on all aspects of finance, facilities, governance and membership.
• Overseeing data protection, health and safety, and business continuity.
• Providing clear financial insights and leading budgeting processes.
• Ensuring the smooth running of our operations across teams such as Finance, Development & Partnerships, and Facilities.

We are seeking an experienced senior finance leader, ideally with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector, who can manage the College’s financial strategy and oversee our operational teams. You should have a proven track record in managing complex organisations with an annual turnover of at least £20 million. A fully qualified chartered accountant is essential, with substantial experience in corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

You’ll need to be a strategic thinker, an effective team leader, and someone who can influence decision-makers at all levels, including policy meetings with government and NHS officials. Experience of working with membership organisations and charity governance is highly desirable.

This is a maternity cover role that offers a great opportunity for a senior leader to step in and make a positive impact. The role is hybrid, offering the flexibility to work partly from home, ensuring a work-life balance while delivering exceptional leadership.

For more details on the role, including how to apply, please contact Catherine Whitmore of Memcom Executive, our retained consultancy, or click to apply. The closing date for applications is 26 May, with interviews taking place on 12 and 13 June.