Finance & Operations Director (Permanent, Part Time) in Bristol

Own The Space (OTS) is a campaign accelerator that develops and scales communication interventions with impact. We care passionately about the areas we engage in and pursue projects that have a high level of ambition coupled with a potential to deliver change quickly. They will enjoy building organisations, are comfortable in a high-energy campaigning environment and able to bring structure while not over-bureaucratising.

1) Finance and Financial Visibility: Ensure financial systems support the mission. OTS operates two legal entities (a limited company and a company limited by guarantee). This role will oversee financial systems and reporting across both entities.

• Translate the organisation’s strategy and programme plans into multi-year financial models that enable strategic decision making.
• Produce clear monthly management accounts and dashboards for OTS Directors (working with external finance partners where appropriate).
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, coach budget holders and embed strong financial planning practices across OTS.
• Provide forward-looking financial insight linking financial position to programme milestones and fundraising assumptions.
• Oversee finance and performance of the for-profit arm: budgeting, pricing/margin, cash, working capital, contract risk, and management reporting.
• Ensure the not-for-profit entity complies with funding agreements, provide necessary financial reports and that restricted funds are managed appropriately.
• Establish and maintain clear intercompany arrangements (e.g. service level agreements, recharge policies, IP licences, cost-sharing etc.).
• Manage relationships with external finance providers and identify where additional finance capacity is required.

Design and implement operational systems covering IT, data management, contract management, supplier management and internal processes. Establish simple and effective operational rhythms (planning cycles, reporting cadence etc.). Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies including Companies House, HMRC, GDPR/data protection, insurance requirements. Maintain oversight of organisational policies and documentation. Manage core staffing operations including employment contracts, HR policies and compliance. Maintain clear and fair HR processes including onboarding, performance review frameworks and staff documentation and ensure appropriate HR policies and systems.

3) Organisational Capacity Building: Build financial literacy resilience across the organisation. Support project teams in planning and delivering their work within realistic budgets and operational frameworks. Build financial literacy across OTS so directors and project leads can confidently understand budgets and forecasts. Help embed systems and processes that strengthen organisational resilience as the organisation grows.

Significant experience leading finance and operational systems in a growing organisation (ideally £3m–£10m turnover), including building processes and infrastructure that enable teams to scale. Strong financial management: budgeting, cashflow, controls, management accounts, audit/statutory reporting, with the ability to translate financial information into clear insights for non-financial leaders. Experience establishing HR processes and policies in a small or growing organisation. Confidence operating across two entities (not-for-profit + commercial), including governance boundaries and intercompany working. Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent demonstrable experience. Charity finance experience (restricted funds, SORP, VAT/Gift Aid) and/or experience with trading subsidiaries. You have a focus on impact, constantly assessing the most effective deployment of limited resources.

Inclusion and Diversity: We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and cultural identity. We aim for Own The Space to be a welcoming, supportive and creative place to work. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at team@ownthespace.

Benefits include 35 days annual leave, pro-rata (inclusive of public holidays and grace days) and 6% pension scheme. This is a remote role but we have offices in London and Bristol for candidates within commuting distance. The role would involve regular travel to London or Bristol, approximately every 2 months, with trips sometimes involving an overnight stay. A computer and phone are provided.