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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and strengthen organisational foundations for social good.
- Company: Join the Association of Charitable Foundations, a leader in UK philanthropy.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of charitable foundations and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in values-driven organisations with strong financial acumen.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to equity, inclusion, and governance.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London with flexible hybrid working (min 2 days office-based)
About us
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the leading membership organisation for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK. Our 430 members collectively hold assets of around £75bn and distribute more than £4.4bn each year in support of charities, communities and individuals across the country.
Foundations play a vital and distinctive role in social purpose. They move quickly in a crisis, fund what others cannot, back bold ideas and take a long-term view of change. ACF exists to strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our times.
Our vision is for diverse, vibrant and effective foundations, working together for social good. Our values are simple and demanding: we care, we are open, we are evidence-based and we are ambitious.
The opportunity
ACF has recently completed a significant organisational redesign, creating a leaner, more agile organisation with clear ambitions for impact, influence and quality. This next phase is about embedding those changes and building strong foundations for the future. We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer to play a central role in shaping that journey, working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
You will bring an enterprising, values-led approach to strengthening ACF's income model, membership recruitment and engagement, and commercial partnerships. You will ensure the organisation has the right systems, data, people and culture in place to deliver excellent value for members, while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to change. Crucially, you will provide strategic leadership across membership, marketing and brand, alongside oversight of core operational functions including finance, people, digital and governance, championing insight-led decision-making and continuous improvement.
In a small organisation with high ambitions, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on organisational stewardship. You will line-manage a senior, multi-disciplinary team and play a key role in organisational planning, internal communications and Board reporting, helping ACF to show up with clarity and confidence for its members and the wider sector.
About you
You will be a confident, emotionally intelligent leader with senior-level experience in a values-led organisation, bringing strong commercial and financial understanding alongside a clear commitment to equity, inclusion and good governance.
You will be comfortable using data and insight to inform decisions and support others to do the same. Above all, you are motivated by social purpose and by the opportunity to help build an organisation that enables others to make a positive impact.
As ACF embeds new ways of working in 2026 and looks ahead to its next strategy, the COO will play a vital role in shaping how we show up for our members and for the wider sector.
How to apply
Please click 'Apply on website' to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply. Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026.
Chief Operating Officer in City of London employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the ACF. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ACF’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how it fits within a values-led organisation like ACF. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for ACF.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand ACF's mission and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals of social good and organisational impact.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! ACF values openness and ambition, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for social purpose and how it drives your work. We want to see the real you!
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your senior-level experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your leadership in values-led organisations. Use specific examples to illustrate your commercial and financial understanding.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. It’s super important to follow the guidelines provided to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on the values of the Association of Charitable Foundations. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around social purpose and equity. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully implemented strategic changes or improvements. Highlight your ability to use data and insights to inform decisions, as this is crucial for the COO role. Make sure to articulate how these strategies led to positive outcomes.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities facing charitable foundations in the UK. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for ACF’s mission and discuss how you can contribute to strengthening their income model and membership engagement.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you manage multi-disciplinary teams. Share specific instances where you’ve fostered a culture of continuous improvement and good governance, as these are key aspects of the COO position. This will help demonstrate your readiness to lead ACF into its next phase.
