- Location
- London/Hybrid
- Vacancy Type
- Permanent, Full-time
- Hours per week
- 35 hours per week Option to discuss a four-day working pattern.
- Application Deadline
- Monday, October 12, 2026
- Salary
- c.£95,000–£100,000
- Job Profile
- Job Summary
-
Help to lead a remarkable charity that stands alongside refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK
About Refugee Council
For more than 75 years, Refugee Council has stood alongside refugees and people seeking asylum, providing practical support, influencing policy and campaigning for a fair and humane refugee protection system.
Our vision is for a UK where refugees are welcomed, can rebuild their lives safely and with dignity, and are empowered to contribute to their communities.
In 2024/25, we supported more than 15,203 refugees and people seeking asylum, including more than 7,022 children and young people through our specialist youth services. Our work combines direct support, advocacy and campaigning to create lasting change.
About the role
Refugee Council is seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to join our Senior Leadership Team and to partner with our new Chief Executive and amazing colleagues to shape the organisation’s future.
This is a pivotal new role providing strategic leadership across finance, people and culture, IT and digital, data, risk, governance and premises. You will lead our Finance & Resources directorate, drive organisational transformation and ensure our systems, resources and culture enable our frontline services and policy and influencing to thrive.
You will lead the charity’s financial strategy ensuring robust stewardship and long term sustainability and provide strategic advice and assurance on financial sustainability, operational resilience, governance and organisational performance to the Board and executive team.
About you
You are passionate about people – someone who sees finance, people, digital, data and systems not as back-office functions, but as the platform that allows our frontline work to thrive. Confident with charity finances, and able to communicate effectively internally and externally, you are truly collaborative and eager to be part of a cohesive Senior Leadership Team.
Why join us?
This is a moment for you to use all your experience and talents to ensure the Refugee Council’s financial sustainability, operational resilience and organizational effectiveness, and to support the wider sector.
If you are a highly relational leader with a passion for involving colleagues, refugees and people with lived experience in delivering the charity’s mission we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
Click the apply button to submit your application.
Closing date for applications is Monday 12 October at 11:45pm . We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.
Please refer to the Candidate Information Pack for further information.
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Refugee Council
The Refugee Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training opportunities, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and policies that promote work-life balance, ensuring our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles. By joining us, you will be part of a collaborative team that stands up for justice and makes a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers across the UK.
