Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)
Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)

Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)

Cheltenham Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations and support the Principal at a growing theological college.
  • Company: Join Westminster Theological Centre, an innovative college making theological study accessible.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Why this job: Be part of a positive team culture while impacting students' lives across the UK.
  • Qualifications: Must be a practising Christian with strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; regular office presence required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

Hours: Full Time

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000

Description of Job

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Westminster Theological Centre (WTC) as Chief Operating Officer (COO). WTC is at an exciting phase of its development as a fast-growing, innovative theological college. The COO will join the Senior Executive Team as a key person contributing across all areas of operations and leadership. They will be entrepreneurial and strategic as well as having very strong people skills, and will be a key support both to the Principal and the Board of Trustees. This strategic position demands leadership of staff and regular engagement with external stakeholders.

Reporting to the Principal, the COO will oversee all operational aspects of WTC in support of the college’s primary objective of making life-giving theological study available to students from around the UK who study around their life, work, and mission commitments. This includes oversight of Hub partnerships, finance, fundraising, HR, IT (including data protection and security), communications, events, and partnerships within the overall framework of the Strategic Plan 2022-27, and in line with WTC’s core vision, mission, and values. Ideally, they will have a network of contacts with church networks and leaders across the UK.

The role includes managing a number of direct reports and engaging regularly with the whole staff and Hub/Programme Director teams, students, Hub Church Leaders, donors, Faculty, and other partners. WTC has applied for registration with the Office for Students, and if – as we hope – this is confirmed this year, the role will also involve ensuring the college meets OfS and related reporting deadlines and requirements across different areas of college life, as well as overseeing WTC’s relationship with the Student Loan Company.

The successful applicant will need to be in full agreement with WTC’s values and mission. As such, it is a genuine occupational requirement for the COO to be a practising and mature Christian. The successful candidate will have strong people, project management, and communication skills, the ability to get the best out of their team in line with WTC values, and be strategic and solution-oriented. The WTC staff team is small and hard-working, with a strong and positive team culture.

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours/week FTE) on completion of a satisfactory probationary period of 3 months. The position attracts a salary of between £50-55K FTE per year, depending on experience and qualifications, as well as access to a pension scheme. Annual holiday allowance is 25 days per calendar (FTE) year plus bank holidays.

The WTC office is in Cheltenham. This role requires a substantial and regular presence in the office with the staff team weekly, but there is the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. Travel to some WTC events, including the two annual residential, intensive teaching weeks (currently at Nottingham University) is also required.

To apply:

To apply, please email an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, together with a covering letter highlighting how your qualifications and experience make you the person we are looking for, to the Principal, ben.blackwell@wtctheology.org.uk .

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 6th April 2025.

Interviews: Short listed candidates will be interviewed in person at the WTC offices during the week beginning 14th April. The successful candidate will be available to start in early July for a handover period with the present COO, who is retiring at the end of July.

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Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham) employer: SETEX Construction Corp.

Westminster Theological Centre (WTC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Cheltenham. As a fast-growing theological college, WTC fosters a strong team culture and provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while aligning with its core mission of making theological study accessible to students across the UK. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and the chance to engage with a network of church leaders, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

SETEX Construction Corp. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with church leaders and organisations across the UK. Since the role requires a strong network within church networks, attending relevant events or engaging in online communities can help you establish valuable connections.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with WTC’s mission and values. Understanding their core principles will not only help you align your application but also prepare you for discussions during interviews, showcasing your commitment to their vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your leadership skills through examples from your past experiences. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully led teams or projects, as this will be crucial in showing your capability for the COO role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for questions about operational management and strategic planning. Given the responsibilities of the COO, being able to articulate your approach to these areas will be key in impressing the interview panel.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)

Leadership Skills
Strategic Thinking
Project Management
Strong Communication Skills
People Management
Financial Acumen
Fundraising Experience
Networking Skills
Data Protection and Security Knowledge
Event Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Understanding of Theological Education
Commitment to WTC's Values and Mission

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Operating Officer position. Highlight how your skills align with their needs in your application.

Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that specifically addresses how your qualifications and experiences make you the ideal candidate for WTC. Emphasise your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with their mission and values.

Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and highlights relevant experience, particularly in operational management, project management, and team leadership. Include any connections you have with church networks or theological education.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your cover letter and CV for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a COO role.

How to prepare for a job interview at SETEX Construction Corp.

✨Understand WTC's Mission and Values

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Westminster Theological Centre's mission and values. This will not only help you align your answers with their expectations but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a COO, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you motivated your team and achieved strategic goals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions

Given the role involves regular engagement with external stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups, such as church leaders or donors.

✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking

The COO position requires a strategic mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you've approached strategic planning in previous roles. Consider sharing insights on how you would contribute to WTC's Strategic Plan 2022-27 and any innovative ideas you might have.

Chief Operating Officer (Cheltenham)
SETEX Construction Corp.
S
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