At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations to drive impactful social change and support vulnerable communities.
- Company: St Giles Trust, a national charity transforming lives through lived experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Embrace a role that values lived experience and promotes equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering individuals and creating lasting societal impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management within the charity sector.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
St Giles Trust is a national charity and a global leader in using lived experience to drive meaningful social change. For over 60 years, they have worked with people held back by poverty, exploitation, abuse, or the criminal justice system, supporting them to transform their lives and build a positive future. As a national organisation working across England and Wales with offices in London, Norwich, Cardiff, Leeds, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and with a turnover of around £17 million, they deliver life-changing services through three key pillars of work:
- Poverty: Tackling the root causes of poverty, providing both emergency relief and long-term support to help people move towards independence and employment.
- Violence & Exploitation: Supporting those affected by violence, abuse, and exploitation, and preventing future harm through credible, empathetic intervention.
- Justice System: Helping people in prison and in the community to break the cycle of disadvantage, rebuild their lives, and access positive opportunities.
They have a proud 60-year history of helping people who have faced the toughest challenges in life; people who have been marginalised or held back by poverty, violence and exploitation, to build better futures for themselves and their families. Their approach is informed by the people they serve. The majority of their team have lived experience of the issues their clients face. They have been there, they understand, and they use that insight every day to offer credible, compassionate, and life-changing support. Independent research has shown that for every £1 invested in St Giles’ work, society benefits by £10. That’s impact that transforms lives, families, and whole communities.
As they deliver their ambitious five-year strategy, they are determined to continue growing their reach, impact, and ability to change lives through empathy, trust and opportunity. In order to realise this ambition, they are seeking a new Chief Operating Officer. Their new Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management for Finance, IT, Governance and Safeguarding, Central Services (including property & facilities, Health and Safety and Office Management), Data Protection/Information Security, procurement and contract management. They will play a key role in supporting the CEO, Board, and Leadership Team to deliver the charity’s vision and strategic aims, with a primary emphasis on financial leadership.
The St Giles Trust are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone. They acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented within the third sector and are committed to doing what they can to correct this. They especially welcome applications from people with Lived Experience, as this perspective strengthens their services and keeps their work authentic, informed, and impactful.
To find out more, please visit our microsite via the Apply Button. For an informal conversation about the role or process please contact our Executive Search Partners, Green Park, on rebecca.hopkinson@green-park.co.uk. Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 7th June 2026.
Chief Operating Officer F/H in London employer: ST GILES TRUST
St Giles Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values lived experience and promotes meaningful social change. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers opportunities for professional development while making a tangible impact on the lives of those facing adversity. Working across various locations in England and Wales, employees benefit from a collaborative environment where their insights are valued, and their contributions lead to transformative outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer F/H in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. At StudySmarter, we believe that understanding the mission of an organisation like St Giles Trust can really set you apart. Show them you’re passionate about their cause!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. We recommend focusing on how your experiences align with the role of Chief Operating Officer and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who share our commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer F/H in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of St Giles Trust. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their work in tackling poverty, violence, and supporting those affected by the justice system.
Showcase Your Lived Experience:If you have lived experience related to the issues St Giles Trust addresses, don’t hesitate to share it! This perspective is invaluable and can really set you apart from other candidates.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, making it easy for the hiring team to see why you’re a great fit for the Chief Operating Officer role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining the St Giles Trust team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST GILES TRUST
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand St Giles Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in tackling poverty, violence, and supporting those affected by the justice system. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Operating Officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in areas like finance, governance, or operational management. Highlight how your decisions positively impacted the organisation and its mission.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Lived Experience
Given the importance of lived experience at St Giles Trust, be ready to discuss how your own experiences or understanding of social issues can contribute to their work. Share any relevant stories that illustrate your empathy and commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, and how the COO role fits into their strategy. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in the organisation's long-term impact and growth.
