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- Tasks: Lead operations and finance at a key Christian pilgrimage site.
- Company: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a historic spiritual destination.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and a meaningful role in a charitable mission.
- Other info: Collaborative environment aligned with Christian values and strong community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the sustainability of a nationally significant institution.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior experience in finance and operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is one of England’s most important Christian pilgrimage destinations, welcoming thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year from the UK and overseas. Alongside its devotional life, the Shrine operates a range of activities including accommodation, catering, retail, education, events and visitor services, all supporting its charitable mission.
Governed by the Walsingham College Trust Association, the Shrine is now strengthening its operational and financial foundations to ensure long‑term sustainability while remaining faithful to its spiritual purpose. The creation of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is in response to this context. The COO will act as deputy to the Priest Administrator and provide professional leadership across finance, operations and organisational systems. This is a broad and influential role, combining financial stewardship, commercial oversight and operational leadership, enabling the Priest Administrator to focus on mission, worship and pilgrimage.
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the long-term sustainability of a nationally significant spiritual institution.
Essential experience includes:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Senior level experience covering finance and operations
- Knowledge of charity finance, governance and compliance
- Commercial acumen and experience overseeing trading or income generating activities
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- A collaborative leadership style aligned with Christian ethos and values
- Preparedness to live within reasonable / practicable travelling distance of Walsingham.
Chief Operating Officer F/H in Norfolk employer: The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Contact Detail:
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer F/H in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams, managed finances, and navigated operational challenges. Highlighting your experience in charity finance and governance will definitely set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer F/H in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the COO role. Highlight your financial stewardship and operational leadership experience, as these are key for us at the Shrine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for our mission and how your background aligns with our values. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your senior-level roles in finance and operations. Mention any charity finance knowledge you have, as it’s super relevant to what we do.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role at the Shrine.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or improved financial performance in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial stewardship aspect of the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully engaged stakeholders or led teams through change. This is crucial for a role that requires strong communication and engagement skills.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Shrine's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your operational strategies can align with their spiritual purpose. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their charitable mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the challenges faced by the Shrine. Inquire about their current operational strategies or how they measure success in their various activities. This demonstrates your genuine interest and strategic thinking.