At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team in HR, Finance, and more for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
- Company: Join Northern Ireland's top public sector employer, making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £104,814 with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic leadership team driving change and excellence in public services.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with 4+ years in senior management roles.
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for those ready to make a difference.
The predicted salary is between 104814 - 104814 £ per year.
Job Description
Join a pioneering, values-driven organisation dedicated to transforming lives across Northern Ireland. This respected charity has a strong community focus and is committed to supporting people through high-quality services, strong governance, and sustainable growth.
Operating within a collaborative and innovative environment, the organisation has a committed Senior Management Team and a wide network of sector partners. With a focus on governance, financial stability, and organisational excellence, it delivers impactful services through modern infrastructure and social enterprise initiatives.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position within the Senior Management Team, providing strategic leadership across all enabling functions including Finance, Income Generation, IT, Administration, and Facilities.
The Corporate Services Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, financial sustainability, and organisational excellence, ensuring people, systems, and resources are aligned to maximise social impact and support long-term organisational growth.
Key Responsibilities
Senior Leadership
- Provide visible, values-led leadership aligned with organisational mission and ethos
- Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic and business continuity plans
- Prepare board reports and attend Trustee meetings as required
- Represent the organisation at sector forums, partnership networks, and strategic meetings
- Lead key projects and support service development and partnerships
- Participate in SMT on-call duties on a rota basis
Finance
- Oversee financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, and long-term sustainability planning
- Advise the CEO, Trustees, and senior leadership on financial performance, investment opportunities, and commercial decisions
- Ensure compliance with SORP, funder requirements, and risk management frameworks
- Lead internal and external audit processes
- Manage cash flow, treasury, banking relationships, and investments
- Strengthen financial controls, reserves management, and value-for-money practices
- Develop financial policies to support strategic decision-making
- Lead and develop the Finance team
Income Generation
- Provide strategic oversight for income generation activities
- Support development of income plans, budgets, and resourcing
- Drive income diversification and growth, including social enterprise initiatives
- Lead and develop the Income Generation team
Information Technology
- Ensure IT infrastructure meets organisational needs
- Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency and engagement
- Oversee data protection, GDPR compliance, and information security
- Ensure CRM systems and digital tools are effective and fit for purpose
- Promote data-driven decision making
Administration and Facilities
- Oversee corporate and administrative support services
- Manage facilities, estates, health and safety, and compliance
- Lead environmental sustainability initiatives
- Oversee procurement processes and external tenders
About You
Essential Experience and Criteria
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with significant financial leadership experience
- Proven experience developing and delivering income generation strategies
- At least 5 years’ senior leadership experience in a similar environment
- Strong experience engaging and influencing a wide range of stakeholders
- Knowledge of legal due diligence, risk management, and contract administration
- Proven strategic planning and organisational leadership experience
Desirable Experience
- Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Awareness of the impact of an ageing population on service delivery
- Knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and best practice
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of organisational leadership and team management
- Expertise in financial planning, control, and business planning
- Strong governance and information management awareness
- Excellent communication skills and collaborative leadership style
What’s on Offer
- Salary circa £65,000
- 35-hour working week with hybrid working
- Permanent contract
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 27) plus 12 public holidays
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Group Personal Pension (5% employer / 3% employee)
- Health Shield Cash Plan
- Access to Benenden Healthcare
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and carer’s leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Additional Information
- Ability to travel across Northern Ireland with occasional overnight stays in Great Britain
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or alternative means to meet travel requirements)
For further information on this job, apply via the link below or contact craig.gilroy@vanrath for a confidential chat today.
Director of Corporate Services employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Corporate Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who have experience in corporate services. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and decision-makers who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Northern Ireland Assembly's current initiatives and challenges. Understanding their strategic goals will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs during discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed diverse teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and handled complex organisational changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key stakeholders involved in the role and think about how you would build relationships with them. Being able to articulate your approach to stakeholder management will set you apart as a candidate who understands the importance of collaboration in a public sector environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior management experience and relevant qualifications. Focus on your leadership roles, particularly in HR and finance, and demonstrate how you've successfully managed teams and delivered service improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the specific requirements of the Director of Corporate Services role. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your ability to lead complex organisations and manage corporate functions effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your professional qualifications and membership in relevant accounting bodies. This is crucial for demonstrating your eligibility for the position and your expertise in financial management.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've successfully navigated differing views and achieved consensus, as this is vital for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Corporate Services role. Familiarise yourself with the specific functions you'll oversee, such as HR, Finance, and Building Services, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Given the senior management nature of this position, prepare to share concrete examples of your leadership experience. Highlight instances where you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, or implemented significant service improvements, demonstrating your ability to inspire and drive performance.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in managing differing views and how you navigated those situations to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The role requires contributing to the strategic leadership of the organisation. Prepare to discuss your approach to developing and implementing corporate strategies. Share examples of how you've monitored and reviewed plans to ensure alignment with organisational goals and compliance with statutory requirements.