Chief Operating Officer

We are working in partnership with Community First, a charity who enable individuals and local groups to be the difference they want to see in their local communities.  Community First achieve this through connecting and engaging with the community, identifying where essential services could make a difference to peoples’ lives and facilitating this change through the actions of dedicated individuals and organisations.

The charity is now seeking a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will run and oversee all aspects of business operations, ensuring services are delivered on time, meet financial and output targets and deliver the required impact for our clients and beneficiaries. The COO will drive the business performance of new and more established enterprises and services, optimising their commercial potential to generate a financial return. 

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Experienced leadership and management skills with an empowering style
• Excellent financial and budget management skills
• Hands on attitude and a collaborative approach
• Experience in generating funding streams to sustain and expand 
• Confident working with a board of trustees

The new Chief Operating Officer will take responsibility for identifying, developing and implementing new business opportunities across the organisation, including tendering for commissioned work, either as a single organisation or in partnership with others, and the identification and pursuit of new commercial opportunities where Community First can generate a financial return. The COO will also contribute to the way in which the organisation is viewed by the public, our stakeholders, funders and customers.  

The successful candidate will have excellent planning and organisational skills and the ability to influence and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.  The new COO will have an entrepreneurial and commercial approach with the ability to translate ideas in action and manage services which can deliver social impact and maximise financial return.  You will be a Strong team player, with ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels combined with a positive and professional approach demonstrating integrity and honesty.

This is a fantastic opportunity, if you feel you have the skills and experience we would like to hear from you. For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: South Hampshire with travel around Hampshire and Hybrid working

Closing date for applications:  Wednesday 13th November

Please note that vetting interviews with Charisma must be completed by Friday 15th November.

Interview dates:  19th and 20th November