Chief Operating Officer

The COO will play a critical role in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring sustainability, growth, and the highest standards of service delivery releasing the CEO to focus on external stakeholder management and business development.

Edberts House has pioneered innovative ways of addressing health inequalities that makes a big difference to the lives of hundreds of people in Gateshead. We currently manage four place-based community projects, social prescribing teams based in 24 surgeries, our specialist Children, Young People and Families team offer bespoke support to families living in East Gateshead, and our Health Equity Team creates innovative preventative work to tackle health inequalities. 

You will be a strong and confident presenter, able to articulate our vision and values to all stakeholders, and, on occasion, will deputise for the CEO. This is primarily an internal facing role, working with the CEO, Board and Senior Leadership team to provide consistent, strategic, financial and operational leadership, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organisation. This role requires someone who has excellent people skills and enjoys empowering and developing staff. You will also have experience of proactive risk management, know how to manage multiple deadlines and projects, and have a proven track record of strategic planning and implementation.

 

You will be joining a committed, passionate and experienced team that is making a big difference to the lives of local people. If you would like to find out more read on.Edberts House is a thriving community charity that currently manages four place- based projects in Gateshead, and a social prescribing team based in 24 surgeries in Gateshead Primary Care. Our specialist Children, Young People and Families team offer bespoke support to families living in East Gateshead, and our Health Equity Team create innovative preventative work to tackle health inequalities.  We work together with local residents of all ages to make our communities happier, healthier and more welcoming places to live. 

 Job Purpose:

 The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead in managing our great staff team. You will be able to lead in a way that is aligned to, and consistently promotes, our values, and empowers our staff to deliver great work. 

 The COO will play a critical role in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring sustainability, growth, and the highest standards of service delivery.  This is primarily an internal facing role to provide strategic, financial and operational leadership, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organization.

 

You will be a strong and confident presenter, able to articulate our vision and values to all stakeholders, and, on occasion, deputising for the CEO.

 We are particularly interested in candidates with proven people skills, preferably with previous experience of restructuring internal operations after organisational expansion. This role requires someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to fix problems, who has experience of proactive risk management, knows how to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and projects, and enjoys collaborating with and developing staff and volunteers.

 Working with the CEO, and leading the Edberts senior management team, you will oversee all frontline delivery and infrastructure services.

 Key Responsibilities:

1.       Operational Management:

o   Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of programs and services.

o   To lead, develop and line manage the senior leadership team

o   Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.

2.       Embedding our values:

o   Embrace, promote and model Edberts values

o   Ensure that our values are communicated and exemplified in team interactions, community conversations and service delivery

o   Ensure the organisation is delivering against its mission, vision, aims, objectives and strategic priorities.

3.       Strategic Planning:

o   Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and execute the organisation’s strategic plan. 

o   Oversight of the operationalising of new work/contracts

o   Lead the operational planning process to align with the organization’s strategic objectives.

4.       Financial Oversight:

o   Work with the finance team to develop and manage the annual budget.

o   Monitor financial performance and ensure adherence to budgets.

o   Identify and mitigate financial risks to the organisation.

o   Contribute to fundraising bids and tenders

5.       Human Resources Management:

o   Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff.

o   Develop the culture of the organisation, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork and professional growth.

o   Oversee the accuracy of the HR systems

o   Ensure compliance with employment laws and organisational policies.

6.       Program Development and Implementation:

o   Oversee the design, implementation and evaluation of programs and services.

o   Ensure that programs are aligned with the organisation’s mission and goals.

o   Monitor program outcomes and impact, and implement improvements as needed.

o   Reporting to funders / stakeholders as required

o   Oversee the production of organisational promotional materials, messaging on social media and updating the organisational website

7.       Stakeholder Engagement:

o   Support the CEO in building and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community members.

8.       Risk Management:

o   Identify and manage operational risks.

o   Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

o   Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and funding requirements.

 

 

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Likely to be educated to degree level or higher, preferably in a relevant field (e.g., Public Health, Management, Social Sciences).

Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role within the charity or public sector, preferably within health and wellbeing services.
• Significant people management
• Proven track record of strategic planning and implementation.
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Experience in managing and developing teams, with particular experience of managing senior staff.
• Experience of managing and leading teams across multiple site locations

 

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and manage budgets.
• Able to present complex data succinctly

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Passionate about health and wellbeing and committed to making a positive impact.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate change.
• Proactive and results-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities in need.

 What you can expect in return:

• 25 days annual leave per annum (rising to 30 days)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Training packages