Chief Operating Officer

We are seeking an operational and people focussed Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Team. You will drive development of all financial and operational management, processes and reporting, overseeing the organisation’s day-to-day operations including the leadership of Finance, People, Governance, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications and Digital.

The successful candidate will have held broad finance and operations positions, with a track record of interacting at Board level and presenting clear financial and management information. Whilst you don’t have to be financially qualified, we do need someone with strong financial acumen and demonstrable ability to monitor, interpret and communicate financial information effectively. You will have experience in implementing new and/or successful improvements to existing systems and processes, with a track record of driving organisational change. The post holder will have a good understanding of regulation and best practice alongside the ability to develop efficient processes and controls in line with our governance framework. Ensuring that people are at the centre of the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) you will play a key role within the Executive team supporting the charity to achieve sustainable growth and delivery of efficient and effective services ensuring plans are developed and implemented, and targets are met.

You will have a passion for our purpose, commitment to our mission and alignment with our organisational values. Whilst being robust about process, you need to be able to flex to changing circumstances and be skilled at getting the best out of people as well as driving a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Crucially, you will be wholly committed to driving forward the core infrastructure for our work supporting nurses and midwives in leadership development to improve health and care outcomes.

This role provides a unique opportunity to inform, lead and shape the future of our impactful charitable mission and growth.

Principle Duties and Areas of Responsibility

Operational Leadership and Governance

• Overall accountability for the operations of the foundation
• Oversee and optimise internal processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity
• Evaluate and improve overall performance by gathering, analysing and interpreting data and metrics
• Oversee robust risk management processes and protocols proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks
• Oversee the development of all necessary policies to ensure safe and healthy working environments
• Ensure FNF is compliant with all financial, tax, charity and legal requirements

Financial Management

• Oversee the development and monitoring of the financial strategy for the organisation, providing recommendations, information and guidance to the Trustees and Executive team to inform decision making
• Maintain and review polices and processes to ensure good financial controls are in place that meet both legal and tax requirements. This includes maintaining appropriate records and controls over restricted funds to ensure that these are used and reported appropriately
• Support the Finance Manager and Executive team in setting FNF’s annual budget, with robust analysis and justification of intended expenditure, financial forecasts, cashflow etc. securing active engagement and ownership from all internal budget holders
• Oversee the financial reports required to review progress against plans and forecasts throughout the year and ensuring these are disseminated and understood across the organisation
• Accountable for regular financial updates to Trustees including the Finance Investment Committee (FIC) and Board meetings along with the preparation of the financial aspects of the annual report and accounts
• Oversee the management and development of VAT reporting for FNF and trading subsidiary
• Oversee the financial aspect of FNF Global delivery to ensure compliance with HMRC

Systems and controls

• Lead in the development, implementation and monitoring of effective procurement systems and procedures, ensuring that FNF achieves best value and drives efficiencies through our external contracts
• Lead on the annual audit in accordance with current practice and the Charity Commissions Standard of Recommended Practice (SORP), liaising and managing the relationship with the auditors
• Oversee the operation of the payroll process and related HMRC contract ensuring that payments are made in an accurate and timely way
• Work with the Finance Committee to manage the investments for FNF, overseeing regular reviews of the investment policy and portfolio, liaising with external partners as necessary

Fundraising, Events, Marketing and Communications

• Provide leadership around income generation, making sure that this is located within the strategic framework and day to day thinking of the Foundation
• Provide leadership and direction for Marketing and Communications, ensuring that overall plans are in support of our strategic objectives
• Ensure all income generation activities from within this team are fully integrated across the Foundation, recognising the importance of inter departmental relationships
• Lead the team in the planning, communications, income generation and execution of the annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service and any similar high profile events.

Digital

• Provide strategic leadership in overseeing digital initiatives, guiding the development and execution of a comprehensive digital strategy

HR

• Provide expert professional judgement, advice, and guidance to the Executive and Senior Leadership teams in developing, monitoring, and implementing people strategies, policies and procedures, workforce and training that meet service needs.
• In partnership with the Head of Operations develop, communicate and implement the People and Culture Strategy.
• Support the ongoing development of a culture to enable the development of a workforce which is at the heart of the organisation, in which colleagues feel valued, safe, and respected.
• Build on our ability to work in agile and flexible ways, establishing innovative ways of working and providing outstanding learning and development opportunities for all colleagues.
• Create relevant and dynamic talent and succession plans, enabling us to develop and support our workforce as well as focus on the long-term skills and capabilities required within FNF

People Leadership

• Lead and develop the operations team, leading by example you will promote a positive and proactive culture, encouraging the team to work collaboratively across FNF
• Effectively manage the performance of the team, ensuring they are working on agreed objectives and outcomes

Person Specification

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Proven experience as a senior leader in ideally a non-profit or public sector organisation
• Strong and extensive operations management experience, financial leadership and programme delivery
• Experience of working on projects to integrate systems and improve processes / ways of working would be highly desirable
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organisational development and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of representing the charity effectively to external audience
• Experience of working with a Charity Board of Trustees
• Proven ability to develop a long term financial strategy and plans
• Experience of developing and implementing processes and policies as well as setting standards and targets aligned to organisation objectives
• A commitment to the charity's mission and values
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with the ability to distil and communicate complex financial information in a way that is easy to understand
• Ability to think strategically, anticipating future trends and developing plans accordingly
• Encourage innovation and seek to understand best practice from both inside and outside the sector
• Strong financial acumen and demonstrable ability to monitor, interpret and communicate financial information effectively is essential
• ACCA/CIMA/ACA or an equivalent finance qualification is desirable

Competencies

• Able to demonstrate strong leadership inspiring teams to achieve strategic goals through collaboration and communication
• Develops and establishes strong relationships both internally and externally to enhance organisational partnerships and drive success
• Champions innovation fostering a culture of adaptability and forward thinking
• Comfortable with ambiguity, possesses the drive, energy and resilience to see through change
• Proactively oversees financial risk and governance, anticipating potential challenges and implementing pre-emptive measures to ensure resilience and assurance.
• Sound judgement to make informed decisions and balance competing demands, even in complex or ambiguous situations.

First Interviews will be held on: 21st October 2024

Strictly no agencies please.