Chief Operating Officer

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work experience, and individual support for up to 45 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, meaningful work opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

At the heart of Emmaus Greenwich is our companions. Companion is the name given to people who live in an Emmaus community and contribute to the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another.

Emmaus Greenwich offers an individual holistic package of support and a tailored development plan to support each companion develop new skills (or build on existing ones) to boost confidence, improve mental and/or physical health and wellbeing, and increase employability.

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer that will be responsible for the operational management of the social enterprise, facilities, and Companion community at Emmaus Greenwich. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will ensure that all areas operate efficiently, meet compliance and safety standards, and support the overall mission of the charity. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leadership

• Ensure smooth and efficient operations through strategic and effective operational management.
• Lead and support the Retail Manager, Property & Facilities Manager, and Community Manager in delivering their respective functions effectively.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and leadership team to develop and implement the organisation’s long-term strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

2. Social Enterprise & Retail Operations

• Oversee the Retail Manager in managing charity shops and retail operations, ensuring financial growth and sustainability.
• Develop and implement business strategies to enhance sales, efficiency, and income generation.
• Identify new opportunities for business diversification and expansion within the social enterprise.
• Ensure compliance with retail regulations and best practices.

3. Facilities & Property Management

• Oversee the Property & Facilities Manager to ensure all Emmaus Greenwich properties are well maintained and meet health & safety, compliance, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and oversee maintenance schedules, capital improvement plans, and risk management strategies.
• Ensure effective management of utilities, repairs, and external contractor relationships.
• Oversee security, fire safety, and infrastructure projects.

4. Companion Community & Wellbeing

• Oversee the Community Manager in ensuring a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for companions.
• Work with the team to develop individual progression plans, enabling companions to build skills and move towards independence.
• Ensure that companions are meaningfully engaged in charity operations and social enterprise activities.
• Implement safeguarding policies and best practices for supporting vulnerable individuals.

5. Financial & Budget Management

• Work with the CEO and Finance Manager to oversee budgets, financial planning, and cash flow management.
• Manage financial performance across the social enterprise, facilities, and community services.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue-generation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, charity governance, and reporting requirements.

6. People Management & Organisational Culture

• Lead and develop the Operations, Property & Facilities, and Community Managers, ensuring high levels of motivation and performance.
• Establish and oversee effective recruitment, training, and performance management processes.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organisation.
• Champion Emmaus values and ensure they are embedded in daily operations.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status, or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.