DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE

Following the return of our co-founder Becca Dean MBE as CEO, we're excited to be recruiting for several new roles as we move into the next chapter of our journey. Having recently celebrated our 12th birthday, we're more determined than ever to reach even more girls and young women, and we’re building a brilliant team to help us do just that. If you're passionate about empowering the next generation, we’d love to hear from you.

THE ROLE

This role at The Girls’ Network, will be responsible for overseeing the charity’s finance, operations, HR, governance, and compliance functions. As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will play a key role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring its long-term sustainability. You’ll provide expert advice to the CEO and Board, lead on business planning and risk management, and manage the Finance and Operations team to deliver efficient, high-quality internal systems and support. With a focus on continuous improvement, equity, and organisational effectiveness, this role is essential to helping The Girls’ Network grow its impact and support more girls to achieve their ambitions.

Key Activities

Leadership and Governance

• Support the organisation in reviewing and implementing improved systems and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• As a Senior Management Team (SMT) member, take a leading role in The Girls' Network's strategic and operational leadership.
• Provide expert support and guidance to the CEO on legal and governance duties as a charity.
• Work with the CEO and Chair of Finance and Audit Committee to set agendas and lead on producing papers for the quarterly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings and contribute to Board papers.
• Responsible for management of the organisational risk register.
• Lead the annual business planning and reporting cycle.
• Act as lead advisor for legal compliance, managing external legal advice as needed.
• Line manage, support, and develop the Finance and Operations team.
• Represent The Girls’ Network at external events and collaborating with key stakeholders.

Finance

• Ensure consistent delivery and quality of finance operations, including transactions processing, management accounts, budgets, and annual accounts.
• Lead on the financial aspects of fundraising, contract management, and funder reporting.
• Oversee statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with charity and accounting standards.
• Maintain internal controls to protect assets, prevent fraud, and ensure business continuity.

Human Resources and Working Practices

• Review HR function and establish appropriate in-house or outsourced support as required.
• Manage HR issues with internal or external advisors as needed.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of HR processes, including recruitment, induction, payroll, pensions, and staff training and development.
• Lead on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work plan in collaboration with SMT and staff groups.
• Have oversight of policy development and implementation related to The Girls’ Network operations.

IT, Facilities, and Business Support

• Oversee CRM and digital platforms to ensure effective data management and operational efficiency.
• Oversee information management strategy, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data security.
• Ensure IT infrastructure and support services are fit for purpose, working with the Office Manager and outsourced providers.
• Manage office operations, including facilities, leases, and contract reviews.
• Ensure active management and periodic review of support contracts across HR, IT, and Facilities.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

Essential skills, knowledge and attributes

• Senior management experience, contributing to strategic leadership.
• Significant experience in staff management and development.
• Proven ability to manage and monitor budgets (£1m+ desirable).
• Strong track record of delivering objectives efficiently.

Desirable skills, knowledge and attributes

• Experience in digital transformation and optimising digital platforms for operational effectiveness.
• Experience in a similar role in a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
• Understanding of good charity governance.
• Experience in investment management.
• Knowledge of charity funding, bidding, and reporting.
• HR management experience.
• Portfolio management

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a collaborative working style.
• Strong financial acumen, with advanced skills in MS Excel, Word, and finance software (Xero desirable).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible, creative, and solutions-focused.
• Understanding of issues facing young women from the least advantaged backgrounds.
• Commitment to The Girls' Network values and equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.

At The Girls' Network, we value and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our sector.

Please visit our website for the candidate pack and details on how to apply.