Chief Operating Officer
Salary £ Competitive
Colchester
Vacancy listed 27/01/2026
Application deadline 30/01/2026
Details
The Role

As COO, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity operates with excellence, integrity, and a clear focus on the communities we serve. Working alongside the CEO and Board of Trustees, you will oversee organisational performance, operational effectiveness, governance, and people management.

You will ensure our frontline teams are empowered, our systems are robust, and our strategic vision is translated into practical, sustainable delivery. This role suits someone who thrives in a mission‑driven environment and is passionate about strengthening charities from the inside out.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the charity’s operational strategy to ensure services are delivered safely, compassionately, and with measurable impact.
  • Oversee core operational functions including HR, finance, compliance, safeguarding, and risk management.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture that prioritises wellbeing, learning, and community‑centred values.
  • Manage and mentor operational staff and volunteers, promoting collaboration, accountability, and high‑quality service delivery.
  • Work with the CEO to shape long‑term organisational plans, budgets, and sustainability strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with charity sector regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, governance, and reporting obligations.
  • Develop and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with funders, partners, statutory agencies, and community stakeholders.
  • Champion continuous improvement across systems, processes, and operational structures to strengthen resilience and impact.
About You

You are a mission‑driven leader who combines empathy with operational strength. You understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the charity sector and are committed to driving social impact through thoughtful, well‑structured operations.

You will bring:

  • Senior leadership experience within a charity, public sector, or social enterprise environment.
  • A proven ability to manage operations, people, budgets, and organisational change.
  • Strong knowledge of governance, safeguarding, compliance, and charity regulatory frameworks.
  • Excellent communication skills, able to build trust with diverse teams, partners, and community members.
  • A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and community‑led approaches.
  • Strategic thinking combined with practical problem‑solving skills and a hands‑on leadership style.
  • A genuine passion for improving lives and strengthening the charity’s long‑term sustainability and effectiveness.
 


Benefits

33 days holiday (pro rata for part time) including bank holidays
Extra day off for your birthday (after passing probation)
Five extra days holiday (pro-rata) after five years’ service
Up to three paid days volunteering per year (after passing probation)
Development opportunities
Social and Wellbeing programme
Pension Scheme 6% paid for by employer

Notes

Please upload your CV and a covering letter to the BreatheHR portal. Your covering letter must evidence specific essential criteria from the Person Specification.

You will not be considered if a covering letter with the evidence requested is not provided.

Please note we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

This vacancy has now been closed