Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Growth

1. Strategic Financial Leadership - Lead the development and delivery of the organisations financial strategy aligned with organisations strategic direction. Provide high-quality financial insight, analysis, and strategic advice to the CEO, Board, and Executive Team. Ensure long-term financial sustainability through robust planning, forecasting, modelling, and risk management. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management. Maintain strong financial governance, controls, and compliance frameworks. Lead external audit processes and ensure timely statutory financial reporting. 2. Finance Function Leadership - Provide leadership to the finance team, ensuring a high-performing, collaborative, and business-partnering culture. Ensure accurate and timely production of management and statutory accounts, easily accessible by the management teams. Maintain and continuously improve financial systems, processes, and data integrity. Strengthen financial capability across the organisation through effective support and partnering. Oversee treasury management, including cashflow, banking relationships, and financial resources including the Investment Committee. 3. Growth & Enterprise (Trading and Commercial Income Generation) - Lead the strategic direction and success of commercial income-generating activities, including charity retail operations. Maximise opportunities, profitability, and sustainability across all enterprise and trading functions. Identify, develop, and evaluate new business opportunities aligned with organisational strategy. Develop strategic partnerships to support income diversification and long-term growth. 4. Procurement, Operations & Sustainability Strategy - Provide strategic leadership across procurement, estates, operations, and sustainability to support organisational growth and performance. Lead commercial, procurement, and capital investment strategies to deliver value, efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence. Oversee major commissioning, contracts, supplier relationships, estates, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure effective performance and risk management. Drive continuous improvement, asset optimisation, and sustainable operational practices, including delivery of environmental and net zero objectives. 5. New Business, Strategic Projects & Transformation - Identify and lead the development of new business opportunities and strategic initiatives. Assure development of robust business cases and investment proposals for Executive and Board approval. Lead or sponsor major transformation programmes, including operational, estates, and organisational change. Ensure effective governance, delivery, and realisation of benefits from strategic programmes. Commission and manage external expertise (e.g. consultants, architects, project partners) where required. 6. Leadership & Governance - Act as a key member of the Executive Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making. Build strong relationships with the Board and its committees (including Audit & Risk). Provide clear leadership, direction, and role modelling of organisational values. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across all areas of responsibility. Ensure effective risk management and governance across finance, operations, estates, and growth activities.

Additional Responsibilities

Part of the senior leaders on-call rota. Part of the site duty manager rota for Bedford and Luton SIRO Company Secretary Duties.