Summary An exciting opportunity for a hands-on Head of Finance & Operations to join Design Council, leading finance, business partnering, systems, Systems and operational excellence across a purpose-driven organisation.
Ideal for an ambitious professional with experience of both finance and business operations within a dynamic and fast paced workplace
Our Client The Design Council is the UK's national champion for design, helping organisations, communities and government harness the power of design to create positive change. A Royal Chartered charity with a team of around 30 employees, it is committed to making life better by design and supporting a more sustainable future.
The Role Reporting to the COO, the Head of Finance & Operations will play a pivotal role in supporting organisational strategy, financial sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
- Lead the finance function
- Manage systems, IT suppliers, and operational infrastructure
- Deliver insightful reporting, forecasting, and business partnering
- Drive process improvement, controls, and risk management
- Manage and develop key finance and operations staff
- Member of the senior management team, business partnering with all department and being the key point of contact for finance, IT and operations
Main Duties The role offers a broad remit across finance, operations, systems, and organisational leadership.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, and financial reporting
- Partner with budget holders to improve performance and decision-making
- Lead management of Business Central and related systems, IT, and office services
- Custodian of IT landscape, ensuring fit for purpose systems and optimising application use and licensing
- Support governance, compliance, procurement, and risk management
- Manage external providers including payroll, bookkeeping,
- Member of the senior leadership team (SMT), and line manager of Senior Finance Manager (part time) and Senior Operations & Special Projects Manager
- Working with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement strategy
The Successful Candidate - Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or qualified by experience
- Proven experience in an operations role manging functions that sit outside of finance.
- Strong business partnering, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills
- Experience of designing and implementing systems, and managing user / access requirements and navigating various data architectures
- A proactive, commercially minded individual who enjoys working in a hands-on environment and supporting organisational growth and impact
- Understanding of charity specific policies & procedures, including Data Protection, Financial Regulations, SORP, IT & Governance Frameworks and Health & Safety
What’s on offer? - Salary of £57,000 - £65,000 per annum
- Hybrid working with offices in Central London (Clerkenwell)- 2 days in the office
- Opportunity to join a collaborative and mission-led organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive social impact
- Broad leadership role with significant visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to shape strategy, systems, and operational excellence
- Supportive and values-led culture centred around curiosity, collaboration, and driving meaningful change
- 28 annual leave days pro rata (plus ability to buy up to 5 additional days)
- 2 additional days for Christmas closure and Birthday day off
- 5% employer pension contribution (up to 7.5% if matched)
- Private healthcare insurance through BUPA
- Hybrid working policy (working in our office at least 2 days per week)
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success. That's why we're committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and strive to reflect the rich diversity of the global workforce in every role we recruit for.
