DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Strategic Finance and Operations Director leading finance, HR, IT and compliance for a national lifesaving charity and its commercial subsidiaries.
* Hours: 0.8 - 1 FTE
* Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and discretionary birthday day off; private health and life assurance; Life Assurance Scheme; Enhanced Society Sick Pay
Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape the future of a national charity? Do you have the experience and will to lead finance, HR, IT and compliance with authority and clarity?
Charisma Charity Recruitment has partnered with Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to appoint a new Director of Finance and Operations. RLSS UK saves lives by leading in water safety education, lifeguarding and drowning prevention, with a thriving commercial directorate and a new 2025–2030 strategy.
Reporting to the CEO and leading the corporate services directorate, you will hold accountability for financial stewardship across the charity and its subsidiaries, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.
You will:
* Lead financial strategy, budgeting, reserves and risk to secure long-term sustainability
* Prepare annual accounts under Charity SORP and report at Board level
* Lead HR, IT, compliance and facilities, driving performance and accountability
* Strengthen corporate governance and regulatory relationships
* Contribute as a key SLT member, shaping strategy and major projects
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) with senior charity experience, commercial acumen and the credibility to operate at Board level.
For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment, info@charismarecruitment.co.uk or 01962 813300. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Closing date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: EOD Thursday 2 April 2026
Interviews with RLSS UK: w/c 13 April 2026 onwards