Chief Operating Officer – Generation UK & Ireland
Location: Hybrid – role can be based anywhere in the United Kingdom, with an expectation to attend the nearest regional office one day per week.
Salary: £75,000 – £90,000 per annum, inclusive of base salary and performance element.
Contract: Full Time, permanent, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9 AM – 6 PM.
Recruitment timetable: Last date for application – Sunday, 18 January 2025. Interviews – last week of January 2026.
Informal enquiries: Michael Houlihan, CEO – michaelh@generation.org; Yasmeen Seth, People Director – yasmeen.seth@generation.org.
About the role
As COO you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Generation UK & Ireland, reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Senior Management Team. You will lead the funding acquisition and management team, oversee financial management, lead on strategic planning, operational elements, and the Impact and Data function, ensuring the charity’s bold vision translates into sustainable impact.
Why this role matters
This is more than a leadership position; it’s a chance to shape the future of a charity, drive innovation, inspire a dedicated team, and create lasting social impact.
Responsibilities
* Funding & Financial Leadership – lead a team responsible for all funding activity, build and maintain relationships with high‑profile funders.
* Strategic Operations & Organisational Planning – oversee organisation‑wide planning cycles, manage a team of 70+ people, ensure operational alignment and resource allocation.
* Programme Strategy, Impact and Data – ensure programme strategy achieves intended outcomes, lead continuous improvement, manage data infrastructure.
* Special Projects & Strategic Growth – lead initiatives critical to long‑term impact, including delivery model innovation, expansion into new regions, and new programme launches.
* External Representation & Thought Leadership – act as spokesperson at events, publications, and for key external stakeholders.
Internal & External Collaboration
* Internal – lead a team of 12 including Head of Funding, Growth Strategy Manager, Impact Director, and Project & Partnerships Manager; collaborate with CEO, Senior Management Team, programme and Impact/Data teams.
* External – engage funders, build partnerships with colleges, represent the charity at public events and communications with key stakeholders.
Attributes & Skills
* Strong leadership and team management experience with senior‑level teams.
* Excellent strategic thinking, organisational planning and experience delivering high‑impact organisational improvements.
* Proven track record in funding acquisition, grant management, and securing multi‑figure grants.
* Financial acumen – budgeting, P&L oversight, scenario modelling.
* Experience leveraging data and technology to improve organisational effectiveness.
* Deep understanding of impact, evaluation experience (RCTs or similar).
* Strong project management, communication, public speaking, adaptability and collaborative mindset.
Benefits
* Purpose and social impact at the heart of the work.
* Key role in a pioneering organisation, shaping education‑to‑employment programmes and policy impact.
* Flexible and remote working options, with WFH support of £300.
* Professional development support up to £1,000 per year and up to 5 training days.
A fair chance
Generation welcomes applications from all backgrounds and aims to create an inclusive environment.
Support with your application
A recruitment support resource provides application guidance: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C2eU1_6tGW0ML4OHoXYTYAy_aLApg0M4EqcjU33tj3M/edit?usp=sharing
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr