Organisation Paddle UK Salary £75,000 - £90,000 Location Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 7 April 2026 Job Description Director of Finance and Operations
Location: Hybrid (Onsite at the Paddle UK Offices)
Salary: £75,000 - £90,000
Working Pattern: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: April 7th 2026
Paddle UK is the National Governing Body for paddlesports, supporting a diverse community of paddlers, from elite athletes to leisure participants.
This is more than a finance role — as Director of Finance and Operations, you will sit at the heart of Paddle UK’s leadership, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation is not only financially strong, but operationally resilient, forward-thinking, and ready to deliver on its ambitions.
You’ll join at a time of real momentum — with major events on the horizon, a new strategic direction emerging, and a growing community of paddlers across recreational and performance pathways.
How you will make an impact
Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CEO and ELT to establish long-term strategic goals, translating the Paddle UK vision into robust, multi-year financial and operational frameworks.
Cross-Functional Integration: Orchestrate the synergy between Finance, Governance, and Digital Innovation, ensuring these functions act as enablers for the wider organisation’s mission.
Financial Strategy & Analysis: Lead the organisation’s financial planning, providing the Board and ELT with high-level business intelligence and predictive modelling to inform investment and growth decisions.
Governance & Compliance Frameworks: Foster a culture of excellence in financial and corporate governance, ensuring the organisation meets all regulatory requirements while maintaining agility.
Legal, Safeguarding & Statutory Accountability: Hold overall executive responsibility for the organisation’s legal and safeguarding frameworks. In partnership with the Head of Governance, ensure that Paddle UK meets all statutory obligations and best-practice standards in relation to safeguarding and EDI, providing the Board with assurance that these critical cultures are embedded, monitored, and legally compliant across all operations.
Financial Management: Lead the strategic allocation of capital and workforce budgets. Ensure that headcount planning and operational spend are managed through robust forecasting and performance metrics, maintaining the organisation’s financial sustainability while meeting strategic requirements.
Enterprise Risk Management: Lead the organisation’s risk management process, moving beyond simple identification to proactive mitigation and the development of institutional resilience.
Infrastructure & Digital Evolution: Oversee the long-term strategy for both physical assets (Facilities) and digital infrastructure, ensuring the organisation’s environment—both virtual and physical—is fit for the future.
What makes this role special?
Strategic Influence at the Highest Level
You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, helping to shape long-term decisions that directly impact the future of the organisation.
A Truly Integrated Leadership Role
This is a rare opportunity to bring together Finance, Governance, and Digital Innovation — driving alignment, efficiency, and smarter decision-making across the organisation.
Purpose-Driven Impact
Everything you do will underpin the success of athletes, clubs, volunteers, and communities across the UK — from grassroots participation to Olympic and Paralympic performance.
A Culture of Ambition and Integrity
You’ll be part of an Executive Leadership Team that values high standards, collaboration, and continuous improvement — with a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
Shaping the Future
From digital transformation to infrastructure investment and organisational design, you’ll help build an environment that is fit for the future of sport.
If you’re looking for a role where your expertise will have genuine impact — on people, performance, and the long-term sustainability of a national governing body — this is your opportunity to make a difference