Chief Operating Officer

Guildford Cathedral Enterprises Limited; Guildford; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead day-to-day operations and implement strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will inspire staff, manage tight financial constraints, and work with stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership and operational experience, with a focus on safeguarding best practices. Applications are invited until September 26, 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership ability to inspire and positively influence staff and volunteers.
• Strong understanding of financial constraints and operational responsibilities.
• Experience working with boards and committee members.

Responsibilities

• Lead all lay staff and manage day-to-day operations of the Cathedral.
• Develop and implement the Cathedral’s strategies.
• Ensure effective governance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership ability

Financial management

Knowledge of safeguarding best practices

Strong communication skills

Experience working with boards and committees

Job description

Your donation helps keep the Cathedral open to God, open to all

Guildford Cathedral, consecrated in 1961, is England’s newest cathedral. It occupies a hill-top position above the town, making it visible across the community it serves. Under the leadership of the new Dean Bob Cooper, the Cathedral is beginning a journey of renewal and re-purpose. Whether through inspirational worship, cultural events, educational programmes, community partnerships, or innovative outreach initiatives, Guildford Cathedral is committed to building bridges that connect the heart of our worship with the heart of our town and Diocese.

It is at this exciting time that the Dean and Chapter seek a new Chief Operating Officer.

Our new COO will play a leading role in delivering Guildford Cathedral’s mission to be an inspiring place of worship. This individual will be a key member of the Cathedral’s senior team, leading all lay staff and holding responsibility for day-to-day operations. The COO will represent the Cathedral externally to a variety of audiences and partners. Reporting to the Dean and responsible to Chapter, this individual will lead the team implementing the Cathedral’s strategies, ensuring effective governance, robust compliance, and inspirational delivery of the Cathedral’s business and mission. The COO will work closely with the Dean, Chapter, the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Management Group and other committees.

This is a significant and busy role, spanning all aspects of Guildford Cathedral’s functions and embracing a wide group of partners and stakeholders. Staff leadership is an important aspect of this role; our new COO must generate a modern and effective working environment, and grow, develop and hold accountable our hard-working staff.

The successful candidate will possess the leadership ability to inspire and positively influence staff and volunteers. This individual must have a strong understanding of how to operate under very tight financial constraints while managing a wide range of responsibilities touching all parts of a busy community-facing organisation. A good knowledge of working with boards of trustees and committee members will inspire trust and effective working relationships. Our new COO will also have a sound knowledge and experience of safeguarding best practice.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 26 September 2025.

Reporting to: The Dean of Guildford

Accountable to: Chapter of Guildford Cathedral.

Full details of the vacancy can be seen via the job description and role profile via this link Chief Operating Officer

Please download and complete our application form. Send this form, along with a full CV and letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification of this role in either of the following ways:

• By post to The Dean, Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7RP

If you wish to have a conversation before applying, please send an email to [e-mail] by 18September 2025 and we will endeavour to set up a call prior to the application date.

Closing date for receipt of applications is noonFriday 26 September 2025.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 26 September 2025.

Longlist interviews: We will invite candidates who we believe most closely meet our criteria to meet with Roddy Porter, the Senior Non-Executive Member of the Cathedral Chapter, for an initial interview on either Friday 3 rd or Monday 6 th October 2025.

Final interviews: You will hear from us by 13 th October as to whether you have been invited forward to final interviews, which will be held on Monday 20 th October. If you are not invited to attend final interviews, feedback will be provided.

References: We will ask for the contact details of 2 referees who can speak to your operational and leadership credentials; we expect to be able to speak to one of your referees prior to the final interviews. Please be prepared to share with us these details as we approach the final interview date.

Guildford Cathedral is regulated by the Cathedral Measures Act 2021 and is a registered charity (No. 1207356) whose registered address is Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7UP. Guildford Cathedral Enterprises Limited is a limited company (No. 02299147) registered in England & Wales whose registered office is Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7UP.