Chief Operating Officer at Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network

Acevo; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to drive strategic growth and enhance organizational impact. The COO will oversee essential internal functions including finance, HR, and communications, ensuring alignment with the mission of fostering social cohesion. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, financial management skills, and experience in the charity sector. This hybrid role offers competitive benefits including enhanced leave and support for diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

30 days' annual leave

Hybrid working

Enhanced sick pay

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Qualifications

• Proven experience overseeing multi-function operations at a senior level.
• Strong financial management and strategic planning expertise.
• Experience within the charity or public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead Belong’s core internal functions: finance, HR, IT, communications, and events.
• Ensure the organization has the systems and resources needed for its mission.
• Drive continuous improvement and organizational resilience.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial management

Operational excellence

Problem-solving

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Chief Operating Officer

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network

Location:Hybrid (Manchester office with national travel)
Contract:Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary:£65,000–£70,000
Closing date:Monday 12th January 2026 (10am)

About Belong

Belong is the UK’s leading not for profit network dedicated to social cohesion. They work across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities. Their growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business, and they support partners through place-based cohesion and intercultural programmes, research and policy influence, training, consultancy, leadership development, and a thriving programme of networks, events and knowledge sharing. Belong are collaborative, evidence led and committed to building common ground, creating environments where diverse communities are able to thrive together.

About the Role

This is a pivotal moment for Belong as they enter the next stage of their strategic growth. They are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a central leadership role in shaping their future and strengthening Belong’s national impact. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure the organisation has the systems, culture and resources needed to deliver on their mission. This is a transformational cross-organisational role, leading Belong’s core internal functions: finance, HR, IT, project management, communications, engagement and events, while driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.

You will bring strategic vision, operational excellence and a collaborative leadership style that empowers colleagues, champions inclusion and wellbeing, and ensures Belong’s operations remain aligned with their purpose of building a more united and less divided society.

About You

Belong are looking for a strategic, enabling and emotionally intelligent leader with proven experience overseeing multi-function operations at a senior level, strong financial management and strategic planning expertise, and experience within the charity or public sector. You will bring excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, a track record of income generation and bid development, and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Knowledge of cohesion, integration or community development is desirable but not essential. Personally, you will be collaborative, inclusive and solutions focused, with strong emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave per year
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:

• Why are you interested in this role and how do your values align with Belong’s mission?
• What achievements make you a strong candidate for the COO role?
• How does your leadership style empower others and create a positive culture?

Deadline:Monday 12 January 2026 (10am)
First Interviews:w/c 26 January 2026 (remote)
Final Interviews:w/c 9 February 2026 (in-person)

For questions or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Atkinson HR Consulting, [e-mail].

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.