Director or Charitable Operations

Big C; Norwich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer charity in the UK seeks a highly skilled Director of Charitable Operations to join their Executive Leadership Team. This role requires clinical leadership experience within healthcare or charity sectors and a strong track record in cancer care. The successful candidate will be pivotal in shaping charitable efforts to ensure comprehensive support for those affected by cancer, leading teams in delivering high-quality services while collaborating with partners to enhance community welfare.

Benefits

5% employer pension contribution

Company sick pay

Life assurance

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Some hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Track record of operating at a senior level in healthcare or charity sector.
• Experience in cancer care or related services.
• Governance and safeguarding experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charity's Cancer Support Centres and Hubs.
• Support strategic development of cancer support services.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Leadership

Compassion

Financial and commercial awareness

People leadership skills

Education

Recognised clinical expertise

Job description

This is a unique chance to combine clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion in a role that can make a genuine impact on people’s lives.

Together, we improve the lives of local people affected by cancer. We provide wraparound holistic support, information, education and wellbeing services to people affected by cancer across Norfolk and beyond. As demand for our services continues to grow we are seeking an exceptional Director of Charitable Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you’ll help shape the future of our work and ensure we continue improving the lives of local people affected by cancer.

About the role

As a key member of Big C’s Executive leadership team, you will bring a specialist knowledge of cancer and act as an ambassador for the charity in this area of expertise.

You will serve as the clinical lead for the charity with leadership and management responsibilities of our Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, our Health Academy programmes, and of the teams that deliver them. This includes collaborating with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure the delivery of high‑quality, sustainable services for anyone affected by cancer. An example we are proud of is the practical help with social and financial concerns through our Citizens Advice welfare advisors.

You will also support the Chief Executive with the strategic development and direction of Big C’s cancer support services and health academy programmes. This role requires clinical expertise and demonstrable experience to successfully lead the delivery of Big C’s charitable operations to meet rising demand.

On occasion, like other members of the Executive team, you will be required to deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence.

• Location: You will be based in Big C’s office in Centrum, a bright and modern building on Norwich Research Park. Informally, some home working is possible, but you will need to work from the office and other Big C sites regularly.
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 per annum (subject to skills and experience)

For further information, and to download a vacancy pack, please go to Current vacancies - Big C Cancer Charity

About you

You will be an experienced clinical leader with a strong track record of operating at a senior level, ideally within healthcare or the charity sector. You will bring:

• Recognised clinical expertise and professional registration, with demonstrable experience in cancer care or related services.
• Strategic leadership experience, with the ability to translate vision into practical, high‑quality service delivery.
• Strong people leadership skills, with a compassionate, inclusive and values‑driven approach.
• Experience of governance, safeguarding and working effectively with Boards or Trustees.
• Financial and commercial awareness, including budget management and income generation.
• Credibility and confidence to represent Big C with partners, funders and stakeholders.

Above all, you will share Big C’s commitment to ensuring that people affected by cancer receive outstanding care, support and education when they need it most.

About Big C

Big C is one of East Anglia’s largest cancer charities, having raised £50 million in 45 years. Each year, our supporters help us raise around £3 million to support people affected by cancer in our community.

We provide holistic care through Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, as well as online and telephone support via our Virtual Support Centre. Income comes from donations, local businesses, grants, legacies, and 12 charity shops across the region.

Why Big C?

Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Big C was recently awarded Gold Accreditation for the third time running in the Best Employers Eastern Region 2025 and offers a supportive environment that values wellbeing and work/life balance.

Our benefits include:

• 5% employer pension contribution
• Company sick pay and life assurance
• Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Some hybrid working with some flexibility in hours

Apply Now

Closing date for applications: Monday 26 January 2026

When applying, please complete the online application fully. Information to support your application can be in your attached covering letter or as indicated in the application.

If you prefer to apply in a different way or require information in an accessible format, please contact Caroline Roberts, People Manager, emailing [e-mail] or calling 07421 745585.

Big C are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, young adults and children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a barred list check. Additionally, your application plays an essential part in our choosing the right person for this position.