Job

About the role

The Head of Finance and Operations is a critical and exciting position that sits at the very heart of the Design Council, with a broad and varied remit.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this hands-on role will be responsible for ensuring the organisation achieves its charitable and strategic objectives by protecting value, managing risk and providing excellent business partnering in the form of insightful and transparent management information, independent challenge and commercial acumen

About you

The ideal candidate will be responsible for:

• Being overall owner of the financial results, controls and processes
• Supporting each departmental Head to develop annual budgets, and track performance both in terms of project financials as well as resourcing
• Delivering robust financial reporting and forecasting, including cash flow
• Promote data-driven decisions through meaningful and timely management information
• Custodian of IT landscape, ensuring fit for purpose systems and optimising application use and licensing
• Ensuring robust and efficient delivery by external service providers in line with SLAs and organisational requirements (IT support, bookkeeping, payroll, serviced office)
• Owner of Microsoft Business Central ERP system and set up and connected systems and processes
• Overall owner of quality management and process excellence including common approach to project management, contract management and procurement
• Work with colleagues to ensure compliance with Charity Commission reporting requirements, adequate insurance cover and manage risks
• Supporting HR to ensure fit for purpose joiner and leaver process including ensuring correct and compliant application access Member of the senior leadership team (SMT), and line manager of Senior Finance Manager (part time) and Senior Operations & Special Projects Manager
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement strategy
   

Skills and experience

• Qualified or part-qualified financial professional (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
• At least 5 years working in a managerial finance/operational role
• Business partnering experience is a must
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central ERP is preferred
• Experience of Microsoft systems such as Dynamics and Power Automate is an advantage
• Confident in financial analysis, forecasting and modelling
• Experience of designing and implementing systems, and managing user / access requirements and navigating various data architectures
• Able to produce meaningful management information and provide insights
• Experience supporting commercial decisions and managing risk
• Used to working with and adapting fit for purpose processes and controls, plus identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies
• Confident working with and delivering through others including external service partners and auditors
• Reasonable level of understanding of VAT accounting and rules
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritise
• Experience of charity accounting/ non for profit is desirable
• Understanding of charity specific policies & procedures, including Data Protection, Financial Regulations, SORP, IT & Governance Frameworks and Health & Safety
• Experience of Cyber Essentials is an advantage

Our values and behaviours:

• Boundless Curiosity. Dynamic scoping of new ideas and best working practices to create and demonstrate impact. 
• Inspire Possibility. Brilliant team and project leadership so we clearly communicate the value and impact of design. 
• Powerful Together. Role modelling how to get the best out of everyone so we all maximise our contribution to Design for Planet.

Corporate responsibilities:

• Proactively identify and manage risks and financial controls in relation to the Design Council and your specific area of responsibility.
• Comply with the Design Council’s operational policies and procedures including financial and risk management, project management and evaluation processes, brand guidelines, GDPR, information security and internal health and safety policy.

Applications

Please submit your application by 14 September 2026.

APPLY

Download candidate pack

Please email Ishbel Allotey, HR Manager recruitment@designcouncil.org.uk if you have questions about the role.

The Design Council is fully committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation.  We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria.  If you need any additional support, please do send in an early alert to our email address below.​