Chief Operating Officer

Lincoln Cathedral is one of the most magnificent and historically significant buildings in the UK, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant community. We are pleased to be exclusively partnering with them in their search to appoint a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational heart of the Cathedral, ensuring its mission and values are supported by effective governance and management.

As COO, you will chair the Cathedral's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and work closely with the Dean, Chapter, and other senior leaders to deliver the Cathedral's strategic vision. You will lead the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral, its assets, and its people, ensuring that everything they do aligns with its mission as a place of Christian faith, worship, and community engagement.

The Cathedral is seeking a confident and collaborative leader with a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational management. The ideal candidate will bring experience in managing complex organisations and multi-disciplinary teams, ideally with a background in heritage, charity, or not-for-profit sectors. You will have the ability to inspire and empower diverse teams of staff and volunteers, demonstrating strong values of inclusivity, integrity, and transparency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the operational performance and administration of the Cathedral.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement the Cathedral's strategy.
• Oversee governance and compliance, ensuring alignment with charity and ecclesiastical regulations.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for both staff and volunteers.
• Oversee the Cathedral's commercial activities, identifying new income streams to support its mission.
• Promote and ensure a culture of safeguarding, diversity, and equity across all Cathedral operations.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Proven leadership experience, including managing diverse teams and working collaboratively with trustees and senior leaders.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and develop fundraising strategies.
• Experience of managing complex operations, ensuring performance targets are met within budget constraints.
• A strategic thinker, able to align day-to-day operations with long-term vision and values.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and build lasting relationships.

Lincoln Cathedral is a place of beauty, history, and community. As COO, you will play a key role in ensuring that the Cathedral continues to thrive as a centre for worship, heritage, learning, and social action. You will be part of an inclusive and forward-thinking leadership team, working together to ensure that the Cathedral remains an inspiring and welcoming place for all.