Chief Operating Officer

Arthritis UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arthritis UK is seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to deliver the next phase of its mission. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will act as CFO, ensuring financial resilience and operational excellence across finance, digital, ICT and corporate resources.

You will lead a broad portfolio, guiding organisational transformation within a complex charity environment and working with the Senior Leadership Team to deliver impact for millions affected by arthritis.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with senior finance experience in a complex setting.
• Proven track record in strategic financial leadership and governance.
• Experience leading large teams and driving organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Oversee finance, digital and data, ICT, facilities, sustainability and change delivery.
• Lead audit, compliance and governance frameworks to ensure resilience.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Senior Leadership Team and the board liaison.
• Ensure financial resilience, operational excellence and efficient infrastructure.

Skills

Strategic Financial Leadership

Governance & Compliance

Organisational Change Management

People Leadership

Education

Chartered Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Today, 20.8 million people in the UK are living with a musculoskeletal condition, including more than 10 million people affected by arthritis. These conditions are a leading cause of disability, pain and reduced quality of life, impacting individuals, families, the NHS and the wider economy. Arthritis UK exists to change that. Through world-class research, information and support services, advocacy and campaigning, the charity is working towards a future where everyone with arthritis can live the life they choose, with real hope of a cure.

Following a period of significant organisational transformation, including major digital, data and financial sustainability programmes, Arthritis UK is entering an exciting new phase. With a clear strategy, a strengthened profile and ambitious plans for future impact, we are seeking an outstanding COO deliver its next chapter.

Reporting to Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE, the COO will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic leadership across finance and corporate resources while helping to steer the organisation as a whole. A qualified accountant, and Acting as the charity's Chief Financial Officer, deputy to the Chief Executive and Company Secretary, you will ensure Arthritis UK has the financial resilience, operational excellence and organisational infrastructure needed to deliver its mission.

Leading a broad portfolio spanning finance, digital and data, ICT, facilities, sustainability and change delivery, audit, compliance and organisational performance, you will oversee the continued development of systems, processes and governance frameworks that support effective delivery. You will be an accomplished leader with a track record of strategic financial leadership, organisational transformation and operational management within a complex environment.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to combine commercial acumen with outstanding people leadership skills and help one of the UK's leading charities increase its impact for millions of people living with arthritis, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/arthritisuk-coo/

Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026