Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO

Bank of America; Lewes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent charitable organization is seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead daily operations and implement strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in complex operations within the heritage sector and a strong focus on visitor engagement and financial management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, multi-site operations.
• Skilled in developing visitor-focused strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of heritage property management.
• Strong track record in governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Society’s daily operations ensuring financial efficiency.
• Implement the Society’s strategic plan across heritage properties.
• Depute for the CEO as needed.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Audience development

Risk management

Job description

The Board of Trustees seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the Society’s daily operations, ensuring financial efficiency, sustainable practices, and high standards of visitor engagement and historic property management.

Initially reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees (while the CEO position is vacant), the COO will lead a senior management team focused on optimizing performance across heritage properties and commercial ventures. The COO will play a key role in implementing the Society’s strategic plan, maintaining agility, effectiveness, and responsiveness to sector trends. The postholder will also deputise for the CEO as needed.

Key requirements include:

• Proven experience leading complex, multi-site operations within heritage, tourism, or visitor attraction sectors, with expertise in financial management, budgeting, reporting, cost control, and driving commercial income streams.

• Skilled in developing visitor-focused strategies that enhance engagement, education, and enjoyment, with an understanding of audience development and an appreciation for archaeology, history, and collections.

• In-depth knowledge of heritage property management, including conservation, maintenance, and protection of historic assets.

• Strong track record in governance, risk management, safeguarding, and health & safety compliance, with effective collaboration with Trustees, senior leaders, and external stakeholders.

If interested in applying, further information, including an application form and detailed job description, is available on our recruitment portal. You can also visit our website for more details.

Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 4^th August 2025

The Sussex Archaeological Society is a registered charity committed to equality and diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and parts of the community. All applications will be judged on merit.