Climate Action Operations Leader

Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC); Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Winchester Action on Climate Change Ltd (WinACC) seeks a Chief Operating Officer to strengthen financial sustainability, operations, and regional climate impact. The post holder will oversee finance systems, HR/payroll, procurement, governance, and fundraising administration, with close work alongside the Executive Director and Treasurer.

The role is full-time with a 37-hour week, based in Winchester with hybrid work options and a fixed-term contract to 30 September 2027, subject to funding.

Qualifications

• Successful experience as a COO or similar role.
• Experience in financial management and reporting, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking and strategic planning abilities.
• Risk management knowledge and experience.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Excellence in written communication.
• Commitment to WinACC’s mission and values.
• Experience of working for a participatory network/charity
• Lives in or near Winchester District.
• Understanding of the causes of climate change

Responsibilities

• Operate the finance function in line with charity requirements; liaise with Treasurer on separation of preparation and authorisation.
• Present finance reports to Finance Committee/Board meetings (quarterly).
• Support financial strategy, planning, and business model development.
• Prepare budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director; overseen by the Treasurer.
• Produce draft annual accounts; manage relationship with Independent Examiner; file timely reports.
• Manage payroll, HRMC/Nest submissions, and pay/benefits evaluations with Treasurer.
• Banking administration, daily monitoring, payment runs (~3/month), manage debits and cards.
• Manage investments; cash flow forecasts and funding options.
• Bookkeeping using Liberty Accounts; manage accounts and Gift Aid processes.
• Attend Finance Committee meetings; organise agendas, minutes, and venues.
• Stay updated on legal/regulatory changes; coordinate with Treasurer.
• Evaluate IT systems/controls for financial management; recommend changes.
• Lead procurement of suppliers (banking, insurance, payroll, pensions, examiner).
• Lead on VAT considerations if required in future.

Skills

COO experience

Financial management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance (UK charity)

Strategic planning

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Fundraising & development

Governance liaison

WinACC local context

Job description

Winchester Action on Climate Change Ltd (WinACC) seeks a Chief Operating Officer to strengthen financial sustainability, operations, and regional climate impact. The post holder will oversee finance systems, HR/payroll, procurement, governance, and fundraising administration, with close work alongside the Executive Director and Treasurer.

The role is full-time with a 37-hour week, based in Winchester with hybrid work options and a fixed-term contract to 30 September 2027, subject to funding.