Executive Head of Planning, Performance & Governance (Maternity Cover)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

War Child UK is seeking a maternity cover leader for the Planning, Performance and Governance function within the Resources Directorate. The postholder translates strategic ambitions into prioritised plans, runs the performance framework and governance, and drives sustainable income growth.

The role combines leading a multi-disciplinary team with cross-directorate collaboration and advising the CEO, Leadership Group and Board, with around two office days a week in a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• Experienced fundraiser with understanding of the sector and UK giving market.
• Experience of performance management, organisational planning and data interpretation.
• Experience of leading and developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation-wide strategic and operational planning cycle, turning priorities into objectives, milestones and resource requirements.
• Work with Directors to shape the five-year strategy and prioritise opportunities for income, reach and impact.
• Lead the governance framework and align governance and board activity with strategic goals.
• Lead and manage the Planning, Performance and Governance function, including its budget.
• Own and continuously improve the strategic performance management framework and reporting.
• Advise the CEO, Leadership Group and Board on governance, organisational performance and emerging risks.
• Identify, assess and evaluate opportunities for sustainable growth and income generation.
• Lead thinking on business cases, forecasts and plans with fundraising, finance, programmes and other teams.
• Facilitate organisational prioritisation and strategic decision-making.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of financial and non-financial performanceProvide analysis and recommendations to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
• Embed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within strategic planning and leadership practice.

Skills

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Governance

Leadership

Performance management

Data interpretation

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Communication

DEI & belonging

Job description

This maternity cover post, running to early November 2027, leads the Planning, Performance and Governance function within War Child UK's Resources directorate. The postholder turns strategic ambitions into prioritised plans, runs the performance framework and governance, and directs effort towards sustainable income growth. The role combines managing a multi-disciplinary team with working across directorates and advising the CEO, Leadership Group and Board, with around two office days a week under hybrid working. Experience of fundraising is central, with marketing background helpful.

What the job involves

• Lead the organisation-wide strategic and operational planning cycle, turning priorities into objectives, milestones and resource requirements
• Work with Directors to shape the five-year strategy and prioritise opportunities for income, reach and impact
• Lead the governance framework and align governance and board activity with strategic goals
• Lead and manage the Planning, Performance and Governance function, including its budget
• Own and continuously improve the strategic performance management framework and reporting
• Advise the CEO, Leadership Group and Board on governance, organisational performance and emerging risks
• Identify, assess and evaluate opportunities for sustainable growth and income generation
• Lead thinking on business cases, forecasts and plans with fundraising, finance, programmes and other teams
• Facilitate organisational prioritisation and strategic decision-making
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of financial and non-financial performanceProvide analysis and recommendations to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees
• Embed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within strategic planning and leadership practice

Experience

• Experienced fundraiser with understanding of the sector and UK giving market
• Experience of performance management, organisational planning and data interpretation
• Experience of leading and developing people

Skills & knowledge

• Strategic thinker who turns ambition into deliverable plans and measurable outcomes
• Commercial and financial acumen to build robust business cases and balance growth, impact, affordability and risk
• Sound judgement where information is complex, incomplete or contested
• Collaborative, relationship-focused approach to influencing senior colleagues, trustees and external stakeholders, with constructive challenge
• Effective verbal and written communication of complex strategic, financial and performance information
• Knowledge of governance, risk management, project management and ethical stewardship of resources and information

Other

• Commitment to War Child's mission and values, including safeguarding, PSEAH, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Practical, curious and committed to continuous improvement and root-cause analysis
• Commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and personal development

Nice to have

• Informed practice in a marketing discipline
• Professional qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent expertise gained through experience