Head of Strategy & Operations

Spinal Research; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in London seeks a Head of Strategy and Operations to lead organizational effectiveness. This hybrid role involves working closely with the Chief Executive to oversee operations, finance, and HR. The ideal candidate should have significant leadership experience, be adept at strategic thinking and operational excellence, and possess strong communication skills. Join us in making a meaningful impact and driving our mission to cure paralysis.

Benefits

Four-day work week

Supportive team environment

Values-driven culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior operational, strategy, or general management role, ideally in the charity or healthcare sectors.
• Proven ability to lead teams through change and manage complex projects.
• Strong track record in financial management and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver organisational strategy and workforce planning.
• Oversee day-to-day operations ensuring efficient processes.
• Lead on HR, recruitment, and staff welfare.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

People leadership

Communication

Change management

Data-driven decision-making

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Location : Hybrid – London office and home

Contract : Permanent, full time

Reporting to : Chief Executive

Working pattern : Four-day week

About Spinal Research

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life‑changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century : curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Strategy and Operations. This pivotal role ensures Spinal Research is efficient, resilient, and future-focused. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, board, and senior colleagues to deliver organisational strategy, oversee operations, finance, HR, and systems, and help position the charity for growth and impact.

You will bring people, processes, and data together to maximise effectiveness, empower teams, strengthen cross‑department collaboration, and champion innovation—including the use of AI and technology—to help us deliver our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver organisational strategy, project development, and workforce planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as a key point of contact for the board on operational matters.
• Build alignment between research, fundraising, community engagement, and operations.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring efficient and consistent processes across teams.
• Lead on HR, recruitment, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, health & safety, and cyber security.
• Ensure robust financial management, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, systems, and processes to support organisational resilience.
• Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and championing data‑driven decision‑making.
• Lead change management initiatives and explore AI tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Line‑manage staff and partners in operations, finance, HR, and data.
• Promote internal career progression, training, and succession planning.
• Be a visible advocate for Spinal Research’s mission and support new initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising activities.

The Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader who thrives in a mission‑driven environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference, with a proven ability to drive organisational effectiveness and lead teams through change.

Experience and Skills

Senior Leadership

Significant experience in a senior operational, strategy, or general management role, ideally within the charity, health, research, or not‑for‑profit sectors.

Strategic Thinking

Demonstrated ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, manage complex projects, and align cross‑functional teams.

Operational Excellence

Strong track record overseeing day‑to‑day operations, including HR, finance, compliance, and systems development.

Change Management

Experience leading change initiatives, with the ability to engage and support teams through transitions.

Data and Technology

Comfortable championing data‑driven decision‑making and integrating new technologies (such as AI tools and platforms like Salesforce) to enhance organisational performance.

People Leadership

Skilled at empowering, developing, and line‑managing diverse teams and partners, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Communication

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and act as a credible advocate for the organisation’s mission.

Values‑Driven

Committed to upholding Spinal Research’s values of commitment, integrity, collaboration, and innovation in all aspects of work.

Personal Attributes

Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with a growth mindset.

Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Passionate about making a positive impact for people affected by spinal cord injury.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid role split between home and our London Bridge office.

Spinal Research is a four‑day week employer

Part of a supportive, values‑driven team (commitment, integrity, collaboration, innovation).

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support organisational priorities.

Ready to help us deliver life‑changing impact?

Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.