Sport jobs in United Kingdom

Lead the Operational Heart of a National Movement – Become Director of Business Operations at ukactive
Hybrid working with Central London HQ
Full-Time | Permanent
Salary £79,825 + excellent benefits

ukactive exists to get more people, more active, more often – and we need a values-driven leader to help make that happen.

We’re seeking a passionate and strategic Director of Business Operations to join our executive team and help drive our mission forward. This pivotal role will oversee the core functions that support and empower our work across finance, HR, IT, legal, and governance – all vital to our impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll shape the operational and financial strategy of a mission-led organisation that works in partnership with Government, Sport England, and thousands of member organisations to improve lives through physical activity.

Why this role matters:

This is an opportunity to bring your financial and operational leadership to a purpose-led, not-for-profit environment where your skills will contribute directly to positive social change. You’ll ensure our organisational infrastructure is strong, values-aligned, and built to scale our ambitions.

What we’re looking for:

A qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience, ideally in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment A collaborative, empowering leader with the ability to inspire teams and shape a values-led culture Demonstrated success overseeing multiple operational functions such as HR, IT, and governance Experience of working with or in the not-for-profit or public sector is desirable A strategic thinker with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

General Duties

Reporting to, and working very closely with, the Chief Executive within a small executive team, the Director of Business Operations will be responsible for leading the financial management of the organisation. The post-holder will be responsible for all aspects of financial controls, including statutory and regulatory requirements, financial reporting, and budget development.

The role will manage a number of the organisation’s core administrative and office management functions including HR,IT and Legal & Governance.

The Director of Business Operations will also sit on the ukactive Executive Management Team and will therefore be responsible for working across the team to deliver pan-organisation strategy development and planning.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

(these include, but are not limited to:)

• Lead the financial management for ukactive, including all financial controls, statutory and regulatory requirements, financial reporting and budget development.
• Work with Chair and members of the Finance and Resources Committee to oversee the financial control, reporting and management on behalf of the Board.
• Ensure the Chief Executive, Board and Executive Team have the right level of financial information to lead the organization.
• Prepare and present the financial information to the regular ukactive Board Meetings.
• To manage the selection process and delivery of ukactive's auditors.
• Manage the funding relationship with Sport England, ensuring all reporting and support requirements are met, including the assurance reporting process.
• Lead and deliver the budget and financial planning processes for the organisation.
• Lead on the development and reporting on key business KPI’s and metrics, to support the successful delivery of the organisational business plan.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders such as members, Government and Sport England.
• Lead the HR function to ensure ukactive delivers an effective people strategy to support, attract and develop its employees in line with best practice.
• Work closely with the Chair of the Remuneration Committee in line with governance, statutory and best practice requirements.
• Lead the IT function to ensure ukactive has a robust IT strategy and to ensure the IT infrastructure is robust, efficient and fit for purpose.
• Manage the ukactive office and relationship with the office facilities provider, with the support of the Business Operations Administrator.
• Lead on all Legal matters and Governance requirements for ukactive, ensuring we remain compliant in both areas, with the support of the Business Operations Administrator.
• Deputise for the CEO where required in meetings with key stakeholders.
• Identify and respond to issues and trends of strategic importance and ensure ukactive is positioned to capitalise on them.
• Oversee the Finance, HR and IT teams, ensuring effective working and compliance with key processes, such as KPI setting and performance management and reviews.
• Maintain budgetary responsibility for spend in areas of responsibility.

Person specification

Skill, knowledge, and experience needed

Essential

• A qualified accountant and current member of an accounting body with significant senior leadership experience in a complex environment, and a track record of operating credibly at all levels in an organisation, including influencing at Board level.
• Ability to build and motivate high-performing teams and create a learning culture across all parts of the organisation.
• Proven experience in financial leadership, with practical experience of managing significant budgets including statutory and regulatory requirements, financial reporting, and budget development
• Proven experience in implementing and monitoring highly effective and efficient financial controls
• Experience of leading a variety of other functions such as HR, IT, etc
• Excellent communications and stakeholder management skills at a senior level.
• Proven experience of managing and being accountable for substantial budgets.
• Proven ability to problem-solve at a strategic level and respond with agility to events.
• Proven ability to facilitate and champion change.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the physical activity and health sectors, including culture and external influences.
• Experience of working in a not-for-profit organisation.