Chief Operating Officer, Portsmouth Cathedral
Category: Parish
Address: Portsmouth Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH
Phone: 07904 158737
Email: clarec@peridotpartners.co.uk
Website: Portsmouth Cathedral Careers
Deadline: 10 Mar 2025, 9 a.m.
Join the team leading the iconic Cathedral of the Sea. As Portsmouth Cathedral’s COO, you will deliver the Chapter’s strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure the Cathedral thrives as a centre of ministry, mission, heritage and events.
We seek a dynamic Chief Operating Officer to join the Cathedral leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping its future. As the senior operational manager, you will help develop its role as a place of worship, a loving community, and a heritage site of awe-inspiring historic significance.
About the role
As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be a key member of the Cathedral leadership team, reporting to the Dean and being accountable to the Chapter – as well as representing the Cathedral to Diocesan and Civic communities.
The COO has wide-ranging responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of Portsmouth Cathedral’s life and work.
You will lead the operations team in developing and implementing strategy and policy, ensuring effective governance and management of the Cathedral’s practical business and mission.
You will be pivotal in preparing and delivering the Cathedral’s strategic plan, securing its financial sustainability, and maintaining compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership:
* Develop and execute strategy and business plans with realistic goals and timeframes.
* Identify sustainable income streams and new opportunities for growth.
* Operational Management:
o Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff, volunteers, property, and resources.
o Strengthen visitor engagement, heritage presentation, and commercial activities.
* Governance and Compliance:
o Ensure compliance with ecclesiastical, charity, and statutory regulations.
o Maintain robust risk management, safeguarding, and health and safety practices.
o As COO, you will be the designated member of the Cathedral staff serving as the overall licensee.
This is a perfect role for a collaborative leader eager to guide the Cathedral’s operational success and contribute to its future as a place of worship, community, and historic significance.
Who we are looking for
We seek an experienced, confident, and values-driven leader to join Portsmouth Cathedral as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). With a strong track record in operational management, financial sustainability, and strategic leadership, you will have experience overseeing complex organisations, ideally within a faith-based, heritage, or non-profit setting. You will be able to manage the Cathedral’s unique blend of spiritual mission, heritage, and commercial activities. With strong emotional intelligence and adaptability, you will excel in fostering collaboration, engaging stakeholders, and leading diverse teams.
Your financial acumen will ensure effective budgeting and long-term sustainability, while your operational expertise will help you manage large-scale projects and optimise performance.
As a strategic thinker, you will navigate governance challenges with agility and align teams around shared goals. At the same time, you will be an inspiring and empowering leader, promoting a culture of trust, open communication, and teamwork.
Resilient and adaptable, you will balance high-level vision with the practical demands of Cathedral life, ensuring its continued growth while upholding its values and traditions.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
St Thomass Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH
J-18808-Ljbffr