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. Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th March 2025. Who we are Portsmouth Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of the Sea, has been a beacon of faith, community and heritage for over 800 years. From its humble beginnings in 1180 as a chapel dedicated to St. Thomas Becket, it has grown into a vibrant centre of worship and civic life, becoming a Cathedral in 1927. Renowned for its exceptional music, Portsmouth Cathedral has a strong choral tradition, offering a wide range of musical performances and supporting the development of young musicians. Music is at the heart of its worship and cultural offerings, inspiring all who visit. In addition to its spiritual mission, the Cathedral plays a vital role in the city, hosting services for the Royal Navy, local charities, schools, and the wider community — alongside educational workshops, concerts, art exhibitions and an increasingly wide range of events and commercial activities. Portsmouth Cathedral continues to be a symbol of hope, connection, and inspiration. 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: Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff, volunteers, property, and resources. Strengthen visitor engagement, heritage presentation, and commercial activities. Governance and Compliance: Ensure compliance with ecclesiastical, charity, and statutory regulations. Maintain robust risk management, safeguarding, and health and safety practices. 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. Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply. Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th March 2025.