About this role
Job summary We are seeking an outstanding Executive Director of Finance, Operations & Growth to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a high-profile, mission-critical role that combines strategic financial leadership with operational excellence and commercial growth. You will play a central role in ensuring the Hospices future sustainability, driving income diversification, and enabling transformational change that supports the delivery of exceptional care. You will be delivering an ambitious new strategy working closely with an inspiring CEO, collaborative and forward thinking SLT and Board of Trustees. Keech Hospice is in the top 25 of 100 Best Companies to work for.
Main duties of the job
Strategic Financial Leadership
Finance Function Excellence
Growth & Commercial Strategy
Operations, Estates & Sustainability
Transformation & Major Projects
Executive Leadership & Governance
Organisational Stewardship
About us Keech Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life care for people of all ages. We support adults in Bedfordshire. Children and their families in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes. At home, in hospice, or wherever were needed.
As a teaching hospice, our exceptional people, training, and facilities are helping local communities to live and die well.
Job description Job responsibilities
1. Strategic Financial Leadership - Lead the development and delivery of the organisations financial strategy aligned with organisations strategic direction. Provide high-quality financial insight, analysis, and strategic advice to the CEO, Board, and Executive Team. Ensure long-term financial sustainability through robust planning, forecasting, modelling, and risk management. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management. Maintain strong financial governance, controls, and compliance frameworks. Lead external audit processes and ensure timely statutory financial reporting.
2. Finance Function Leadership - Provide leadership to the finance team, ensuring a high-performing, collaborative, and business-partnering culture. Ensure accurate and timely production of management and statutory accounts, easily accessible by the management teams. Maintain and continuously improve financial systems, processes, and data integrity. Strengthen financial capability across the organisation through effective support and partnering. Oversee treasury management, including cashflow, banking relationships, and financial resources including the Investment Committee.
3. Growth & Enterprise (Trading and Commercial Income Generation) - Lead the strategic direction and success of commercial income-generating activities, including charity retail operations. Maximise opportunities, profitability, and sustainability across all enterprise and trading functions. Identify, develop, and evaluate new business opportunities aligned with organisational strategy. Develop strategic partnerships to support income diversification and long-term growth.
4. Procurement, Operations & Sustainability Strategy - Provide strategic leadership across procurement, estates, operations, and sustainability to support organisational growth and performance. Lead commercial, procurement, and capital investment strategies to deliver value, efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence. Oversee major commissioning, contracts, supplier relationships, estates, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure effective performance and risk management. Drive continuous improvement, asset optimisation, and sustainable operational practices, including delivery of environmental and net zero objectives.
5. New Business, Strategic Projects & Transformation - Identify and lead the development of new business opportunities and strategic initiatives. Assure development of robust business cases and investment proposals for Executive and Board approval. Lead or sponsor major transformation programmes, including operational, estates, and organisational change. Ensure effective governance, delivery, and realisation of benefits from strategic programmes. Commission and manage external expertise (e.g. consultants, architects, project partners) where required.
6. Leadership & Governance - Act as a key member of the Executive Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making. Build strong relationships with the Board and its committees (including Audit & Risk). Provide clear leadership, direction, and role modelling of organisational values. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across all areas of responsibility. Ensure effective risk management and governance across finance, operations, estates, and growth activities.
Additional Responsibilities:
Part of the senior leaders on-call rota.
Part of the site duty manager rota for Bedford and Luton
SIRO
Company Secretary Duties.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
Additional Criteria Essential
Knowledge of governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks. Member of one of the professional accountancy bodies - Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants Knowledge of the necessary regulatory environment and obligations. Familiar with SORP Skills & Competencies
Strong strategic financial and commercial acumen. Proven ability to lead operational, estates, and infrastructure functions. Ability to influence effectively in a team environment with fellow Executives, the Chief Executive and Trustees. Credible, confident but humble too An ability to manage internal and external relationships Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement. Must be able to build trust and demonstrate credibility at all levels A perfect match with the Charitys values and culture, including commitment to Equity Diversity and Inclusions, and sustainability.
Desirable
Familiarity with the financial challenges of major charities, especially in the health sector
Experience Essential
Significant senior leadership experience in finance at Director or Executive level. Proven track record of leading finance teams in complex organisations. Strong experience/knowledge of charity income generation. Experience in estates/facilities management and/or capital project oversight. Experience in procurement, contracting, and operational leadership. Demonstrated success in delivering strategic transformation and growth initiatives. Demonstrable substantial financial experience and a track record of success in an environment of change Experience of leading and motivating teams of volunteers Application / Interview
Desirable
Experience of leading and motivating teams of volunteers
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Keech Hospice Care
Address Keech Hospice
Luton
LU3 3NT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.keech.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)