Head of Professional Services

Saint Paul’s is a vibrant Anglican church at the heart of London, dedicated to encountering God and awakening our city. We strive to be a white-hot centre of faith where people experience God’s presence and are empowered to live out their calling in every aspect of their lives. Our vision is to see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, equipping our community to make a lasting impact on London. We are committed to nurturing faith, fostering community, and being a resource for the wider city through the use of our spaces and facilities.

Role Purpose

The Head of Professional Services provides senior operational leadership across Saint Paul’s key support functions, including Finance, Human Resources (HR), Communications, and outsourced partnerships (IT, Payroll, Legal). This role is pivotal in ensuring organisational effectiveness, strong governance, financial health, clear communication, and professional excellence across the church. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Head of Professional Services strategically developing internal systems, processes, and compliance frameworks that underpin and enhance the church’s ministry and operations, while managing internal projects, facilitating change initiatives, and maintaining strong external professional relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead and line-manage the Finance Manager to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow management.

• Oversee financial improvement initiatives, including the development of the chart of accounts and enhanced financial reporting for budget holders.

• Manage payroll, liaising closely with external providers to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

• Maintain robust internal financial controls aligned with charity legislation and best practice.

Human Resources Management

• Directly manage daily HR operations, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, maintaining policies, records, and systems.

• Support the Director of Operations in strategic HR matters, including recruitment, onboarding, staff appraisals, training, and wellbeing initiatives.

Communications Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and direct line-management of the Operations Coordinator who manages day to day communications.

• Manage external communications partnerships, ensuring consistency with Saint Paul’s brand and vision.

• Support senior leadership in shaping effective and proactive communication strategies internally and externally.

Governance and Compliance

• Oversee Health & Safety and GDPR compliance, maintaining robust policies, conducting audits, and providing regular training for staff.

• Actively participate in the Standing Committee, prepare meeting documentation, advise on relevant issues, and manage committee agenda, documentation, minutes and follow-up actions.

IT and Outsourced Partnerships

• Provide strategic oversight of IT infrastructure and systems, coordinating closely with external IT contractors for effective implementation and ongoing support.

• Manage external providers for Payroll, IT, and Legal services, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality service and value.

• Lead internal systems and process improvement projects to enhance organisational efficiency.

Team Leadership and Management

• Provide clear, supportive line-management to the Finance Manager, Media and Communications Manager, and external outsourced partners.

• Foster a collaborative, professional team culture, supporting ongoing professional development and performance.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership and management experience in professional services roles (Finance, HR, Communications, Governance, or related fields).

• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, payroll, and financial reporting.

• Solid HR operational experience, including policy management, compliance, and record keeping.

• Excellent organisational, planning, and project management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities.

• Experience managing outsourced services and partnerships effectively.

• Strong working knowledge of GDPR, Health & Safety, and governance compliance.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Additional Skills (Desirable)

• Relevant professional qualifications in Finance, HR, Governance, or Management.

• Previous experience in church, charity, or not-for-profit sectors.

• Familiarity with charity finance regulations, UK employment law, and/or church governance structures.

Personal Qualities

• Strategic and analytical thinker, able to prioritise effectively and implement solutions.

• Discreet, trustworthy, and professional, capable of managing sensitive and confidential information.

• Collaborative leadership style, focused on empowering and developing team members.

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with senior leadership, external partners, and stakeholders.

• Flexible and adaptable approach, comfortable in a dynamic operational environment.

• Strongly aligned with Saint Paul’s vision, values, and mission.

Working Requirements

• Proof of right to work in the UK.

• Flexible working arrangement: 4 or 5 days per week, as agreed.

• Occasional evening commitments required (TOIL provided).

• Attendance at weekly Tuesday morning staff meetings and Standing Committee meetings.

• Flexibility required based on the reasonable operational needs of the church.

Key Church Services and Events

• Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), Church Weekend, and occasional evening events.

• Easter and Christmas services.

• Annual staff retreat (typically January).

Package

• Salary: £35,000–£40,000 per annum (depending on experience).

• Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and your birthday off.

• Employer pension contribution.

• A generous toil allowance.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a completed Application Form plus CV, outlining competencies and experience that align to the full Job Description:

Application form
Download here

Job description
Download here

Submit
Completed/signed application Form and CV here.

The closing date for applications is Sunday the 8th of June.