Strategic Lead - Finance& Operations

The Strategic Lead - Finance & Operations is Young Manchester's senior internal lead for financial management, financial sustainability and business support functions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the postholder will provide strategic financial leadership while ensuring the organisation has effective governance arrangements, operational systems and organisational processes to support high-quality delivery and long-term sustainability.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Strategic Lead will provide expert advice and insight to the CEO, Board of Trustees and colleagues, supporting informed decision-making, organisational resilience and continuous improvement.

The role combines strategic financial leadership with oversight of key operational functions and organisational infrastructure, helping ensure Young Manchester remains efficient, compliant and well positioned for future growth.

• Lead all aspects of the organisation's financial management and reporting.
• Support the CEO and Board to develop annual budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial plans.
• Monitor organisational income, expenditure, reserves and cash flow.
• Produce accurate management accounts and financial reports to support decision-making.
• Support budget holders to manage budgets effectively and responsibly.
• Oversee restricted funds, grants, contracts and designated budgets.
• Ensure robust financial controls, systems and procedures are maintained.
• Coordinate annual audits, statutory accounts and regulatory reporting.
• Manage relationships with auditors, accountants, banks and financial advisers.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and provide recommendations to senior leaders

• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide financial insight, analysis and recommendations to support organisational decision-making.
• Support the CEO and Board in ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable and resilient.
• Lead strategic projects and organisational improvement initiatives within areas of responsibility.
• Contribute to organisational business planning, performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Lead organisational governance, risk and compliance activities.
• Support the effective operation of the Board of Trustees and relevant committees.
• Maintain organisational policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Develop and oversee risk management and business continuity arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with charity law, company law, employment legislation, GDPR and funding requirements.
• Coordinate organisational due diligence, audits and reporting processes.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and information governance requirements are embedded across the organisation.

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems, processes and infrastructure.
• Ensure operational systems effectively support organisational delivery and growth.
• Oversee organisational administration, facilities and business support functions.
• Manage contracts, procurement processes and supplier relationships.
• Support organisational recruitment, onboarding and workforce administration processes.
• Ensure employment policies, records and people-related systems remain compliant and up to date.
• Support organisation-wide planning, coordination and performance management.
• Drive operational efficiency and identify opportunities to improve ways of working.

• Oversee organisational systems including Microsoft 365, Salesforce and finance systems.
• Ensure systems support effective reporting, planning and organisational performance.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, management and compliance.
• Support the development of digital systems and organisational reporting capabilities.
• Promote data-informed decision-making across the organisation.
• Ensure information security and data protection requirements are met

• Provide effective line management and support to direct reports.
• Lead and develop a collaborative, high-performing…