Chief Operating Officer

Lead transformational change at one of England’s most beautiful rural cathedrals. Join Southwell Minster as Chief Operating Officer — a versatile leader to drive forward our vision and shape an inspiring future.

About Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham — a sacred place of worship for over 1,000 years, nestled in the heart of a vibrant rural town.

The Cathedral is unique among English cathedrals in its blend of scale and intimacy: a parish church that is also the seat of a Bishop, a centre for liturgy and music, and a cherished heritage site. Its setting is spectacular, voted Nottinghamshire’s attraction of the year. Southwell Cathedral’s mission is rooted in Christian values of welcome, healing and joy.

About the role

As our new Chief Operating Officer, you’ll join a close-knit, mission-led community in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire. With deep roots in Christian worship and strong momentum for organisational transformation, the Cathedral offers a rare opportunity for a strategic and empathetic leader to shape its future.

You will be central to embedding a newly defined vision and delivering critical change across operations, finance, and culture. Leading a diverse team and stewarding important stakeholder relationships, you will help bring cohesion, energy, and financial stability to an organisation undergoing exciting change — all in a stunning, historic setting that inspires thousands each year.

This is a hands-on leadership role, balancing strategic development with a deep sense of pastoral care, people management and operational rigour.

Who we are looking for

We seek an emotionally intelligent, commercially competent and values-driven leader — someone who brings clarity and connection in a complex environment.

You will bring:

• A track record of leadership in operational and strategic roles, ideally in faith-based, charitable, heritage or complex environments
• Experience managing people across diverse roles, hours and disciplines — with a pastoral, collaborative approach
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including income generation, budgeting and long-term planning
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build trust across clergy, staff, volunteers and partners

This is a rare opportunity to build on the momentum of change, and to shape a cohesive, mission-led organisation that continues to serve and inspire for generations to come.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 20^th June 2025.