Finance & Operations Manager

Harris Hill is delighted to partner exclusively with Rory Peck Trust to recruit their new Finance & Operations Manager.

For thirty years Rory Peck Trust has been a lifeline for freelance journalists around the world. Independent journalism provides us with the facts we need to make informed decisions, Often, those on the frontlines are freelance truth-tellers, without the support of a large news organisation. The Rory Peck Trust seeks to empower them with the knowledge, resources and resilience they need to report from some of the most dangerous places in the world, safely and without fear. It provides training, equipping freelancers with potentially lifesaving first aid skills. It offers emergency financial assistance when things go wrong. And it ensures access to mental health therapy, enabling those who have experienced trauma to continue their vital work. The Trust also advocates for freelancers, honouring the world's best independent journalism at the Rory Peck Awards every November.

Over the last three decades it has helped more than 3,300 journalists, providing more than £3 million in financial assistance, every penny donated by the Trust's donors and supporters, drawn largely from UK, European and US media. But thirty years after it was founded, demand for the Trust's services is greater than ever. 2025 was the deadliest ever for members of the media, while near record numbers of journalists are in jail.

Role details

• Position: Finance & Operations Manager
• Location: Central London & home working
• Contract: Permanent, full-time (flexible working available, including 4 days per week)
• Hybrid: 1 day per week in the Central London office
• Salary: £55,000 per annum
• Reports to: Executive Director

The Role

The Finance & Operations Manager is a senior, hands-on leadership role, responsible for ensuring the Trust is financially robust, well-governed, legally compliant and operationally effective.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the postholder will lead on finance, HR, IT and organisational systems, and act as Secretary to the Board. This role provides the operational backbone that enables the Trust's programmes, partnerships and advocacy work to succeed, and requires confidence, judgement and discretion at board level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and reporting
• Prepare management accounts and liaise with external accountants and auditors
• Support the Board on financial planning, reserves, and organisational risk
• Act as Secretary to the Board, coordinating meetings, papers and governance records
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and regulatory requirements
• Lead HR operations, including recruitment, contracts, policies and staff wellbeing
• Oversee IT systems, data protection, insurance, contracts and operational risk
• Drive improvements in systems, processes and organisational efficiency

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior finance, operations or business role
• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting and working with auditors
• Experience supporting Boards or senior governance structures
• Good working knowledge of HR processes and employment best practice
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and professional, with strong judgement
• Confident communicator, able to work effectively with trustees and advisers

Desirable

• Accountancy qualification
• Experience in the charity, media, human rights or international development sectors
• Knowledge of UK charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
• Experience in safeguarding or high duty-of-care environments

Why Join Rory Peck Trust

This is a rare opportunity to play a central leadership role in an organisation with global reach and real-world impact. By strengthening the Trust behind the scenes, you will help protect freelance journalists working on the frontlines of truth at a time when independent journalism matters more than ever.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We want to build a diverse, equ