Chief Operating Officer

Overview

Help lead a fantastic team in an iconic building at the heart of the community: we are looking for a Chief Operating Officer who will oversee people, finance, and day-to-day operations in this amazing place at the heart of our city and district - a centre of prayer and Christian faith for at least nine hundred years.

The Chief Operating Officer co-ordinates the work of the Cathedral's staff and works closely with the Dean in overseeing day-to-day operations. As with all the Cathedral's senior management roles, the post-holder must be comfortable both representing the Cathedral at a senior level externally and overseeing staff, budgets, risk management, and projects - while being willing to be hands-on on a busy and demanding site in a small team. The Chief Operating Officer oversees work in fabric, finance, and administration, working with staff, professional advisers, and key governance committees.

We're not expecting someone to know it all from day one, or to be equally at home in all aspects of this varied role, or someone who necessarily has experience of working for a church. But if you're up for a challenge in a fascinating place with great people, do be in touch!

To find out more contact Philip Hobday, Dean of Wakefield, on - we'd love to hear from you.

Wakefield Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Details of our safeguarding policies are available at This role is subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee work in fabric, finance, and administration within the Cathedral, working with staff, professional advisers, and key governance committees.
• Coordinate the work of Cathedral staff and oversee day-to-day operations in partnership with the Dean.
• Represent the Cathedral at senior external levels and manage staff, budgets, risk management, and projects.
• Be hands-on on a busy and demanding site in a small team.

Qualifications and attributes

• Comfortable representing the Cathedral at senior external levels and overseeing staff, budgets, risk management, and projects.
• Willingness to be hands-on on a busy and demanding site in a small team.
• Experience with fabric, finance, or administration is welcome but not required to be known from day one; the role supports varied responsibilities across functions.
• Open to candidates who may not have prior church experience but are ready for a challenge in a fascinating place with great people.

Hours

35 per week (with potential to discuss 0.8 option of 28 hours per week)

Applications and interviews

Applications close: Midnight of Thursday 16 April 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 5th May 2026