Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO)

This is a senior interim role, responsible for the effective day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring financial discipline, staff confidence and delivery against strategy.

The role includes oversight of operational delivery, people management, marketing and communications, and fundraising operations (working closely with relevant departmental leads and the Board).

• Reporting to: Chair and Board of Trustees
• Contract: Interim initial 6-month period (with potential for extension subject to organisational needs)
• Salary: £65k full-time, part-time hours considered.
• Location: Hybrid: London, South Coast and home working
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

Background

UKHarvest is a food waste and food education charity supporting vulnerable people experiencing food insecurity in the community, though a number of impactful and groundbreaking projects. Our mission is to reduce food waste and increase food security. Our education programmes (NOURISHed), Community Food Hubs, Grub Clubs and Community Grub Clubs are designed to overcome social barriers and food insecurity by connecting people through food.

We operate two community food hubs that deliver hot meals and community food education and engagement; Nourish Hub in London and Nourish Hub Cafe in Bognor Regis. Both spaces fulfil our mission to create warm, welcoming community spaces where people can regain their independence and confidence through the medium of food. Our projects are supported by our food rescue operation that collects quality surplus food and redistributes it through projects in the community.

Purpose of the Role

The Charity founder and CEO is retiring from her post and in this period, UKHarvest requires an interim Chief Operating Officer. This COO will provide strong, calm and effective operational leadership during a period of transition, ensuring continuity, stability and confidence across the organisation.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role focusing on day-to-day operational delivery, financial discipline, staff reassurance whilst maintaining confidence among funders, partners and stakeholders, while ensuring UKHarvest continues to deliver impact against its strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Continuity

• Lead the organisation s day-to-day operations, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with our agreed strategy.
• Maintain operational focus and performance during a period of leadership change.
• Ensure effective coordination across all functions, projects and locations.
• Act as a visible, accessible and reassuring leader for staff and volunteers.

2. Financial Discipline & Organisational Sustainability

• Take responsibility for robust financial management, budgeting and cashflow oversight.
• Work closely with the finance function and Board to ensure strong financial controls, reporting and compliance.
• Ensure resources are deployed efficiently and in line with charitable objectives.
• Support funder confidence through clear financial governance, delivery assurance and transparency.

3. People Leadership, Staff Reassurance & Culture

• Provide clear, confident and empathetic leadership to staff and volunteers.
• Maintain morale, clarity and stability across teams during the interim period.
• Ensure appropriate structures, line management and accountability are in place.
• Foster a values-led, inclusive and supportive organisational culture.

4. Functional Oversight & Line Management

• Hold overall responsibility for core operational and enabling functions, including:
  • Operations, logistics and programmes
  • Education
  • Finance and administration
  • People and volunteer management
  • Marketing, communications engagement and PR
• Provide clear direction and support to functional leads and teams, recognising direct accountability for these areas.
• Ensure external communications, reputation management, media engagement and events activity are well managed, coordinated and aligned with organisational priorities.

5. External Relationships & Stakeholder Confidence

• Act as a senior operational point of contact for funders, partners and key stakeholders.
• Support confidence among funders and partners through consistent delivery and professional operational management.
• Represent UKHarvest at appropriate external meetings, events and forums.

6. Governance & Board Support

• Work closely with the Chair and Board, providing timely, accurate and relevant operational information.
• Support effective governance through clear reporting, risk management and delivery against agreed priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, safeguarding and health & safety requirements.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven senior operational leadership experience, ideally at COO, Director or equivalent level. (10 years)
• Experience within the charity, not-for-profit, food, logistics or community sector or demonstrably transferable commercial experience.
• Strong experience of financial management, budgeting and operational controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead generously and reassure teams during periods of change.
• Excellent communication skills, judgement and emotional intelligence.
• A belief in social justice, environmental sustainability and reduction of food waste.
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, delivery-focused interim role.

Desirable Experience

• Experience overseeing marketing, communications, media relations and events management.
• Experience working with a diverse range of functions, funders, partners and volunteers.
• Previous interim leadership

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to UKHarvest.

Position Closing: Sunday 22nd February 12 noon

Inital interview Tuesday 24th February - final interviews Friday 27th February