Organisation: The Booker Prize Foundation
Role: Director of Finance and Operations
Salary: £90,000 per annum
Location: Largely London-based, with flexibility to work remotely as appropriate.
The Director of Finance and Operations at the Booker Prize Foundation is a senior leadership role: a thought partner for the Chief Executive Officer, a strategic financial thinker with oversight of budgets and planning, and a centrepiece for operations who ensures the Foundation runs smoothly and efficiently day to day.
Reporting to the CEO and working in close collaboration with the Director of Prizes, the Director of Content, and the Director of Development, the Director of Finance and Operations will play a central role in supporting the Foundation’s collaborative workflows and ensuring operational consistency across all areas of activity.
The Director will oversee the recruitment and management of an Administrative Assistant, whose responsibilities will include maintaining accounting records, processing invoices, and managing payments. Together, they will help strengthen the Foundation’s systems, culture, and long-term sustainability, contributing to the success of a dynamic and high-profile organisation at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
This is a hands-on, year-round role requiring both strategic oversight and practical execution. The role also requires regular visibility and presence on site, ensuring close working relationships with colleagues and partners and a deep understanding of the Foundation’s day-to-day operations.
Core Responsibilities
Finance
- Overall responsibility for the finance function, from maintenance of accounting records and management of invoicing and payments to setting and monitoring budgets and providing quarterly financial reports to the Treasurer and Board.
- Liaison with the Foundation’s external auditors and responsibility for ensuring that all financial and statutory reporting requirements are met.
- Lead on financial planning and modelling to support the organisation’s long-term goals, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
Operations and Organisational Management
- Oversee the Foundation’s operational effectiveness, ensuring systems, processes, and policies are robust, efficient, and aligned with best practice.
- Supervise professional services contracts and ensure smooth day-to-day office management and workflow systems.
- Work collaboratively across departments to support joined-up planning, delivery, and communication, helping to ensure operational consistency and alignment between teams.
- Continuously assess and improve operational processes to enhance productivity, collaboration, and organisational resilience.
- Lead on technology, digital, and infrastructure planning, ensuring that the organisation’s tools, data management, and digital systems support its current and future needs.
HR and People
- Oversee HR practice and policy development, including recruitment, onboarding, performance review, and professional development.
- Work closely with the external HR advisor, with responsibility for day-to-day HR administration, record keeping, and employee wellbeing.
- Promote a positive, inclusive working culture and lead on embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion across operational practices.
Governance, Compliance, and Legal
- Lead on regulatory and compliance matters, including all company secretarial tasks and ensuring compliance with charity and company law.
- Compile agendas, notices, and minutes for Board meetings, and support governance best practice.
- Oversee risk management frameworks across finance, legal, and operational areas, ensuring the organisation’s compliance and reputation are protected.
- Manage the Foundation’s name licensing arrangements with Booker plc and other key contractual relationships.