Chief Operating Officer (and Chapter Clerk) - Bradford Cathedral
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Chief Operating Officer (and Chapter Clerk)
From the Dean
Thank you very much for showing your interest in this
post at Bradford Cathedral.
Cathedrals have a unique ministry. They are centres of
Christian worship and mission but they also have a
national and regional profile that connects to significant
moments in civic life. Working with the Diocesan Bishop they resource and support his / her ministry.
Today the Chapter of this Cathedral has defined our purpose as:
“serving Christ and transforming lives through welcome, worship and encounter.”
You would be joining us at a time of change. The pandemic has created both challenge and opportunity for
cathedrals and we are rising to both through our new strategy, online developments, addition of new staff
and robust financial management. We have also re-structured this post so that it has assistance for the first
time, in an Executive Assistant.
Nationally, the cathedral sector will be undergoing governance changes in the next few years and for the first
time will be subject to external regulation by the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator. So, working
with change internally and externally will be a key theme of this role.
We are now looking for a highly motivated and skilled person to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer.
This is the senior lay role in the cathedral and you will be working closely with the Dean, Chapter and a
committed team of employed lay people and volunteers. You will take responsibility for the lay administration,
governance and operations of the Cathedral. In effect, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the day-
to-day management of the Cathedral’s affairs and the implementation of Chapter’s vision and strategic
decisions.
In appointing new members of staff, I am looking not only for able, committed people who are keen to work
with our purpose, values and strategy but also those who are really good news for the team. It is both
qualities that we need.
In addition, you will need to evidence:
• energy, initiative and a passion for the Cathedral.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docx
• personal values that are aligned to those of the Cathedral as a Christian institution.
• an ability to learn quickly and attend to detail.
• a level of strategic, financial, operational and governance expertise.
• significant team and people skills.
Should you wish to have a confidential discussion about this role, please email me on
jerry.lepine@bradfordcathedral.org to arrange a conversation.
With my prayers and best wishes
The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine
Dean of Bradford
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxRole Overview
To work with the Dean and Chapter to develop and deliver the Cathedral’s Strategic Lines, meet our KPIs
and help our team to achieve theirs and the Cathedral’s potential.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
a. To work with the Dean and Cathedral Chapter to ensure that the action plans are in place to
deliver the Cathedral’s strategy, allowing essential timeframes, milestones and objectives to be
met.
b. To lead on the delivery of those strategic lines that fall within the COO’s remit.
c. To work with the Executive team to help them achieve their strategic objectives.
2. People Development
Supported by and working with the Cathedrals’ external HR provider:
a. To ensure all personnel policies are adhered to by line managers and employees.
b. To manage and encourage a culture of personal development according to identified needs and
provide opportunities for our people to achieve their potential.
c. To facilitate collaborative working across the whole team.
d. To oversee the recruitment process for all new staff and contracted staff.
3. Operations and Management
a. To build synergies with our sister cathedrals at Ripon and Wakefield as well as other cathedrals
and relevant national church bodies e.g. CAFA, AEC.
b. To ensure open and transparent ways of working throughout the Cathedral with good
communication and engagement at all levels.
c. To oversee the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral according to the values, standards and
budgets agreed by Chapter.
d. To ensure effective management, use and future development of all the Cathedral's assets,
including the Cathedral, Chapter House and Precinct.
e. To work with the Director of Finance to assure the Cathedral’s long term financial sustainability.
4. Governance and Administration
a. To ensure the effective running and forward planning of the Chapter and other parts of the
governance and administrative framework – see organisational map.
4
I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxb. To ensure that Chapter meetings are efficiently prepared, minutes taken and decisions executed.
c. To ensure that Chapter policies are efficiently and effectively implemented and revised to adhere
to best practice and legislation.
d. To ensure compliance with current legislation and good practice.
e. To ensure the management of risk including safeguarding.
f. To develop the cathedral governance in line with both internal and external governance
requirements.
5. General
a. To attend such meetings as appropriate to the post.
b. To attend such services in the Cathedral as required by Chapter.
c. Adhere to all of the Cathedral’s policies and procedures.
d. Carry out any other duties, including service attendance, commensurate with the role, as
approved or directed by the Dean or Chapter.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxPerson Specification
REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL MEASURED
(E) BY:
A – Application,
D – Documents,
DESIRABLE I – Interview,
(D) R –References
Qualifications
Degree level qualification (preferably in business or a related E A/D
topic)
Evidence of recent management training D A
Evidence of a higher degree or ongoing higher D A
education/training in management studies
Project management qualification or equivalent D A/D
Skills
A track record of successful operational delivery at a similar E A/I
organisational level
Understanding of good business practice and financial E A/I
management.
Strong analytical powers with matching judgement. D A
Ability to work within a team understanding the nuance of D A/I
differing ‘lay’ and ‘clerical’ perspectives.
Ability to manage people and projects successfully. E A/I
Strong people skills with the ability to engage with and E A/I
influence a variety of different people.
Excellent oral and written communications skills. E A/I
Sensitivity, diplomacy and an ability to work with complex E I
situations.
Experience
Recent experience working at Board or Director level. E A/R
A track record of successful strategic operational delivery. E A/I
Experience of managing change and project management. E A/I
Proven ability of working collaboratively with colleagues. D A/I
Experience developing and managing a cross organisational E A/I
team.
Recent experience working in the not-for-profit or Charity D A/R
Sector.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxREQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL MEASURED
(E) BY:
A – Application,
D – Documents,
DESIRABLE I – Interview,
(D) R –References
Working with governance change. D A/I
Knowledge
A working knowledge of the Church of England and the D A/I
Christian faith.
Working knowledge of essential HR practices. D A
Knowledge of Safeguarding procedures. D A/I
Attitudes
Honesty, integrity and strong values. The appointee needs to E A/I
be able to work comfortably in a faith based organisation
and be sympathetic to, and supportive of, Christian values.
A wholehearted commitment to the success of the E I
Cathedral.
The willingness to work flexible hours on occasion, with E I
periods of considerable intensity, as required.
Flexible and adaptable under pressure. E I
Self-organisation and the ability to balance own work load. E I
Discretion and sensitivity to others. E I
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxTerms and Conditions
This post is based at Bradford Cathedral however there may be an opportunity to negotiate working from
another location e.g. home. The contracted hours will typically be worked between 08:30 – 17:00 Monday
to Friday. Occasionally, it may be necessary to work outside of these hours including evenings and weekends.
The post is a Part Time Post and is based on a 30-hour week. Attendance is required at the Cathedral as
agreed with your line manager in advance.
The post is line managed by the Dean of Bradford.
The Full Time Salary for this post is £45,000. This post is 0.8 of a Full Time post therefore the salary for this
post is £36,000 per annum.
Annual leave for a Full-Time role is 28 days per year plus 8 bank / public holidays. This post is 0.8 of a Full
Time post. Therefore, the annual leave for this post is 28.8 days per annum including bank holidays.
Chapter will contribute an amount equal to 5% of salary towards a Pension Scheme run by the Church of
England and a further 3.5% is added from the employee’s salary.
The first six months of employment will be a probationary period.
Bradford Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An offer of employment is made subject to a satisfactory
completion of an HMRC Fit and Proper person declaration, a confidential safeguarding declaration,
completion of satisfactory references and DBS check.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxHow to Apply
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Friday 23rd October 2020 and the interview will be on Tuesday 10th
November 2020. Due to the current covid-19 restrictions, the Cathedral reserves the right to interview
using video conferencing facilities. There Cathedral may undertake a second in person interview. This will
be on Wednesday 11th November 2020. The cathedral endeavours to provide fair opportunities for
everyone. Please contact the Chief Operating Officer if you feel you will need the Cathedral to make an
additional or particular arrangement for your interview.
Candidates should apply by completing an application. CVs will not be accepted as an alternative to an
application form. Application Forms should be submitted electronically to the Chief Operating Officer. Please
state ‘Job Application: Chief Operating Officer.’ in the subject line and email the application to
chiefopsofficer@bradfordcathedral.org.
All candidates, successful or not in being shortlisted will be contacted shortly thereafter. More information
about the process will be sent to short-listed candidates. The process will include a formal interview as well
as the opportunity for more informal conversations.
Point of contact
Sarah Field-Blešić
Chief Operating Officer
Bradford Cathedral
Cathedral Office
1 Stott Hill
Bradford BD1 4EH
01274 777720
chiefopsofficer@bradfordcathedral.org
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxThe Cathedral
In 2019 the Church of St Peter, Bradford celebrated its centenary as a cathedral although there has been a
Christian church on this hillside for at least 1,200 years. In 2014 it became one of three cathedrals in the
newest diocese in the Church of England – Leeds. Wakefield and Ripon being the other two. It was also
made the first eco Cathedral in the Church of England in 2010.
This is an inner-city Cathedral in one of the poorest cities in the UK. The parish ranks 475 out of 12,382
where 1 is the most deprived parish. This means that the parish is among the most deprived in the country.
The Dean is Vicar of Bradford and the Cathedral is an important focus of Christian witness in the centre of
the City.
The Cathedral Council, College of Canons and Chapter currently make up the ‘body corporate’ and the
congregation is represented on each grouping and has its own Community Committee. This governance
arrangement is due to change under the new Cathedrals Measure.
This year we are putting the finishing touches to our new strategic framework.
Purpose
“Serving Christ and transforming lives through welcome, worship and encounter.”
Values
Hospitality Faithfulness Wholeness.
Strategic Lines
• To encounter God
• To nurture faith and gifts
• To grow a healthy organization
• To resource the Church
• To enrich city life
• To achieve financial sustainability
• To conserve and develop the heritage
• To respond to human need
The staff team is committed, energetic and supportive. Over the last few years, through good financial
management and use of grant income, the team has expanded and is continuing to grow.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxBeing in the centre of the city we are proud of the peace and beauty of the Cathedral Close and visitors
often comment on the precinct and warmth of the cathedral. In the summer people enjoy the grounds in
their lunch hours.
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I:\Job Applications (October 2020)\Job Description _ Chief Operating Officer FINAL 25 09 2020.docxYou can also read
