Chief Operating Officer Bradford Cathedral

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Chief Operating Officer Bradford Cathedral Bradford Cathedral are seeking an adaptable Chief Operating Officer to translate vision into operational excellence during a transformative era.

• Location: Bradford, BD1 4EH

Bradford Cathedral is seeking an inspirational and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as its senior lay leader. This is an important and hopeful moment in the Cathedral's life as we shape the next phase of our shared vision, building on the growing confidence of Bradford following its experience of hosting the UK City of Culture.

The COO is a pivotal role, working closely with the Dean and Chapter to translate our high-level strategy into sustainable, well-governed, and effective operational practice.

In this position, you will lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in a unique, mission-driven environment. We are looking for a leader who can balance the complexities of an ancient heritage site with the requirements of a modern, forward-looking institution. As a small inner-city cathedral with parish responsibilities, we depend on creativity, collaboration and the careful stewardship of our resources. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to the leadership of an organisation that is both ancient and evolving, rooted in prayer and deeply engaged in public life.

Who we are Bradford Cathedral stands at the spiritual and civic heart of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities. Our story brings together over 1,400 years of Christian witness, woven into the rich fabric of the city and beyond. We are an integral part of the mission and work of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, serving as the seat of the Bishop and a centre for worship and music.

Guided by our values of Interculturality, Rootedness, Innovativeness and Hospitality, we seek to play a transformative role in Bradford's life. We are home to a thriving worshipping community and offer a rich pattern of liturgy and prayer alongside a wide range of cultural, educational and community activities. We aim to be a safe place for gathering when local or global events require a spiritual response or honest conversation.

Our vision is to ensure that all can discover who they were created to be and that no one is passed by.

About the role The Chief Operating Officer role exists to support worship, mission, parish life and civic engagement to flourish by ensuring that people, resources, governance and operations are aligned.

You will act as a governance advisor to the Dean and Chapter, supporting them in fulfilling their responsibilities under the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and charity law.

Your key responsibilities will include translating the Cathedral's vision into clear, deliverable operational plans with realistic milestones. You will provide leadership across the staff team, fostering a culture of learning, well-being and accountability.

This role involves direct line management of the Director of Finance, Head of Fundraising, Office Manager, Head Verger and the Events & Marketing Officer.

You will also oversee the day-to-day operational life of the Cathedral, including effective stewardship of our historic buildings and precinct.

Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will support financial sustainability and prudent resource management. This position requires a leader who can combine high-level strategic oversight with appropriate hands-on involvement.

Who we are looking for We are seeking an outstanding senior leader who is motivated by the mission, public role and long-term flourishing of Bradford Cathedral.

The successful candidate will bring both professional credibility and relational intelligence to work effectively within a cathedral context, holding together the complementary contributions of lay and ordained colleagues, staff and volunteers.

You will be a resilient and adaptable leader, able to navigate complexity, lead change and ensure the effective and sustainable operation of the Cathedral's life and work.

• A clear commitment to the Cathedral's mission, values and long-term sustainability.
• The ability to build strong, trusted relationships across a diverse community, including clergy, staff, volunteers and external partners.
• Experience of working at Board or Director level, advising and supporting non executive decision makers.
• Proven ability to lead and manage change within complex and evolving environments.
• Strong financial and organisational leadership, including budgeting, forecasting and risk management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the judgement and diplomacy to navigate competing priorities.
• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, the life of the Church and the role of a cathedral in its civic and diocesan context.

Experience in the not for profit or charity sector is desirable.

To view the job description and person specification, please go to the 'How to Apply' tab above, fill in your details and download the job pack.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact David Hingley

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Operating Officer at Bradford Cathedral.

Bradford Cathedral stands on a site that has been a place of Christian worship and witness for over 1,400 years. Today, we continue to be a centre of prayer and worship, while also playing an active role in the civic, cultural and community life of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities. Through worship, welcome, partnership and service, we seek to weave Jesus into the rich fabric of our city and beyond.

This is an important and hopeful moment in the Cathedral's life. As we shape the next phase of our shared vision, we are building on our strengths and the growing confidence of the city - including the profile, partnerships and momentum emerging from Bradford's year as UK City of Culture.

Alongside this, we are committed to strengthening the organisational foundations that will sustain our ministry and mission in the years ahead. As a small inner-city cathedral, we depend on creativity, collaboration and careful stewardship of our people, buildings and resources.

The Chief Operating Officer is a pivotal role in this next chapter of the Cathedral's life. Working closely with me and with Chapter, you will help translate vision into practice, ensuring that governance, operations, finance, people and planning are aligned to support sustainable ministry and mission.

This is a role requiring both strategic insight and practical leadership, exercised with sound judgement, relational intelligence and an appreciation for the distinctive rhythms and structures of cathedral life.

Bradford is a remarkable city shaped by resilience, faith, creativity and cultural diversity. Bradford Cathedral seeks to serve our community generously and collaboratively, and this role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to the leadership of an organisation that is both ancient and evolving, rooted in prayer and engaged in public life.

If you are drawn to purposeful leadership in a mission driven organisation, and to working with a committed team in a unique and meaningful setting, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Revd Canon Jonathan Triffitt
Dean of Bradford Cathedral

Our vision and future Our story brings together 1,400 years of Christian witness, woven into the diverse communities of Bradford.

Bradford Cathedral is guided by the overarching purpose "to weave Jesus into the rich fabric of the city and beyond". This vision is rooted in 1,400 years of history, reflecting a story of change, ambition and trust in a God who transforms communities.

Sustainability Our strategic path for the next five years is built upon three central pillars: becoming more sustainable, more visible and more accessible.

Sustainability at Bradford Cathedral is holistic. We are striving to become carbon neutral by 2030, setting an example for the Diocese.

Financial resilience is equally critical; we aim to increase congregational giving, diversify our funding base and achieve an annual surplus to build reserves. We are also committed to the sustainability of our people, ensuring our staff and volunteers are trained and equipped for mission and outreach.

Visibility We aim to be seen as a leading organisation within the city of Bradford. Using Bradford 2025 (UK City of Culture) as a springboard, we are establishing ourselves as a leading voice in the arts and culture sector, delivering major installations that reflect our unique story. We also seek to be a convener for not for profit activity, offering a focal point for work with refugees, lower income families and reconciliation.

Accessibility Accessibility means more than physical modifications; it is about ensuring everyone can recognise Jesus within our walls. We seek to excel in intercultural worship, reflecting the ethnicities of our diverse city within our community life. This includes developing digital content to engage national and global audiences and ensuring our building and grounds are available to all, regardless of physical ability.

Our values Everything we do is underpinned by four core values:

• Interculturality: Celebrating our distinct and diverse community.
• Rootedness: Grounded in over a millennium of Christian witness.
• Innovativeness: . click apply for full job details