NOTTINGHAM FOREST COMMUNITY TRUST
Job candidate pack
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
ABOUT NOTTINGHAM
FOREST COMMUNITY TRUST IS A DYNAMIC AND AUTHENTIC CHARITABLE ORGANISATION THAT INSPIRES COMMUNITIES TO ASPIRE TO AND DO GREAT THINGS.
A high performing charity, NFCT has an aspiration to grow its impact across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire by expanding its current programmes of work.
To support this vision, The Trust is looking to recruit the new role of Chief Operating Officer who will have a key role in supporting the CEO and Board in developing a new strategy, and leading on the people, processes and systems that make the delivery of that strategy a reality.
The Chief Operating Officer will be an outstanding leader, with a proven track record in driving positive culture and change in a dynamic sector. The Chief Operating Officer will lead from the front and be visible and present to staff and stakeholders alike.
A knowledge of the sport development and/or charity sector is required, but we look forward to hearing from candidates from any sector that meets the essential criteria.
ROLE OVERVIEW
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
REPORTING TO:
SALARY:
CONTRACT:
PLACE OF WORK:
Chief Executive Officer
£58,000-£65,000
Full-time, permanent
On-site, the City Ground, Nottingham
This is a senior leadership role and evening, and weekend work will be required.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) will be responsible for the operational excellence of the charity. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the development of the charity’s strategy and having responsibility for delivering its impact and outcomes.
The COO will be an ambassador for Nottingham Forest Football Club (NFFC) and NFCT at all times and create and manage a high performing, motivated team that meets all of its stakeholder expectations by delivering outstanding programmes to the highest standards.
JOB SPECIFICATION
EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY
• Deputise for the CEO as and when required
• Support the CEO and Board of Trustees with the development of the NFCT strategy
• Develop and deliver an Operational Plan that clearly links all project delivery to the charity’s strategic objectives
• Maintain and develop relationships with external stakeholders to ensure their support for NFCT’s work is unwavering
• Work closely with NFFC to maximise engagement between the club and local community whilst ensuring alignment between the two organisations
LEADING THE TEAM
• Develop a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement and lead the delivery of initiatives that support this
• Build and lead a high-performing, motivated, and diverse team and develop a values-led approach to their career journey
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to develop performance
• Develop an effective performance management process for staff incorporating an annual review
ROLE OVERVIEW
GOVERNANCE & FINANCE
• Establish and embed a delivery model where the impact of NFCT’s work is clearly understood and communicated
• Ensure that all required processes and procedures are in place to deliver the strategy including reporting processes to the CEO, Committees and Board of Trustees
• Develop and manage clear governance structures, risk management, reporting and operating models which ensure excellence in governance, compliant with all regulatory requirements and The Premier League’s Capability Code of Practice
• Develop and manage clear financial processes to ensure transparency and accuracy of decision making
• Ensure Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are embedded across all areas of NFCT
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Values & Behaviours
Leading by example and acting with integrity
Growth mindset, with a positive attitude towards innovation and impacting others
Committed to the personal development of self and others
Positive attitude to problem solving in all situations
Knowledge
Political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental landscape influencing the sport for development sector
Governance structures within high performing charities
Delivering, measuring and communicating impact in this, or, a comparable sector
Community development and engagement
Facility development and operations
Skills
Leadership and strategic planning
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, presentation and non-verbal
The ability to inspire, coach, mentor and manage staff to achieve a high performing team
Building culture and embedding values
Financial management and budget planning
Experience
Senior leadership within a successful, sustainable charity or business in this sector or a comparable sector
Negotiating successful outcomes with partners from different sectors
Managing significant budgets
Developing and managing Operational Plans to ensure excellence in delivery
Leading high performing teams
Working with Boards to provide strong governance and oversight of an organisation
Essential Desirable
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 October 2025
The recruitment process for this role is being managed on behalf of Nottingham Forest Community Trust by Evans Coaching & Consultancy Limited.
To apply, please send your CV (maximum 2 pages) and a covering letter (maximum 1 page) explaining why you feel you are the ideal candidate for this role by email to Mike Evans at mike@evanscandc.com.
Applications which exceed these page lengths will not be considered.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, 30th October at 5pm, however early applications are encouraged wherever possible to smooth the process.
A 30-minute online or phone interview will be offered to those candidates whose written applications meet the criteria. These will be scheduled as applications are received and take place no later than Wednesday 5th November.
First face-to-face interviews will be held on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November. Stage two interviews will be held on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th November.
All face-to-face interviews will take place in Nottingham.
If you are unable to make any of these dates, please state this clearly in your application.
EQUALITY OPPORTUNITIES
Nottingham Forest Community Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
PRIVACY NOTICE
Nottingham Forest Community Trust is committed to being transparent about how it handles your personal information, to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information and meeting its obligation under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information, please see our Privacy Notice.
SAFEGUARDING
At Nottingham Forest Community Trust, we have a holistic and person-centred approach to safeguarding. Where concerns about any child or adult at risk are raised, NFCT staff will always act with the best interests of the individual at the forefront of all actions. We accept and acknowledge our responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of all participants engaged in NFCT programs and activities. It is the duty of our staff and volunteers at NFCT to ensure that all participants are safeguarded by creating and maintaining activities and environments that protect them from harm. Safeguarding is the responsibility of all.
community@nottinghamforest.co.uk
nottinghamforestcommunitytrust.co.uk