Director of Finance and Support Services

Pure Executive are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Norfolk Wildlife Trust to appoint a dynamic and commercially astute Director of Finance and Support Services – a pivotal strategic leadership role supporting one of the UK’s most respected conservation charities.

As the oldest Wildlife Trust in the UK, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been a cornerstone of nature conservation for nearly a century. Their ambitious new strategy, A Wilder Norfolk for All, is driving a transformational era of growth and impact, in which this role will be key.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the CEO and as a key member of the Strategic Leadership Team, you will lead and develop all core support functions, including: Finance, People and Culture, Estates and Facilities, IT & Digital Infrastructure, Procurement and Risk and Resilience.

You’ll play a critical role in aligning internal operations with Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s strategic ambitions, fostering a high-performing and values-led culture, and driving innovation and long-term sustainability across the Trust.

• Finance: Lead the development of a robust, flexible financial strategy to support the Trust’s long-term ambitions. You’ll ensure effective financial governance, compliance, risk management, and the delivery of timely, insightful reporting that supports decision-making across the organisation.
• People and Culture: Champion an inclusive, collaborative culture by leading the People and Culture team to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused service across recruitment, learning and development, volunteering, and employee engagement. You’ll also oversee the implementation of the People & Culture strategy to support organisational growth.
• Estates, Facilities & Health & Safety: Ensure that all working environments, visitor centres, and infrastructure are safe, fit-for-purpose, and aligned with the Trust’s sustainability goals. You will lead all aspects of property management, including legal agreements, leases, and the development of a long-term property strategy.
• ICT and Digital Transformation: Oversee the delivery of a digital and data strategy that enables smarter working, stronger supporter engagement, and increased impact. This includes ensuring robust systems, data protection compliance, and a digitally skilled workforce.
• Procurement, Risk and Resilience: Develop and implement strategic procurement processes that align with sustainability objectives. You’ll also lead on organisational resilience and risk management, ensuring that NWT can adapt and thrive in a changing external environment.

This is a cross-cutting leadership position, where your ability to influence, inspire, and deliver operational excellence will directly impact the Trust’s ability to protect and restore Norfolk’s wildlife.

About you:

This role demands a confident and commercially astute leader with a strong sense of purpose and a collaborative mindset. We’re looking for someone who can combine strategic vision with operational delivery across a wide remit.

Essential:

• Professionally qualified accountant (CCAB-recognised or equivalent)
• Significant post-qualification experience in senior-level leadership roles
• Demonstrable experience leading cross-functional teams in complex organisations
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with an ability to support income planning and resource allocation
• Excellent understanding of HR, IT, estates, and risk management
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including Board
• Passion for conservation or the natural environment
• Knowledge of charity governance, finance, and regulatory requirements would be advantageous, but not essential.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust is at the forefront of the movement to protect nature and restore biodiversity. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in that mission – helping to shape the internal capacity and culture of a well-respected organisation that is delivering real change for wildlife and communities across Norfolk.

You'll join a passionate, committed leadership team working in an organisation that places values, purpose, and people at its heart.

For more information, contact Joseph O'Sullivan at Pure Executive on 01223 666455