Business And Operations Director

Description:

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded leader to join Fountains Church in Bradford as our Business and Operations Director. This is a pivotal role for a growing, mission‑driven church committed to serving its community, developing sustainable income streams, and stewarding its resources with excellence.

As a Resourcing Church, we are called to revitalise mission, grow new disciples, and support churches across the city. To do this well, we need strong commercial leadership that ensures our vision is fully resourced and our assets are used creatively and effectively.

After extensive renovation work, we have an exceptional multi-room event and conferencing venue. With four modern, welcoming spaces, state of the art AV equipment and a first-class catering team we are a truly versatile event and conference facility in the heart of the city.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial expertise with meaningful social and community impact.

You will lead on commercial development, financial planning, and strategic growth—maximising the use of our buildings, developing new revenue streams, and building partnerships across Bradford. Working closely with the trustees, church leader and clergy team, you will help shape strategies that strengthen the intersection between mission and commercial activity, ensuring long‑term sustainability.

This role is ideal for someone who is entrepreneurial, relational, and excited by the challenge of building something that genuinely transforms a community.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership
 

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Produce regular financial reports and management information for senior leaders and trustees.
• Provide strategic financial advice to support decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Support the preparation of annual accounts.
• Ensure robust financial controls, compliance and risk management.
  
   

Commercial Development and Income Generation
 

• Identify and develop new income-generating opportunities.
• Maximise the commercial potential of the church building and facilities.
• Lead grant research, applications and reporting.
• Develop fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies.
• Analyse commercial performance data and recommend improvements.
  
   

Strategic Partnerships
 

• Build relationships with local businesses, community organisations, civic leaders and diocesan partners.
• Represent the church within relevant networks across Bradford.
• Develop partnerships that support both commercial objectives and community impact.
• Identify emerging opportunities that strengthen the church's sustainability and influence.
  
   

Strategy and Organisational Development
 

• Work with church leadership to ensure the church's vision is appropriately resourced.
• Help shape and deliver strategies that align mission, operations and commercial activity.
• Advise on organisational capacity, risk management and future planning.
• Support leadership teams in strategic planning and resource development.
  
   

Marketing and Communications
 

• Develop marketing strategies to promote commercial opportunities and venue hire.
• Oversee website content, email communications and digital marketing activity.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all channels.
• Monitor marketing effectiveness and adapt campaigns accordingly.
  
   

Operational Leadership
 

• Oversee systems, processes and reporting related to commercial and church activities.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
• Contribute to a positive, professional and mission-focused culture.
• Be a key role in the senior leadership team.
  
   

Team Leadership
 

• Provide line management to relevant staff and volunteers.
• Support recruitment, development and performance management where required.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration and hospitality.
• Ensure staff policies and procedures are implemented effectively.
  
   

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a commercially minded leader who is excited by the opportunity to use their skills to support the mission and ministry of the Church. You will be strategic, proactive and highly relational, with the ability to turn ideas into sustainable outcomes.

Why Join Us?
 

• A genuinely meaningful role that combines business leadership with community transformation.
• Opportunity to shape the future sustainability and growth of a thriving Resourcing Church.
• Flexible, part-time working arrangement.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact across Bradford and beyond.