About Us
Formed in 1944, we were established to be open to all and speak on behalf of mountaineers, climbers and hillwalkers, protecting spaces and supporting them in their activities. Nearly 80 years later, more and more people are experiencing the enjoyment of being in the outdoors and recognising the benefits of active lifestyles for mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Activities that can be shared across generations, in groups or individually. We have always had a clear purpose: to make the climbing and outdoor experience of the people we represent as good as it can be. And while these activities have changed and participation has grown immeasurably over the years, this purpose holds as true as ever.
We campaign for freedom of access and the right to roam, we fund footpath repairs and run campaigns to clean up our hills; and we are continually working for improved access to and the conservation of places we love.
About the Role
The Head of Finance and Operations (HFO) will oversee the British Mountaineering Councils (BMC) financial and operational functions, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the BMC’s strategic goals. This critical role requires a strong background in finance, operations management, and strategic planning.
Along with leadership expertise, excellent communication skills and a passion for driving continuous improvement. The HFO will lead the Finance and IT teams, be a member of the Senior Management Team, and will report directly to the CEO.
The post holder will need to enjoy working in an informal and productive environment, working closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to deliver the objectives and strategic goals of the BMC. Excellent organisational and time management will be essential for this role.
Strategic Planning
- Support the CEO in developing and implementing the next BMC Strategy covering the period 2025 to 2030.
- Effectively measure and track delivery against the strategic aims of the BMC.
Financial Management
- Lead and deliver the 5-year planning frame for the BMC, including strategic performance indicators, associated resourcing, and financial planning.
- Lead the delivery of and monitor the performance against the annual budget plan.
- Strong oversight of expenditure against UK Sport and Sport England and other grant awards (and other restricted income), ensuring funded activities and funded staff costs are ringfenced.
- Drive deployment of financial culture, system, and procedures to ensure a responsible, accurate, and prompt management of financials to enable the CEO, SMT, Council, and Board to make informed financial and commercial decisions.
- Ensure an effective and efficient external audit is in place with regular reporting to the Board.
Operational Leadership
- Support and drive the continued modernisation of the finance and IT infrastructure, systems, financial & systems policies, and procedures across the business and ensure optimal digitalisation of key processes including interactions with members & partners.
- Lead on Health & Safety across the organisation and oversee the BMC Offices.
- Establish effective tendering, approvals, control and management systems covering all existing and future contracts. This will include maintaining a Contract Library and reviewing contracts quarterly.
- Work effectively with the Board of Directors and Finance and Audit Committee and attend all meetings.
- Ensure that the regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies and regulatory regimes, e.g. UK Sport, Sport England, HM Revenue and Customs, Financial Conduct Authority, Health & Safety Executive, and DCMS (Department for Culture Media and Sport) are met.
- Take the role of SMF27 for the company on the Financial Conduct Authority Register.
- Undertake operational projects as determined by the CEO.
Further Information
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role and the contact details for two referees to recruitment@thebmc.co.uk Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Our CEO Paul Ratcliffe is happy to have an in-confidence discussion about the role, please do reach out to him at Paul.Ratcliffe@thebmc.co.uk Diversity is valued within our team.
More than just encouraging your application, we're committed to conscious inclusion that (we hope) cultivates an ethos of belonging, connection, and shared purpose. It’s this philosophy that drove us to shape our values and behaviours and we open our doors to those who share those values.
It would be appreciated if you could complete the BMC’s Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form at the time of application. The BMC has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to the BMC verifying that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.
