Job Role: Head of Corporate Services

Location: Blackburn with Darwen
Reports to: Chief Executive
Contract Type: Full-time 37 hours/week
Salary: between £50,000 to £58,000 based on experience

About Us

The 180 Project is a unique and innovative organisation dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities. We blend CrossFit, compassion and community to support individuals facing complex challenges and stuck in negative life cycles, helping them build resilience, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Our work spans both community and custodial settings, using fitness as a powerful vehicle for change. We are proud to run the only affiliated CrossFit gym in a prison in the UK, alongside a growing range of programmes that support people to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.

At our core, we exist to create opportunities for lasting change—empowering people to move forward and build more positive futures.

Role Purpose

The Head of Corporate Services is responsible for ensuring the organisation is financially sustainable, operationally effective, and well-positioned for growth. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across finance, business development, and core corporate services, enabling the organisation to deliver high-quality services and achieve its mission.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, the Head of Corporate Services ensures that the organisation has the right structures, systems, resources, and partnerships in place to operate effectively, meet regulatory and governance requirements, and grow its impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Contribute to organisational strategy and translate strategic priorities into effective corporate and operational plans.

  • Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, shaping organisational direction, culture, and ways of working.

  • Support the Chief Executive and Board with insight on organisational sustainability, risk, and growth opportunities.

Finance & Sustainability

  • Provide strategic oversight of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.

  • Ensure the organisation operates within agreed financial frameworks and remains financially sustainable.

  • Lead on financial planning to support growth, service development, and long-term impact.

  • Work closely with auditors, funders, and the Board to ensure transparency, accountability, and strong financial governance.

Business Development & Partnerships

  • Lead and oversee business development, income generation, and partnership development activity.

  • Identify and develop new funding opportunities, contracts, and strategic partnerships aligned with the organisation’s mission.

  • Ensure robust processes for bid development, commissioning, contracting, and partnership management.

  • Build strong external relationships with funders, commissioners, and strategic partners.

Operations & Corporate Services

  • Provide leadership across core corporate functions (e.g. operations, governance, compliance, HR, IT/data, facilities as relevant).

  • Ensure that organisational systems, processes, and infrastructure support effective service delivery and organisational growth.

  • Oversee organisational risk management, compliance, and assurance frameworks.

  • Champion continuous improvement in operational effectiveness and organisational capability.

Governance & Assurance

  • Support the Chief Executive in Board and committee engagement, including preparation of papers and reporting.

  • Ensure that the organisation meets its legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.

  • Lead on organisational policies, controls, and assurance processes.

  • Promote high standards of governance, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.

Leadership & Culture

  • Lead, develop, and support teams within corporate services functions.

  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture.

  • Support the development of leadership capability across the organisation.

  • Model effective leadership behaviours and ways of working.

 

Person Specification

  • Essential

    • Significant senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation.

    • Strong financial leadership capability, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance.

    • Experience of business development, income generation, or partnership development.

    • Proven ability to lead and improve organisational operations and corporate functions.

    • Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate strategy into delivery.

    • Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills (Board, funders, partners).

    • Strong leadership skills, with experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.

    • High level of integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to the organisation’s mission and values.

  • Desirable

    • Experience working with Boards and governance structures.

    • Experience in commissioning, contracting, or partnership delivery.

    • Understanding of regulatory and compliance environments relevant to the sector.

    • Experience supporting organisational growth and change.

    • Professional qualification in finance, management, or a relevant field.  

Application Process

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to recruitment@180project.co.uk

Closing Date: 30th April