Chief of Staff - £110,00-£120,000 per annum

Chief of Staff - £110,00-£120,000 per annum The Goldsmiths' Company is seeking an experienced Chief of Staff, to be the CEO's senior operational partner, ensuring seamless delivery of the Company's mission while the CEO focuses on external leadership and strategy. This is a rare opportunity to lead operations for one of Britain's most historic and influential institutions. Place of work

Goldsmiths' Hall, London, EC2V 6BN - At least 3 days a week on site with flexibility to work from home up to 2 day a week

Working hours

Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:15pm (with flexibility required for frequent evening and some weekend events)

The Goldsmiths' Company

A contemporary company with deep roots in the past, the Goldsmiths' Company is one of the Great Twelve City of London Livery Companies. Established in 1327 with a thriving 1,500-strong membership, the Company has contributed to national life for eight centuries.

The Goldsmiths' Group comprises the Goldsmiths' Company, London Assay Office, Goldsmiths' Foundation and the Goldsmiths' Centre. The Company advances silversmithing and jewellery through training, exhibitions and fairs, and operates the London Assay Office which protects trade and consumers by hallmarking precious metals. The Goldsmiths' Foundation transforms life-chances by supporting technical and vocational education through grant-making and advocacy, including founding and funding the Goldsmiths' Centre.

Role Purpose

This is a rare opportunity to lead operations for one of Britain's most historic and influential institutions. As Chief of Staff, you'll be the CEO's senior operational partner, ensuring seamless delivery of the Company's mission while the CEO focuses on external leadership and strategy. You'll bridge the executive office with governing bodies, committees, and teams, driving excellence across all functions.

As a Senior Executive Group member alongside the CFO, you'll lead operations, communications, membership, and collections. You'll shape annual plans, oversee performance, and manage transformational projects as the organisation approaches its 700th anniversary.

This new role offers exceptional scope to influence the future direction of a prestigious institution, balancing heritage stewardship with contemporary innovation. Join a dynamic leadership team committed to excellence in craft, charity, and stewardship of a remarkable heritage.

Duties& Responsibilities

Strategy and Governance

Shape long-term vision and strategy as a Senior Leadership Team member with the CEO and CFO

Prepare board materials and briefings for the Court of Assistants (board equivalent), Court of Wardens and committees; attend Court and committee meetings as a member of Senior Executive Group

Ensure effective governance across all committees through coordinated planning, clear communication, and structured decision-making

Act as the CEO's deputy for internal meetings and decisions as required, as well asduring holidays and at select external functions, together with the CFO

Operational Leadership

Lead all operational functions as the senior executive responsible for day-to-day delivery

Develop annual operating plans with clear objectives, performance indicators, and resource allocation , working closely with the CFO

Produce quarterly progress reports and oversee annual report preparation

Line manage the Director of Operations, overseeing buildings, facilities, IT, compliance, events, catering, risk and security

Direct cross-functional teams and coordinate programmes across departments and external partners

Drive excellence through process improvements and performance management

Senior leadership of all security matters, including crisis management and businesscontinuity planning

Membership, Stakeholder Management & External Relations

Oversee the development and implementation of the membership strategy across allcategories, from recruitment through engagement to retention

Line manage the Director of Membership & Communications, delivering programmes that foster an active, engaged membership

Oversee external communications strategy ensuring consistent messaging, effective reputation management and effective audience growth and engagement

Support the CEO in managing relationships with City of London, livery partners, and national stakeholders in craft and industry

Represent the Company at external events as the CEO's delegate

Ensure internal communications are coordinated for consistent messaging

Collections, Heritage & Strategic Projects

Line manage the Head Curator and Head of Library and Archive, stewarding historic collections, archives, and library

Lead strategic planning for the Company's 700th anniversary celebrations

Oversee major change initiatives with effective communication and implementation

Manage special projects assigned by the CEO, including policy development and governance reviews

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

Experience

Senior executive leadership of large or complex organisations

Directing cross-functional teams and large-scale programmes

Working with boards or governing bodies, in particular in charity or non-profit environments

Event management and public programming

Stakeholder management and communications, including partnership working

Experience of working in membership bodies, heritage organisations, or complex stakeholder environments (preferred)

Leading organisational transformation and change

Demonstrated success in organisational transformation and change management

Skills

Outstanding operational leadership and programme management

Excellent people leadership and team development

Strategic thinking with ability to synthesise complex information and communicate at all levels

Advanced stakeholder management and relationship-building

Strong financial skills including budget setting and management

Developing structured business plans with performance metrics

Understanding of governance and policy development

Exceptional written and verbal communication, including board-level presentation

Problem-solving and sound judgement under pressure

Personal Qualities

Absolute discretion with confidential and sensitive matters

High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity for historic traditions and contemporary needs

Collaborative leadership style with influence across all levels

Adaptability and resilience with competing priorities

Strong integrity and professional ethics

Commitment to environmental sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion

Genuine enthusiasm for craft and design, heritage, and philanthropy

Heritage, cultural, or charitable sectors

Membership organisations or professional bodies

Knowledge of City of London institutions and livery world

Understanding of craft industries, apprenticeships, or vocational education

Professional qualification in management, business, or related discipline

Key relationships

Internal:

Chief Executive & Clerk (primary reporting relationship)

Chief Finance Officer (peer relationship)

Court of Assistants and Court of Wardens

Department heads and senior managers

Goldsmiths' Centre Director and Board

London Assay Office Director and Management Board

Goldsmiths' Foundation Director and trustees

Goldsmiths' Company members: Freemen and Liverymen

External:

City of London officials and Lord Mayor's office

Other livery company Clerks and CEOs

Key stakeholders in the jewellery, silversmithing and wider art, craft and design industries

Government officials and regulatory bodies

Strategic and charitable partners

Media and communications partners

Additional requirements

Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional presentation and conduct

Ability to work flexible hours including regular evening and weekend events

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Respect for the Company's heritage and traditions while implementing modern organisational practices and contemporary relevance

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV, and a one-page motivation letter setting out why you want the role and how you meet the requirements, to

The deadline for applications is 3pm on Thursday 24 July, and if you are successful in being shortlisted, we will be in touch shortly after the closing date.

Interviews

First round interviews, Tuesday 5 August 2025- in person at Goldsmiths' Hall

Final round interviews, Thursday 7 August 2025 - in person at Goldsmiths' Hall