Head of Finance, Business Development & Operations

Head of Commercial, Business Development & Operations

Salary: c. £45,000 FTE, depending on experience

Hours: Full-time and Part-time will be considered

Location: Central Birmingham, with some flexibility for home working

Contract: Permanent

The Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) is a respected early years research organisation comprising a research charity, training company, European research network and UK research organisation. We work with public bodies, universities, practitioners and partners across the UK and internationally.

We are looking for a commercially astute, hands-on leader to oversee CREC's Commercial management, business development and organisational operations. Working closely with the Directors, you will help strengthen CREC's long-term financial and organisational sustainability while ensuring its essential business systems operate effectively. The role will be based at CREC's offices in central Birmingham but with some flexibility for working from home

Key responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and financial reporting.
• Identify business-development opportunities and coordinate bids and tenders.
• Advise on pricing, contracts, commercial risk and organisational sustainability.
• Oversee operational areas including finance, HR administration, compliance, IT, contracts and office systems.
• Lead proportionate improvements to processes, systems and organisational resilience.
• Manage allocated staff and build productive relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and suppliers.

About you

You will bring substantial experience in finance, business management, commercial management, operations or a related field. You will be confident analysing financial performance, managing budgets and cash flow, supporting bids and commercial decisions, and coordinating operations across multiple functions. A relevant professional qualification or equivalent substantial experience is required.

You will combine strategic judgement with a willingness to handle operational detail. Integrity, clear communication, sound commercial judgement and the ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders will be essential.

• Company pension
• Sick pay
• Employee Assistance scheme
• On-site parking
• Some flexibility to work from home

Interviews will be held in person on 12 October or 16 October 2026 .

Join CREC and play a key role in supporting an organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children through research, training and professional development.

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