Director (Interim) of the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Goldsmiths’ Centre – the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths – is seeking an exceptional Interim Director to lead our organisation through a pivotal period of transition. We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong track record in the charity or non-profit sector, and a deep understanding of at least one of the following: the silversmithing and jewellery trade, the creative industries, or vocational education. You’ll bring commercial acumen, strategic vision, and a collaborative leadership style, alongside a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
Contract
6-8 months (full-time)
Place of work
The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London, EC1M 5AD - based on site with flexibility to work from home 1 day a week.
Working hours
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:15pm with an hour (unpaid) for lunch.
Role Purpose
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director has executive responsibility for delivering the Centre’s strategy, and for the effective direction and management of all activities. They are responsible for ensuring that the Board and staff are kept up-to-date on the trade, industry and vocational education landscapes, and for recommending how the Centre adapts its delivery in response to any changes. The Director leads the Centre’s Senior Management Team, works closely with the CEO/ Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company and attends the Goldsmiths’ Group’s Senior Leadership Team meetings.
Main Responsibilities & Duties
Leadership, management and strategy
Have senior executive responsibility for effective delivery of the Centre’s strategy and operations.
Keep the Board informed on progress against objectives and on delivery of outcomes and impact.
Ensure that the Centre has the resources (human, material and financial) to operate and deliver its mission effectively.
Manage, develop and motivate the Centre team to achieve their potential, as individuals and as a team.
Lead and direct impact measurement, evaluation and reporting, including commissioning research and summative and formative impact reports.
Oversee effective risk management and compliance.
Work closely with the Chief Executive / Clerk, Chief Financial Officer and other colleagues in the Senior Leadership team to ensure alignment and coherence across all the group’s activities.
External relationships
Proactively develop and maintain external relationships with representatives of the craft, trade and industry; training and education institutions; and policymakers.
Act as the main spokesperson, ensuring that the Centre’s mission and strategy are effectively relayed.
Represent the Centre externally at trade, educational institutes and membership events.
Finance & investments
Set, monitor and manage the Centre’s annual budget for approval by the Trustees, having overall P&L responsibility.
Maintain and develop earned income streams (such as venue hire, training fees, consultancy), maximising the Centre’s financial sustainability and reducing its reliance on grant income.
Develop strategic partnerships that advance the Centre’s mission and/or strengthen its financial position through income generation opportunities.
General
Undertake any other reasonable tasks, as required by the Board of Trustees or the Goldsmiths’ Company Chief Executive / Clerk.
Person Specification
Essential experience
Substantial senior leadership and management experience at a charity or non-profit.
Experience of reporting to a non-executive board or Trustee board.
Experience in at least one of the following areas: the silversmithing and jewellery craft and trade, the wider creative industries, and/or the vocational training and education system.
Ability to develop and deliver strategic business plans, specifically in the charity and not-for-profit sector.
Commercial experience (whether in private or charity/non-profit sectors), including procuring and managing external contractors and partners
Experienced in running a building-based organisation (for example, having knowledge of areas such as facilities management, health & safety, and tenant management).
Experience of commissioning impact reporting and using findings to steer strategy and delivery.
Skills & knowledge
Ability to effectively lead teams, manage people, and develop and lead a positive, inclusive and empowering working culture.
Excellent written communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, able to communicate with staff, non-executives, tenants, students, partners and stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds, sectors and experiences.
Skilled in building and maintaining effective, meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners.
Strong financial literacy, with the ability to set and manage budgets.
Highly organised with an ability to plan, manage conflicting demands and prioritise effectively.
Attributes
Excellent team player, with a collegiate and collaborative working style.
Open and collaborative, with an ability to listen as well as to persuade and influence.
High personal and professional integrity.
Curious and open-minded, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Proven commitment to championing sustainability, and equity, diversity and inclusion in practice.
Desirable experience, knowledge and skills
Professional knowledge and experience of the further education and/or technical and vocational training, education and skills sector.
Knowledge and experience of the goldsmithing, silversmithing and jewellery-making craft, trade and industry.
Knowledge of skills and creative industries policy.
Experience of managing a business incubator or managed workspace in the creative industries.
How to apply
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Berwick Partners website.
The deadline for applications is Friday 21 November 2025.