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 as during 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 business continuity planning
Membership, Stakeholder Management & External Relations
Oversee the development and implementation of the membership strategy across all categories, 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
Desirable experience
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
Charitable governance
Desirable qualifications
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 jobs@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
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