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

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