Head of Finance and Operations


Company:	Private Public Ltd (PPL)
Salary:	£80,000 to £90,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, SE1 2BE
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	30 Sept 2026
Closing date:	16 Oct 2026

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Summary

About PPL

PPL is a management consultancy with a difference.

As a social enterprise and certified B Corp, we work with the NHS, local government and civil society to improve services and outcomes for people and communities across the UK.

Our social purpose is central to our operating model. We donate over 50% of our profits to support charities and wider social impact and provide every member of the team 10 days of paid volunteering leave each year. It also shapes how we work: with care, integrity, high standards and a strong sense of responsibility to one another.

We are in the middle of an ambitious period of growth. Our Shared Services functions are central to that journey. They provide our leadership team with clear insight and assurance, make it easy for the wider team to do great work, and build the systems and disciplines that will allow PPL to grow without losing what makes it special.

The opportunity

You will lead PPL's Finance and Operations function, as well as being the senior financial professional within PPL.

You will own financial planning, management information, cash flow, controls and assurance, giving our joint CEOs, Directors, senior leadership team and Board clear analysis and practical recommendations.

You will also lead the wider business operations portfolio through established managers and specialist providers. This includes our workplace and facilities, administrative support, external IT relationship, information security and management systems. You do not need to be the technical expert in every operational area. You do need the judgement to set clear standards, ask the right questions and ensure that services, controls and accountabilities work together.

This is a newly created role, joining PPL at an important point in our growth. We currently have around 70 people and plan to grow significantly over the next few years. You will lead our in-house Finance and Operations team, supported by specialist external providers, with the opportunity to improve our financial insight, strengthen the link between project and organisational performance, simplify processes and shape a function that can support PPL at greater scale.

What you will lead

Lead financial management and assurance

Own annual budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management and the organisation's view of financial performance and emerging pressures.

Provide timely management information, analysis and recommendations to senior leaders and the Board.

Assure end-to-end financial processes for client and project work, including project forecasting, time and expense recording, subcontractor costs, invoicing and cash collection.

Ensure month-end, transactional finance, payroll assurance, year-end accounts, audit and statutory submissions are accurate, timely and properly controlled.

Maintain effective controls, delegated authorities and approval processes, addressing weaknesses promptly and protecting PPL from error, fraud and avoidable loss.

Build a high performing function

Set and deliver a clear Finance and Operations plan aligned to PPL's organisational priorities.

Lead and develop the Finance Manager, Office and Facilities Manager and Operations Administrators, with clear delegation, standards and accountability.

Plan the capacity, capability, systems and external support the function needs as PPL grows, making a clear case for investment or change where required.

Use service data, feedback and root cause analysis to improve processes, remove duplication and increase resilience.

Oversee wider business operations

Set clear service standards for workplace, facilities, administration, meetings and events, and ensure our offices are safe, welcoming and well run.

Oversee key suppliers and PPL's external IT provider, including service performance, escalation, licences, assets and access controls.

Maintain oversight of information security, business continuity, health and safety and PPL's ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 management systems.

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