Chief Operating Officer

The Foundation for Liver Research

  • Sector Not For Profit, Education, Health
  • Client The Foundation for Liver Research
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Starting salary £90,000 per annum
  • Reference GSe127874
  • Closing Date Wednesday 26th November 2025

The Foundation for Liver Research (FLR) primarily delivers its charitable objectives through support of research work in the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS). As a pioneering collaboration between the Foundation for Liver Research (FLR), King’s College London (KCL) and King’s College Hospital (KCH), we bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world patient outcomes. Our approach integrates clinical expertise with advanced research to tackle liver disease from every angle.

Our mission extends beyond research. We actively engage in policy development to shape healthcare practices and improve patient access to innovative treatments. We are outward-looking, fostering dynamic collaborations with leading researchers, industry partners, and policymakers across the UK and internationally.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an inspiring, collegiate and ambitious leader to drive the business functions of the Foundation. The remit of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is to oversee and develop the structures of both the FLR and the RW-ILS, and to work closely with the Director of the RW-ILS, the FLR Board of Trustees, and with departments of the university (KCL) and hospital (KCH).

The Foundation has a substantial annual income from a commercial property portfolio and a passively managed investment fund; it also benefits from donations from the general public and from legacies. The Foundation has no debt and has cash reserves and investments to cover any short- to medium-term economic or political challenges. The Institute functions administratively as an independent institution in terms of finance, HR, Health & Safety etc.

Reporting Line:

The COO will report to the Director of the Institute and to the Board of Trustees.

Experience and skills required:

Candidates will have a proven track record of executive leadership, commercial success and financial control, balancing the needs and challenges of complex organisations, managing resources, delivering results, thinking strategically, and inspiring, motivating and developing high-functioning teams. An outstanding communicator; a sophisticated and diplomatic negotiator with the ability to navigate complex relationships as well as execute initiatives and projects, including major capital builds, that will drive the Institute’s success.

The role requires ambition, energy and resilience complemented by empathetic, inclusive and authentic leadership and exceptional interpersonal abilities. A strong skill set, including finance (an accounting qualification is not necessary), strategic planning and execution, and operational delivery, is required.

Prior experience in the education or medical sector is not a prerequisite. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who can evidence strong commercial and operational expertise and a demonstrable track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams through a collaborative and enabling style. Candidates will demonstrate empathy with and commitment to the ethos and values of the Charity.

This full-time role will suit a self-starting individual with good communication skills and an ability to get on with people from many different backgrounds. As in small organisations, a flexible attitude to tasks is required. Prior experience of working at or with a charity is essential. The successful applicant will be expected to work for at least 80% of their time at the Institute’s own premises in Coldharbour Lane (adjacent to Kings College Hospital).

Applications:

To apply, you must have documented proof of your legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter explaining your motivation for the role and why you believe that you are a suitable candidate, including details of two referees.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Manjit Mundair-Lalli manjit.mundair-lalli@gatenbysanderson.com 

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