We’re hiring: Help shape the future Gunner community

We’re hiring!

The Royal Artillery Charities are looking for a Chief Operating Officer to join the Senior Leadership Team – driving strategy, governance and delivery at the centre of the Gunner community.

From working with senior military leadership and the Royal Household, to overseeing heritage, events and long-term planning, this is a role that combines purpose, influence and variety.

If you’re an experienced operator looking to lead, deliver and make a difference within a unique organisation, this is your opportunity to support those who serve and have served.

📍 Larkhill, Wiltshire (hybrid)

Grade: N/A but a member of the Senior Leadership Team operating at the Higher Executive Officer level.

Working Pattern: Hybrid with a minimum of 3 days a week in office at Larkhill, Wiltshire.

Date Vacant:  Immediately.

Introduction

The Royal Artillery finds and strikes the Army’s adversaries. Our Gunners have access to some of the most powerful and sophisticated weapons available to any military. They undertake a wide range of roles from self-propelled artillery and air defence to surveillance, commando and airborne activity. And when it comes to ceremonial proceedings, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery are front and centre of every big stage.

The Royal Artillery consists of Regular and Reserve regiments, spread across the country, from Plymouth in the Southwest, to Edinburgh in the North, and everywhere in between. Additionally, we have a vibrant veteran community of soldiers and officers spread throughout the UK  

The Royal Artillery Charities support all members of the Gunner community – serving, veteran and dependents. This ranges from welfare provision, support to sports teams, stewardship of our heritage, liaison with external agencies and support to Royal Artillery governance.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer who will work directly for the Chief Executive Officer/Regimental Secretary at the centre of the Royal Artillery delivering support to governance, charities, events and heritage. This is a role with variety and a span of responsibilities.

They will be responsible for shaping the medium-term strategy for the charities working closely with trustees to define the charitable vision. This will include setting of objectives, allocating resources, financial planning and measurement of impact. They will liaise with numerous external agencies in support of the Master Gunner St Jame’s Park (MGStJP). This includes the Royal Household, MOD departments, Commonwealth Artileries, The Royal Artillery Museum and senior serving and retired officers who fulfil roles in support of the Royal Artillery. They will lead the planning and preparation for key regimental events including large scale dinners and other gatherings. They will have oversight of Regimental silver, artwork and property that sits at the centre of our heritage. They will act as Secretary for the key governance meetings held by the Royal Artillery annually. The COO will be supported by, and line manage, the RA Charities Business Support Officer and report to, and be directly line manged by, the CEO of the RA Charities (a retired Army Colonel).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, in conjunction with the Chair, CEO and Trustees, a five-year strategy for the RA Charities
• Liaise with the MOD and The Royal Household on matters relating to the MGStJP
• Act as Secretary for the Royal Artillery Board of Management and the MGStJP Committee
• Act as the POC for Commonwealth Artilleries in their dealings with MGStJP
• Coordinate appointment of Royal Artillery Colonels Commandant and Honorary Colonels with The Royal Household via the MOD
• Act as the POC for the senior serving, and retired, officers of the Royal Artillery on a Range of tasks
• Act as the RHQ RA lead for all matters relating to Royal Artillery Heritage including the oversight of all regimental silver, artwork and property as well as liaison with the Royal Artillery Museum and Royal Artillery Heritage Committee.
• Act as the deputy for the CEO
• Undertake additional projects as directed by the CEO

Job & Person Specification – Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land)
• Staff Officer Grade 2 appointment
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Highly competent in military staff duties.

Desirable:

• Sub-unit command
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement, government relations, VIP handling.
• Ability to grasp vision/intent and turn them into actions, effects and success.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in change management
• IT proficiency (including Microsoft Office packages).
• Impeccable attention to detail.

Person

• Inspirational, enthusiastic leader; able to take people and organisations on a journey.
• A team player, able to work effectively with a very diverse team.
• A highly motivated, self-starter with the confidence to work with limited direction.
• A confident and engaging individual who possesses excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive MOD HEO Civil Servant level salary (based on experience) for a 37hr/week contract.
• 10% of salary employer contribution to pension (NEST).
• ERNIC based on salary.
• 25 days paid leave annually initially, increasing 1 day per year to a maximum of 30 days. In addition, all national bank holidays.
• TOIL granted for work outside contracted hours.
• Use of the onsite gym facilities at Larkhill.
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working.
• A culture of inclusion and diversity.
• Expenses for duty travel.

Security Requirements:

The successful candidate must pass a disclosure and barring security check and must meet the security requirements (SC cleared) before they can be appointed. More details about the security vetting process can be found on the Government website.

This post does not offer relocation expenses.

Application Process:

Please send a covering letter (no more than 1 page A4) and CV to the Regimental Colonel, c/o Carla.Brawn100@mod.gov.uk by 2359hrs on Thu 21 May 26.