Interim Chief Operating Officer

Interim Chief Operating Officer

London, including hybrid working

4 or 5 days per week, circa 6 months

Up to £100,000 pro-rata per annum

About us

At the Royal Town Planning Institute (the RTPI), we champion the value of planning in building thriving places and communities. With over 27,000 members worldwide, we support planners at every stage of their career: raising professional standards, shaping planning policy, and proudly awarding chartered status, the highest professional accreditation in UK planning.

For over a century, we have empowered planners to deliver positive impact: creating healthy, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice of the profession, we advocate, support, and lead with purpose, professionalism, and passion.

We are looking for an Interim Chief Operating Officer to provide leadership across teams and to review the alignment of resources to priorities and outcomes. You will lead the finance, HR, governance, CPD training, membership, IT, facilities and EDI teams and will work closely with the Chief Executive to develop organisational capacity and capability in line with our Empower 2030 Strategy.

With a proven track record as a Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer, you will have experience within membership organisations or similar not for profit organisations and a good understanding of governance and financial regulations and requirements for charities. You will be a calm and credible leader with strong stakeholder management skills and a collaborative approach.

At the RTPI, we’re proud to offer a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment. We actively foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and openness, where equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work.

We're committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We know that a diverse team helps us better serve the communities and audiences we represent, and we’re working hard to ensure our people reflect that diversity.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a covering letter that tells us why you're interested in the role and how you meet the requirements. Applications are welcome from candidates who are available to start quickly.

Closing date          Midnight on Sunday 10th May 2026

Interviews              Tuesday 26th May or Wednesday 27th May 2026

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications. So, if you’re interested, please apply as early as possible.