Operations Manager

Title: Operations Manager

Reporting To: Director of Operations

Salary:  £36,750.00 per annum

Location: London/Head Office Tooting Works

Contract: Permanent/full-time  

Closing Date: 9th May 2025 (We will be reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date if we find the right candidate. Early applications are strongly encouraged.)

About Us:

Tooting Works (TW) is a business centre and community hub in Tooting Broadway, offering office space, co-working, an event space and more. It has been offering affordable office space and helping local businesses and organisations to flourish and grow for over 30 years. 

Business Launchpad operates on-site at Tooting Works and is a registered charity which provides support and training for entrepreneurs aged 16-30 years from across London who want to set up their own business. 

Role Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth, efficient, and compliant day-to-day operation of the business centre. This includes oversight of facilities management, health & safety, lettings, team leadership, and budget management. The role ensures the business centre is well-maintained, tenants are satisfied, and operational performance is continuously improved. Reporting to senior leadership, the Operations Manager contributes to strategic planning, drives efficiencies through systems and digital tools, and plays a vital role in sustaining high occupancy and tenant retention.

Role Responsibilities:

Centre Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the business centre, ensuring all facilities are well-maintained, compliant, and running smoothly.
• Ensure the lettings process is well-managed and aligned with policies.
• Implement and monitor operational procedures to improve efficiency and service quality, including opportunities to digitise processes and services.
• Contribute to strategic operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges in collaboration with senior management.
• Report regularly on KPIs, occupancy, operational issues, and budget status to senior management.

Building Maintenance

• Oversee the upkeep and preventative maintenance of the property, ensuring high facility standards.
• Manage and coordinate external contractors and service providers (e.g., cleaners, engineers).
• Monitor maintenance budgets and project timelines, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct regular building inspections and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• ·       Maintain and develop use of CMMS (MaintainX) to manage and record all maintenance work.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with UK health & safety regulations, including risk assessments and fire safety.
• Develop and monitor health & safety procedures tailored to the site.
• Organise relevant training for staff and enforce contractor compliance.
• Maintain accurate H&S records, incident reports, and lead periodic audits.
• Support development and execution of emergency response and business continuity plans.
• Fire safety responsibility ( Fire Safety designated person))

Lettings and Lease Management

• Oversee the Assistant Lettings Manager and monitor the development and execution of the lettings process from enquiry to move-in, including viewings, negotiations, and onboarding and offboarding of tenants.
• Check we are maintaining up-to-date tenancy records,
• Draft lease documentation and ensure timely renewals and support the rollout of any rent reviews.
• Carry out twice-yearly audits of lease documentation.
• Maintain relationships with tenants to support retention and satisfaction.
• Monitor lease management by team, lease compliance and resolution of any lease-related issues.

Customer Service

• Act as a point of contact for tenants, addressing any issues or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Foster strong relationships with tenants, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement strategies to attract new tenants and retain existing tenants with the goal of maintaining high occupancy levels.

Financial Management

• Manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective management of resources and that projects are delivered within budget.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and service providers to secure cost-effective deals.
• Ensure tenant arrears are regularly monitored and managed.

Line Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the lettings and maintenance teams, ensuring high performance and productivity.
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and provide ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Handle recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of staff members as needed.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Management, Project Management, or other relevant    fields.
• At least 2 years’ experience in operations work.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Desire to drive operational excellence.
• Line management experience.
• Experience of managing a building, property or facilities beneficial.
• High comfort level with online tools such as MS Office, project management software,or similar.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Negotiation and customer service skills.
• Resilient and adaptable with ability to multi-task.
• Solution finder.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and therefore the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Rewards

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Personal annual training budget following probation.
• Employee assistance programme, including counselling.
• Regular team socials throughout the year.
• Generous sick pay allowance following probation.
• General eye test.
• Well-being day (one day per year).
• Volunteer day (one day per year).

Pre-employment Checks Any employment with Business Launchpad will be subject to the following checks prior to your start date:

• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Receipt of two satisfactory references.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
• Level 3 safeguarding (can be trained on the job).

Please email your CV with a cover letter stating why you are interested in this role.

Equal Opportunities Statement We are an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status in our employment decisions and policies. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and have the opportunity to succeed. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their individual background or circumstances.