Operations Manager

Horsham Matters - Overview

 Horsham Matters is a local Christian charity that works to prevent and relieve poverty throughout our district.  We do this by the provision of essential services such as food, fuel and household goods, providing advice and guidance to households in need, and working with partners to address the root causes of poverty.   Our work is funded by income generated through donated goods which can be sold in our shop or online, by grants and donations and through public fundraising.

 Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is a critical role to ensure the smooth running of all our operations.  Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for leading a team of staff, volunteers and 3rd party contractors.  You will strive to continually improve systems and procedures across the Charity whilst maximising opportunities to increase income.

This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week), which will also require some weekend working (approx. 8 Saturdays/year).

Core Responsibilities:

Operational leadership:

·         Line management of Logistics Team including performance management, building capability and training etc.

·         Ensure smooth communication and excellent links across Charity buildings

·         Ensure the optimal use of the vans for delivery, collections etc., including the planning of routes which are cost effective and time efficient

·         Work with the Office Manager team to ensure that the needs of clients requiring household items are met by the Logistics team

·         Work with the Store Manager to ensure that the Charity store is stocked appropriately, including arrangements for stock rotation

·         Support volunteers to develop their role in the warehouse, providing clear instructions and setting expectations

·         Liaise with third party contractors including removals firm, IT contractor and others as required

 Safe environment

·         Responsible for maintaining a safe environment at our Community Support Centre and other Charitable Activity venues; completing health and safety tasks

·         Responsibility for all Horsham Matters buildings, ensuring effective maintenance and building related health and safety

·         Ensure vehicles are safe and road worthy, ensuring essential maintenance takes place

·         Fully participate and demonstrate best practice including the physical aspects of moving equipment and furniture, as well as driving the van and all other tasks across the logistics sector of the charity

·         Ensure that items not suitable for sale are disposed of appropriately and in a timely manner to prevent health and safety issues arising

·         Develop and continually review reuse and recycling ensuring that the Charity optimises reuse, as well as maximising revenue

Online sales

·         Lead for on-line sales and all other sales avenues excluding our Charity shop (Love it Again) – including ensuring that items are collected, advertised sold and delivered appropriately and maximising gift aid opportunities with donors

·         Provide excellent customer service to all members of the public

 Additional Duties

·         As a small charity, all employees are required to work together flexibly and collaboratively which may require undertaking different tasks on occasion as agreed with the Managing Director

Person Specification

Experience

 Essential

·         Leadership, including mentoring and developing colleagues

·         Leading within a logistics environment

·         Project development

·         Knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations

 Desirable

·         Experience of working in the charity sector

·         Experience of the retail sector

Key Skills

• Able to work constructively as a member of a team
• Able to make decisions alone and to prioritise work under pressure

·         Excellent organisational skills

·         Ability to motivate team members

·         Proactive and reactive – according to the needs of the situation

·         Someone who leads by example

Personal attributes

• A genuine interest in the voluntary sector: Supports the aims and objectives of Horsham Matters and shows empathy with those who are struggling
• Enjoys working with other people and supports diversity and equality of opportunity
• Resilient with a willingness to persevere in difficult situations