Head of Operations

Head of Operations
Duration of contract: Full-time, fixed term (until May 2026) 
Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF
Reporting: This role reports into the CEO
Salary: £40,400 per annum

The Linnean Society 

As the UK’s premier society for natural history, we provide a unique and valued forum for nature enthusiasts to share diverse experiences and interests. We care for our beautiful collections housed within our historic building, so that they can be used as an inspiration for those new to nature as well as a rich resource for historical research to inform our knowledge about the world. Our journals publish cutting-edge research about the natural world. We value our focus on education to safeguard the understanding and protection of nature for generations to come.

The Society is often described as a ‘hidden gem’, with a small but highly valued audience. However, given the dangers facing the natural world today, our community of nature enthusiasts has never been more needed. We have aspirations to open up our building to new audiences, grow and diversify our membership, expand our activities, and so much more. Having recently secured our historic home in Burlington House for the next 999 years, launched a new strategy and revamped our governing documents, we have a strong and stable foundation upon which to build an ambitious programme of activity. 

This role is responsible for ensuring highly effective operational and business support for the Linnean Society. Sitting on the Senior Management Team, they play an active role in developing an exciting and vibrant future for the Linnean Society.

Job Description

The post-holder leads the team responsible for the operational ‘glue’ of the Linnean Society. They ensure all operational and buildings processes are in place in order to provide a happy, safe and efficient working environment for staff. With a commercial mindset, they are motivated by raising income through venue hire, merchandising and other innovative schemes. They are also the Society’s representative on the Burlington House Operating Committee, the group responsible for managing the operations and services of the whole Courtyard.

Primary responsibilities: 

• Managing a small team of talented staff who are highly committed to the work of the organisation 

• Ensuring the most effective operational systems, processes and resources are in place to support staff across the organisation

• Ensuring Health and Safety policies are frequently updated and regulations are followed

• Maximising income from the building through venue hire, room rental, merchandising and other innovative enterprising schemes

• Dealing with suppliers and other operational stakeholders in a courteous manner to ensure best value and efficiencies for the organisation

• Sitting on the Burlington House Operating Committee to ensure the operational obligations of the Headlease and Underlease are carried out  

• Setting an annual premises and operational budget, and ensuring good cost control throughout the year  

• Leading on plans to envision productive, safe and welcoming spaces that are suitable to support the delivery of the future plans of the organisation 

• Effectively maintaining the building to high safety standards, and ensuring the offices and internal spaces are conducive to a productive working environment for all staff, room hire clients, Fellows and guests

• Ensuring the Business Continuity Plan, and other relevant operational policies, are updated regularly, and all staff are aware of their contents

• Communicating relevant operational and building developments to staff and Council, and welcoming feedback to support improvements across the organisation

• Playing a role on the Senior Management Team including input into business planning, organisational strategy and decision making    

• Ensuring all relationships with relevant stakeholders are undertaken in ways that comply with GDPR and privacy policies

• Undertaking any other duties that are reasonable for a post of this nature

Experience and knowledge

• A minimum of five years’ experience in operational management within a similar organisation 

• Previous experience in managing people and budgets 

• Experience of dealing with suppliers, procurement and contract negotiations 

• Experience of buildings and premises management, ideally in a heritage setting 

• Proven experience in generating income from commercial enterprises such as venue hire or rental income 

• Experience in working with a data-driven approach using robust qualitative and qualitative evaluation and/or CRM systems 

• Experience of dealing with suppliers, negotiating best deals and scrutinising contractual arrangements 

The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 21 February 2025

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION:

If you would like to apply for this position, please click the apply button and attach your CV and covering letter, it will be sent automatically to us.

No agencies please.