Operations manager jobs in reigate, surrey

Inter Mediate is a London-based peace-making charity supporting confidential negotiations in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. Reporting to the Head of Finance, working closely with the Operations Director, and in close coordination with staff across IM, the key tasks of this role are to:

• Take a proactive and principal role in supporting Inter Mediate’s financial compliance;
• Support Inter Mediate to fulfil its accountability to funders;
• Take an active role in supporting and guiding the projects teams in efficient budget tracking and monitoring;
• Take a proactive and principal role in supporting the Operations Director with various aspects of operations management for best practice and compliance;
• Take an active role in supporting secure and compliant IT operations;
• Provide other general support when required for the smooth running of the organisation.

Specific responsibilities

Finance

Working with the Head of Finance as required:

• Record and process a range of financial transactions accurately and efficiently to deadline in Sage 50 software (often in multiple currencies). Maintain financial records ensuring accuracy to facilitate internal and external audit processes;
• Take the lead in compiling, tracking and monitoring project budgets in close collaboration with operations and project teams;
• Track project and core expenditure and support in preparation of accurate, compliant and timely financial reports to funders to satisfy reporting requirements;
• Help to compile and monitor project budgets, log activities and record/prepare relevant material for grant audits;
• Implement and maintain financial policies and procedures;
• Manage book-keeping function by recording invoices, ensuring that they are promptly  authorised in line with agreed financial procedures and paid on time;
• Manage complex cash and credit card expenses by collating and recording in multiple currencies; and taking charge of banking, petty & foreign cash accounts;
• Take the lead on initiatives to research, introduce and implement appropriate finance software to make the finance function more efficient;
• Be prepared to play an active role as IM brings management accounting in-house
• Support Inter Mediate with company and grant audits.

Operations

Working with the Operations Director as required:

• Assist with researching and implementing operations systems, policies and procedures (as requested by the Operations Director;
• Assist with timesheets, and absence reporting management;
• Collaborate with operations and project teams in complying with donor requirements;
• Undertake special projects such as aspects of the salary and benefits benchmarking exercise;
• Assist with smooth running of the office and maintenance of office systems and equipment, including stationery orders, overseeing subscriptions and shredding.

General

• Assist with organising meetings and events, including travel logistics, and providing other general support when required.

PINF is the first charity in the UK that exists to support high-quality journalism. We exist at the cutting edge of charity law and need an experienced charity professional to make sure we do things properly. 

As Head of Operations & Governance, you will be responsible for overseeing the back-office operations of the charity. You will be a key point of contact for the team and support the Executive Director to ensure smooth, efficient and compliant operations.

You will be a senior member of the team, responsible for ensuring that PINF operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including in relation to charity, corporate, tax, employment and data protection regulations. The role involves liaising with the Chair, Board of Trustees, Executive Director, legal advisors and regulators to support best practice in financial management, governance, risk management and compliance.  

Duties and responsibilities 

• Financial Management 

• Ensure consistent delivery and quality of finance operations, including transactions processing, which will involve managing a bookkeeping service.

• Prepare and monitor annual budgets, management accounts and project budgets.

• Lead on the financial aspects of fundraising, contract management, and funder reporting. Including managing restricted and unrestricted funding. 

• Oversee the process of preparing statutory accounts, including liaising with accountants and auditors.

• Maintain internal controls and policies to protect assets, prevent fraud, and ensure business continuity. 

• Participate in the Finance & Fundraising Committee and support the Treasurer to plan and deliver meetings. 

• Prepare financial reports for board meetings and engage in board discussions.

• Governance 

• Manage our annual governance cycle, working closely with the Chair, Treasurer and Executive Director to ensure legal compliance and to plan and prepare for Board meetings including taking appropriate minutes.

• Manage the organisational risk framework including identifying emerging risks and working with the Executive Director to mitigate them.

• Companies House and Charity Commission filings.

• Develop and maintain a suite of policy to ensure PINF meets its obligations as a charity and an employer.

• Play an active part in board discussion to support good decision making.

• HR 

• Manage HR across the organisation; ensuring all HR processes and policies are fit for purpose, up to date and adhere to law, and are understood and implemented across the organisation.

• Manage recruitment processes for all staff.

• Manage the annual leave tracker. 

• Operations and administration 

• Ensure the smooth running of the organisation by leading operational planning and monitoring progress.

• Lead on relationships and contracts with external suppliers and contractors.

• Ensure PINF has appropriate insurance cover. 

• Occasional support with charitable activities (meetings, events, publications, etc.) 

Requirements  

• A professional qualification in finance, management, law, or a related field and at least five years’ experience relevant to this role.

• Deep understanding of good governance and best practice in the charity sector.

• Understanding of relevant laws relating to employment, data protection and running a charity. 

• Sympathy to the aims and objectives of PINF. 

• Full professional proficiency in English. 

• Right to work in the UK. 

Skills and attributes 

• Experience of managing charity finances and budgets (Essential). A related finance or accountancy qualification would be desirable. 

• Experience of managing operations in a comparable charity or business, with both strategic and day-to-day operational responsibilities. 

• Developing HR processes and policies and taking the lead in implementing these across an organisation. 

• Developing processes and procedures and making improvements for efficiency and impact. 

• Experience of working closely with trustees, non-executives or senior leadership teams.

• Strong oral and written communications skills, including having the confidence to use your expertise to provide feedback and constructive challenge to senior leaders.

• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work remotely and independently and to collaborate with others. 

• Enjoy being the key point of contact and support in a small, remote team. 

• Ability to stay on top of your workload by using relevant software (including Microsoft Office and finance software such as Xero), keeping accurate and up-to-date records, and prioritising between competing tasks. 

Please apply using Charity Job. Once you click apply you will be prompted to upload your CV and answer an application question in up to 5000 characters: What do you see as the main challenges facing PINF as a small but ambitious charity, and how will you use your experience to address them as Head of Operations & Governance? 

The Head of Operations and Projects will oversee the infrastructure of our charity. This position will involve fostering a motivated and engaged volunteer base, strategic oversight of our BUBR Africa initiative and conducting impact analysis of our activations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community engagement, skilled in project management and possess a strong analytical mindset.

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.

Having begun as a two-person part time project with the modest goal to development of some resources to support listening practices, the School for Synodality has grown to become a hub of encouragement and support around synodal practices within the Church in England and Wales and an important voice in the international conversation about the implementation of synodality. This growth has necessitated stronger working partnerships, growing our capacity and systems. To ensure the limited capacity of our directors is best utilised we’re looking for an operations manager to join are team to support smooth running of the project and development of its vision. 

The School for Synodality Operations Manager will be central to the operational and administrative functions of the School for Synodality, including overseeing the work of the Administrator and Communications Specialist and supporting projects and partnerships with diocese, local church communities and other stakeholders across the Church. The role requires someone who understands the Catholic Church and is committed to fostering collaboration for the vision of the School for Synodality. 

The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a remote, flexible context and working alongside part time staff and volunteers with limited capacity. 

The employer of this role will be Northampton Diocese.

We’re looking for an analytical, detail-oriented professional to join our senior management team as Finance and Operations Manager. You’ll ensure the smooth operation of our financial and legal aid reporting processes and manage office contracts across our three locations.

Salary: £38,700 per annum, plus 4% pension contributions
Reports to: CEO, Trustees, Finance Board of Trustees, and SMT
Term: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)
Based at: SWLLC’s Croydon Office / Hybrid working available

For more details, please see our application pack. 

To apply, send us your CV and covering letter (no more than two pages of A4), clearly outlining how you meet the person specifications and why you would like to join South West London Law Centres.

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date: 5 pm on 02/05/2025

Your new company
My client is a health-based research charity based in the heart of London. They are looking for an Operations Manager to provide additional support who is comfortable working in senior-level settings and people manage a team of 4-5 Executive Assistants. This role will be fast-paced, and you will be asked to take on all responsibility for various projects. You will be expected to work a minimum of 3 days on-site in their Central London offices.

Your new role

• Manage the team of EAs
• Co-ordinate and deliver all cross-divisional projects, communications, meetings, and wellbeing activities to ensure the effective and smooth running of the division.
• Preparing documents for CEO / CoS including correspondence, reports, minutes, briefing notes and other papers and preparing presentations
• Organising meetings at divisional level, including meetings of the senior management team and external parties
• Manage the team's operational budget, including the tracking of expenditure and review of monthly/quarterly reports. Process expenses and invoices.
• Manage and deliver cross-departmental projects. Act as point of contact for the CEO's office for organisation-wide initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of papers for internal and external meetings, attending such meetings and producing minutes, action logs or programme documentation.
• Undertake any other work that may be reasonably required from time to time 
• Undertake work in accordance with Wellcome policies and principles.   

What you'll need to succeed

• EA / Office Management experience
• Excellent people management skills and experience
• Advanced IT Skills - excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including SharePoint.
• Able to draft correspondence
• Experience of managing projects
• Experience of managing a variety of stakeholders

What you'll get in return

A competitive day rate, with the opportunity to be exposed to some wonderful research within the medical field. You will be working in a location with great transport links within the City of London.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note, due to the volume of applications, if you have not been contacted, please assume you have not been successful in the role.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

About VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.

VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which our members operate.

VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.

Introduction to the role

The coordinator role is crucial in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the leadership team within the organisation. Serving as a central point of contact, this position involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from managing executives' calendars and coordinating meetings to handling communications with professionalism and discretion. By implementing improvements to organisational processes and maintaining meticulous record-keeping, the coordinator role contributes significantly to the smooth operation of daily activities of the organisation.

Additionally, the role involves coordinating events, assisting with project administration, and supporting financial reporting, all while embodying the core values of the organisation.

This position not only demands strong organisational skills but also a proactive approach to achieving corporate objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Purpose of role 

The Operations Coordinator will: 

• Act as a central point of contact, managing executive calendars, coordinating meetings, and facilitating effective communication while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion. 

• Be responsible for improving organisational processes, ensuring meticulous record-keeping, and contributing to the seamless execution of daily activities.

• Coordinate events, project administration, and financial reporting, all aligned with the organisation's core values. 

Specific responsibilities and duties 

Administrative Support  

• Assist with a variety of administrative tasks that enhance the productivity of the leadership team, such as scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing executives' calendars with attention to priorities, and organising files and documentation for easy access.

• Identify and implement improvements to existing organisational processes and procedures to boost efficiency, ensuring that the team can operate at maximum effectiveness. 

Communications  

• Act as a central point of contact for both internal team members and external stakeholders, handling communications with a professional demeanor.

Meetings  

• Collaborate closely with the Business and Operations Manager to support the overall management of meetings, including preparing detailed agendas, taking comprehensive minutes during meetings, and circulating documents to all participants in a timely manner, ensuring that all follow-up actions are clearly outlined. 

Event Coordination 

• Coordinate a variety of events and meetings, supporting logistics such as venue selection, catering orders, accessability requirements and technical arrangements.

• Assist in the planning and scheduling of member events and meetings, ensuring all details are attended to, such as invitations, attendee confirmations, and venue preparations. 

Project Administration 

• Maintain comprehensive administrative records relevant to projects, ensuring that all documentation is current and easily accessible to project team members. 

Record Keeping 

• Establish and maintain accurate records, comprehensive databases, and organised documentation related to office operations and employee activities, including diligent management of the CRM system to ensure timely updates and accuracy of information. 

Finance 

• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports, maintaining accurate and organised accounting records, and supporting the reconciliation of accounts to ensure data integrity.

General 

• Support the organisation to achieve its corporate objectives. 

• Be a proactive and professional representative of VODG and its values at all times, including in relation to the prioritisation of your own responsibilities and professional development. 

• Undertake such duties as may be deemed necessary by the CEO and/or the line manager that are commensurate with the level of this post. 

Firstly, thanks for your interest in this post.  We hope you see a role for you here at Age UK Lambeth. 

This is an exciting time for us and Age UK Lambeth. We have just been awarded a contract to deliver Preventative Services in Lambeth for five years with a possibility for an extension for two years. As well as holding a contract with them for delivery of the Adult Social Care Front Door service.

We are looking for a Finance Manager with experience in contract negotiation to join our  Senior Management Team (SMT) for two days a week.  We have a track record in successful grant applications and are looking to generate income from the delivery of services.

We want to find someone who can use their financial and analytical skills to support our SMT in growing our Charity to support residents in Lambeth. The postholder will be supported by our Finance Officer in delivering our finance operations.

If you would like an informal conversation about the post, please feel free to contact me by m email.

We hope that you find this post an exciting prospect for you and look forward to receiving your application. 

I wish you well in your application 

Paul Coles 

Chief Executive 

About Open Cages

Open Cages is a UK-registered charity fighting animal suffering. We are part of an international organisation, Anima International. To achieve our goal we use scientific evidence, careful reasoning, and draw upon decades of collective experience. Just in the last few years, we have successfully helped improve the lives of hundreds of millions of farmed animals in the UK.

We are impact-oriented and use a wide array of tools to make the world a better place. Our current toolkit includes:

• Investigations which reveal the reality hidden behind the walls of factory farms
• Negotiations with companies to encourage them to eliminate cruel practices from their policies
• Advocacy to secure legal milestones for animals

At Open Cages we won’t stop until we end animal suffering. We would like to invite you to join us and help us achieve this goal.

What do you gain by working at Open Cages?

• Meaningful work – you will help build a world free from animal suffering
• Time – you will be able to focus full-time on helping animals
• High degree of flexibility – the work is almost totally remote and you will organise your working hours and workflow yourself
• Trust – we expect you to make mistakes as a given and learn from them
• Autonomy – you will experience freedom and independence in your decision-making
• Transparency – you will have access to the work and decisions of others
• Honest work culture – you will know what your colleagues are doing and what they really think
• Knowledge – you will learn and receive support from people who have been fighting for animals for many years
• Opportunity to grow – you will learn every day and be encouraged to experiment beyond your skill set
• Ability to influence the organisation – we encourage our people to openly speak their mind and thus you will be able to impact what kind of organisation we are
• A laugh – animal advocacy can be dark at times, we think that having a fun atmosphere is key to balance this
• Transparently set compensation – Our salaries are not negotiable and are based on a transparent algorithm that is the same for each role

Following a 3-month probation period, you will transition to a fixed-term contract. Upon successful completion of this term, you will be offered a permanent employment contract. A minimum salary of £39,695.24 gross (our salary base for people resident in the UK) will apply from the beginning of the probationary period. The salary base may change due to your previous experience related to the position, or your experience in animal advocacy (+3% for each year). In addition, the salary increases with your seniority in Open Cages according to the following model:

+ 7% – for every year worked at Open Cages during the first 5 years of work

+ 5% – for every year worked at Open Cages during the next 5 years of work

+ 3% – for every year worked at Open Cages during the next 5 years of work

+ 2% – for every year worked at Open Cages during the next years of work

About your role

We are a small and ambitious early-stage organisation with two full-time team members. Our current objective: to help the 1 billion chickens raised annually in the UK. By joining us as our first employee focussed on operations, you will help lay the foundations of the organisation as it prepares for rapid scaling, not only increasing our impact for animals now but by also helping to shape the organisation we want to become. If you have an engineering mindset, like to organise things (ideally in spreadsheets), and navigate through novel problems, it’s time to use your strengths for animals. Whilst it may sound challenging, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of making a historic change for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Someone has to pick up that challenge, and we hope it will be You.

To help the billions of animals trapped on factory farms, we need an organisation that is expertly designed and not weighed down by inefficiencies. In this role your first task will be to help us manage, monitor and speed up our internal processes such as accounting, finances, payments, staff operations, donor management and event planning.

We can accommodate to you

Due to the broad scope of our work, there is no simple description of the perfect employee. There may also be certain areas where you are stronger than others, and we are open to fitting the role around you. We are looking for a generalist rather than a specialist. However, you do need to have some particular strengths such as conscientiousness and an analytical mind. Ideally, some day, you will be able to lead a team of your own and transfer your knowledge to them.

No previous experience is required for this role. While experience will be valued (and reflected in the salary), we welcome applications from both seasoned professionals and passionate newcomers who align with our organisational culture.

What do we require from you?

• Strong belief in the mission of our organisation. Working for us should not be thought of as a ‘career step’. We want people who are motivated by our mission above all.

• Flexible availability. We think of ourselves as a small startup. The fate of the organisation rests on a handful of highly motivated advocates who want to do something ambitious with their lives. We want to maintain the intensity of our current operating culture, so you should expect to work the occasional weekends and late evenings.

• Not being an asshole. We expect you to treat others with respect, decency and compassion – even the occasional adversaries.

• A preference for hard work. Activism is our passion and one of the main motivations in life. To fit our culture, you have to be a person that is proactive and enjoys work.

• Growth mindset. Nobody knows how to fix the world, so we need you to keep learning. We constantly strive to be better at our activism, but also as people.

• Strong interest in a high-feedback culture. We have a culture of honest and direct communication. We talk openly about our strengths and weaknesses on a daily basis because we want to be the best. You will know what your colleagues really think of you and be encouraged to speak your mind.

• Ability to reason and communicate your thinking, especially in written form. In order to thrive in our organisation you must be able to think carefully, try to back up your ideas with reasonable evidence, and above all be open to being proven wrong and changing your mind.

• Fluency in English. You will be working in a UK-based organisation which will require constant communication with English speakers.

• Ability to work in the UK. This offer is open to candidates who are either currently UK-based, or are willing to move to the UK for the job. We are happy to do whatever we can to help you in relocating, depending on your needs and our ability. If you have any questions about what we can help with, don’t hesitate to write to us!

You do not need to be vegan or vegetarian. While all of our events provide only plant-based meals, we are open to anyone who wants to fight for a world that is free from animal suffering. We won’t turn down any help.

What will you do?

• Build culture – you will help build and reinforce our culture, so we never lose what makes up the strength of Open Cages.

• Embrace reality – you will make it your mission to understand the world as it is rather than as you would like it to be.

• Manage activists – you will manage and work with teams of both employed and voluntary activists.

• Experience frustration – you will feel frustrated about things you could do better or things that are not working in the organisation or your team, and use this frustration as an opportunity to refine and elevate our organisation.

• Question ideas – you will question common knowledge, especially your own ideas, so that our results are always as good as they can be.

• Optimise your performance – you will continuously deepen your knowledge – both about particular areas of animal advocacy and about how the world works – and enjoy this process.

• Prioritise action – you will act even when there is not sufficient data.

• Abandon projects – you will change your objectives when it makes sense, no matter the time already invested.

• Respect and trust others – you will be there for others and trust their intentions. You will support them when they succeed and when they fail.

• Seek information independently – you will be responsible for acting very independently which will require you to obtain and verify data.

• Make mistakes – you will embrace your mistakes without being ashamed with the desire to learn from them.

• Oversee employment – you will oversee payroll, staff contracts, and employment matters and payments.

• Manage and optimise finances – you will be in charge of our income and expenses. This will include making sure that we have efficient and accurate accounting, and that we have enough income to achieve our goals.

• Help ensure legal governance – you will help submit our annual accounts to the charity commission and ensure compliance with all legal duties, such as making tax payments.

• Manage supporters – you will handle communication with our supporter base and manage donors, primarily through email.

• Improve team coordination – you will worry about how to make the team more effective and help us work better together by improving structure, tools, and internal processes.

• Build and improve tools – you will spot inefficiencies and opportunities in our processes – such as our newsletter and payments software – and improve them, for example by building automation tools.

• Plan events – you will handle logistics and planning for internal and external events such as recruitments, training, and team building activities.

• Obsess over speed – your job will not be to simply manage internal operations, but to reduce the organisation’s time spent on them so that it becomes faster and more efficient.

Do you think this role is too challenging and you're not fit for it?

You may be thinking that this role would be interesting for you, but you won’t make the cut. 

We encourage you not to worry and fill out the application nonetheless, especially if you meet our requirements (even on a basic level) and you think this position could bring you a lot of joy. Leave the judgment about your competence to us. You may even learn something useful along the way.

We prepared support materials to help you through the application process. We'll also be hosting informational webinars about this role and our recruitment process – click ‘Redirect to recruiter’ to see the website for more details.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective running of all operational aspects of Katherine Low Settlement. This role oversees the day-to-day operational leadership of the charity, ensuring that its systems, processes, and teams are aligned with strategic objectives and compliant with relevant legislation.

This position will lead on programme delivery, financial management, human resources, IT infrastructure, risk and compliance, governance, and facilities management, ensuring that the organisation operates smoothly and sustainably. The post-holder will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), embedding a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation, and also be responsible for policy development and culture and wellbeing. 

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Operations Director will work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, funders, partners, and staff to drive organisational effectiveness and ensure that the charity can continue delivering high-impact work.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Organisational Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership for all operational functions, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement efficient systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to ensure that the charity is resilient, agile, and positioned for sustainable growth.
• Oversee cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that operations support and enhance programme delivery.
• Lead on operational planning, resource allocation, and impact measurement.

Programme Delivery & Impact

• Ensure all programmes and services are effectively designed, resourced, and evaluated to achieve the best outcomes.
• Lead on the development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to track programme impact and efficiency.
• Work with programme teams to ensure services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks that could affect programme delivery.

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and management in partnership with the Finance Team and CEO.
• Ensure financial policies, processes, and controls are in place and adhered to.
• Work with the fundraising team to ensure grant and contract funding is effectively managed and reported.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through effective resource allocation and cost efficiency.
• Support the development of business models, funding strategies, and income diversification.

Safeguarding & Risk Management - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (a role delegated by the Chief Executive), ensure robust safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices are in place.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on safeguarding responsibilities and best practices.
• Oversee the Deputy Safeguarding Leads, acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns from them, ensuring they are appropriately reported and addressed.
• Embed a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that all programmes and services prioritise the safety and wellbeing of beneficiaries.

Human Resources, People Management & Wellbeing

• Lead the HR function, ensuring best practices in recruitment, retention, staff development, and performance management.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), embedding a culture of fairness and opportunity for all.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment law and best practice.
• Promote staff wellbeing, fostering a positive and supportive working environment.
• Line manage operational staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

IT Infrastructure, Systems & Data Management

• Oversee the organisation’s IT strategy, ensuring systems and processes are secure, efficient, and fit for purpose.
• Lead on the implementation and management of Salesforce (or another complex CRM system), ensuring data integrity and effective reporting.
• Ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and GDPR compliance, embedding best practices across the organisation.
• Identify and implement digital solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including charity governance, employment law, and safeguarding.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing reports and operational insights to support decision-making.
• Develop and maintain an effective risk management framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Oversee all policy development, ensuring policies are up to date, legally compliant, and well-embedded across the organisation.

Facilities & Office Management

• Oversee the management of charity premises, assets, and office operations.
• Ensure facilities are safe, secure, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
• Lead on business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of programme management, financial oversight, HR, IT, and governance.
• Demonstrable experience of managing budgets using complex Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience with Salesforce or another complex CRM system, including implementation, reporting, and data management.
• Demonstrable experience in people management, of multi-level and departmental teams, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding best practices, with experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Strong policy development and implementation skills, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Experience in culture and wellbeing initiatives, fostering a positive workplace environment.
• Experience working with Boards of Trustees and governance structures.
• Excellent risk management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with proven experience of building relationships with funders, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Experience in charity fundraising operations.
• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Understanding of health and safety, facilities management.

Personal Attributes

• A strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision.
• A collaborative leader who values teamwork and inclusivity.
• A proactive problem solver, able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A strong commitment to the values and mission of the Katherine Low Settlement.

Further Information 

·Katherine Low Settlement is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

·All offers to work at Katherine Low Settlement are subject to satisfactory references, which is standard KLS policy applicable to all roles. KLS also ask for an enhanced DBS (formerly known as CRB) check 

·You will adhere to matters of confidentiality concerning this role and the KLS team

The above job description reflects the position at the time of writing; it is not intended to be a task list but indicates the general level of work involved. It is expected that duties will be reviewed and revised as required.

Purpose:

To support the effective management of Ella’s office, community hub and homes, ensuring they remain safe, well-maintained, and fully operational. The Facilities Assistant will act as a key point of contact for contractors and suppliers, assist with general upkeep of the facilities, and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for staff and service users.

Main responsibilities:

Office and community hub support

• Ensure Ella’s office and community hub is well-maintained, clean, and organised for staff and service user use.

• Manage office supplies, ensuring sufficient stock levels of stationery, cleaning products, tea/coffee/milk, and other essentials.

• Collect the post regularly from Ella’s post address and ensure the post is delivered to the correct people. 

• Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, tidying storage areas) and liaise with contractors for more significant repairs or upgrades.

• Perform regular health and safety checks, reporting any issues to the Operations Manager.

Home visits and contractor management

• Obtain quotes for externally commissioned maintenance and facilities related contracts, ad hoc repairs, and redecoration of the building.

• Oversee and maintain the safehouse repairs log, ensuring accurate and timely updates are provided to caseworkers.

• Travel to Ella’s safe homes as required to meet contractors, suppliers, or delivery personnel.

• Oversee on-site work, ensuring contractors adhere to safety protocols and complete work to the agreed standard.

• Provide access to properties for repairs, maintenance, and inspections, and communicate progress to the Operations Manager. 

• Conduct basic checks within the homes, reporting any maintenance or safety concerns.

• Oversee and maintain the safehouse repairs log, ensuring accurate and timely updates are provided to caseworkers.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards across all facilities, reporting hazards or risks to the Operations manager.

• Regularly inspect fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, alarms) and assist with evacuation drills when necessary.

• Support the implementation of policies related to safe working environments.

General administration

• Maintain accurate records of contractor visits, maintenance schedules, and stock inventories.

• Assist the Operations Manager in keeping documentation up-to-date, including compliance certificates and maintenance logs.

• Communicate effectively with the team regarding any ongoing facilities work that may impact operations.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and work independently.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Basic understanding of health and safety requirements.

• Comfortable liaising with contractors and overseeing on-site work.

• Willingness to travel locally between Ella’s office and safe homes.

• A proactive and practical approach to problem-solving.

Desirable:

• Experience in facilities or property management.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed environments or working in the charity sector.

• Basic maintenance skills (e.g., DIY tasks).

More about Ella’s 

Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our mission is to do everything we can to ensure survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. 

Here is a summary of our main activities:

• We run five safe houses. This supported accommodation is crucial for survivors, until they are ready and able to live independently. 

• We provide regular support for women and families in neighbourhoods across London, and many more further afield when they need us. 

• We speak out on issues affecting the women we work with. We care deeply about survivors of trafficking and exploitation and want to see a world where these crimes are not tolerated. 

Ella’s is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, as we believe having a diverse team adds value and positively impacts our service. We actively encourage applicants from BAME backgrounds, LGBTQ+ applicants and those with disabilities. We are committed to equality and diversity within our organisation.

Ella’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

The Volunteer operations team are looking a new Volunteer projects officer, who has experience in and enthusiasm for developing projects and finding practical working solutions that can support and empower volunteers to deliver their roles in guiding. As a team, we work with a range of stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop policies, procedures and guidance that help volunteers to share their experience and passion for guiding confidently, consistently and safely.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team that is seeking to make a real difference to volunteer experience. You will report to the Volunteer operations manager and will need to be able to build relationships, manage your time and deliver across multiple workstreams.  If you are someone who enjoys problem solving across varied projects and initiatives, has a keen eye for detail and is able to communicate effectively we would like to hear from you.

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.