Operations Manager Jobs in Scotland

he role of the Operations Officer (Licensing and Compliance) is to support the coordination, development and delivery of licensing and compliance processes and procedures across the Award Association.

The Operations Officer (Licensing and Compliance) will assist the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager and other members of the Operations Team to ensure that, through the consistent and proactive use of standards, policies and quality assurance processes, backed up by effective licensing, the intellectual property and good reputation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is effectively protected.

The role will work closely with Operations Directors and Operations Managers to assist predominantly with compliance management for all Award Operators, including National Award Operators (NAOs), Operating Partners (OPs) and Independent Award Centres (IACs).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Operations Managers and the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager with NAO, IAC and OP licence reviews/compliance checks including but not limited to providing administration support, drafting content where required and reviewing reports.
• Assist the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager with issuing of and drafting correspondence in relation to all licence documentation (terminations, licence extensions, agreements, and certificates etc).
• Assist the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager and Operations Managers with the ongoing compliance management process for NAOs and OPs.
• Review policies and operational procedures submitted by Operators to ensure they are compliant with the International Award Foundation (IAF) standards and provide feedback/guidance where necessary.
• Assist the Licensing and Compliance Manager to disseminate information regarding licensing and quality assurance processes to Foundation colleagues, and to the wider Association when appropriate.
• Fulfil the role of lead reviewer on licence reviews for all Operators as required.
• Assist, where necessary, the development and maintenance of key Award Foundation and Association policies, including periodic reviews and updates where necessary.
• Assist with ad hoc projects as required.

Head of Finance and Operations

Could you be the talented Head of Finance and Operations that we’re looking to welcome into a small, friendly nature charity? Leading the financial management and operations functions, you’ll play a part in protecting and restoring UK wildlife, while advancing your career in the fast-growing ‘nature and climate’ space.

Position: Head of Finance and Operations

Salary: £40,000 for 28 hours per week (£50,000 full-time equivalent)

Location: Fully remote (UK-based), with occasional travel

Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), flexible working available

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 9am, Friday 11 April 2025

Interviews: 16-17 April 2025 (TBC)

About the Role

As Head of Finance and Operations, you will play a critical role in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the Trust. Working in a dynamic and supportive environment, you will lead the finance function, oversee operations, and ensure compliance with governance and legal requirements. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about conservation and wants to contribute to the nature and climate sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the finance function for the Trust and its subsidiaries.

• Overseeing the operations function, including governance, HR, EDI, wellbeing, and resource management.

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and charity articles.

• Managing and developing the Finance and Operations team.

• Contributing to the organisation's growth and fostering a positive workplace culture.

About You

We are looking for an individual who has:

• Experience in financial leadership within a charity or non-profit organisation.

• Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and compliance.

• Expertise in governance, HR, and operational functions.

• The ability to work independently in a remote setting.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

• A passion for conservation and making a positive impact on nature.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a unique conservation charity dedicated to making data work for nature. By providing access to vital wildlife data, they support conservation efforts across the UK. They’re a 100% remote-working organisation with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and flexibility.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Finance Director, Director of Operations, Head of Charity Finance, Finance and Operations Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Finance Business Partner, Head of Governance and Compliance.

About us:

The UK Cyber Security Council works to bring together stakeholders to build and drive engagement in the cyber security profession, through developing standards and ethical practice, demystifying career routes into the profession and promoting the profession.

In collaboration with multiple UK Government departments and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) we develop, promote and oversee nationally recognised standards for cyber security, in support of the UK Government’s National Cyber Strategy to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

The UK Cyber Security Council also offers organisational membership, which is open to all organisations that share an interest in promoting, supporting, and developing the cyber security profession.

About the role:

The Quality and Performance Manager will be responsible for cultivating a culture of excellence, emphasising high performance, quality, and compliance to exceed targets across the external licensed bodies. In this role, you will utilise your skills in stakeholder management, influence and coaching to enhance performance within the licensing area.

Your primary focus will involve collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless and efficient delivery of the professional registration process, tailored to meet the specific requirements of our users and participants. You will drive continuous improvement and promote best practices. A pivotal aspect of this position involves identifying performance challenges and effectively motivating and managing organisations and their teams to find solutions and elevate performance levels.

The ideal candidate will excel in building relationships and communication, maintaining productive cross-contractual and interdepartmental relationships with key stakeholders across different organisational levels to optimise performance.

Collaborating closely with external partners and the internal professionalisation and wider Council team, you will enhance and streamline performance by identifying, developing, and assisting in the implementation of innovative and impactful solutions. This role is centred around achieving results, requiring exceptional management and decision-making skills that can be applied to the intricate operations of complex licensed contracts.

To support these responsibilities, the role holder should possess knowledge and experience in reporting, analytics, data management, budgeting and enabling comprehensive and robust performance optimisation. Through ongoing performance analysis, you will provide guidance to licensed bodies to address and mitigate performance, quality, and compliance concerns while identifying key areas for improvement, ultimately establishing a proactive approach to managing performance related risks.

The role holder will need to work closely with the Head of Professionalisation to ensure updates, best practice and areas for improvement are communicated effectively and in an impactful way both internally and externally. It is expected that you will attend a range of external and internal events and initiatives to help raise the profile of and work of the Council, support pipeline growth and grow demand. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Quality

· Develop, implement, and manage quality practices that meet the requirements of the license, as well as requirements set by Government (NCSC and DSIT) to ensure that processes and procedures are compliant. 

· Manage and improve the quality framework that delivers an excellent standard of assessment, ensuring that the outcomes are exceeded and improving applicants’ experience. 

· Take a lead role in developing the Councils approach to understanding and measuring quality and outcomes through the whole professional registration process being administered by licensed bodies. Highlight areas of improvement, identify solutions and put plans in place,

· Develop a community where good practice can be shared. 

· Be responsible for ensuring all relevant individuals are added to the professional register in a timely manner and communicated to appropriately by all parties

· To manage the day-to-day relationship with external partners and stakeholders, deal with any queries in a timely manner. 

· Research, build and embed a feedback system to contribute to continuous improvement

· Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure that payment structures are in place and undertake monthly reconciliation

· Ensure a robust moderation processes and plans are in place, work with the Technical Advisory Panel members and chairs to ensure members are aware of moderation support needs, complete them within agreed timescales and provide timely feedback to licensed bodies.

Performance

· Responsible for the performance management of contracts, ensuring internal and external reporting requirements are adhered to, KPI’s are set, managed and continuously reviewed and reported to LT.

· Oversee all renewal and extensions for client contracts, which will include financial and system performance based KPI’s, including the need to be accountable for the accuracy of financial tracking, cost control, overhead management, and invoicing. 

· Managing audit requirements in relation to the contracts, including preparing documentation, coordination, addressing findings and maintaining records.

· Working with various internal and external partners to identify and define solutions for complex issues, working with the appropriate stakeholders to design and implement positive outcomes.

· Work with the marketing and comms lead to ensure that Marketing and comms plans meet the requirements of the license, and that the Council strategy is aligned to support. 

· Work with the events and membership co-ordinator to highlight opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders and partners that will support Council strategic objectives. 

General Responsibilities

· Lead on workstream as guided by Head of Professionalisation and in collaboration with Professionalisation team members

· Manage key risks and follow escalation process when necessary

· Ensure there is cohesive and aligned work with colleagues within the organisation

· Maintain open and effective communication with internal and external colleagues

· Prepare status reports as required for the Head of Professionalisation

· Comply with data protection legislation and act responsibly on matters of data disclosure both internally and to third parties

· Represent the Council in stakeholder meetings and external events

· Represent the Council in a professional manner and to act at all times in a manner which will not damage its reputation.

· Work from a positive, growth mindset to solve issues and problems that may arise and to adhere to the organisation values

· Carry out such tasks as the COO/Head of Professionalisation may from time to time deem necessary for the effective and efficient functioning of the Council

Person Specification:

Essential:

Experience

• Experience with self-assessment process and Quality Improvement plans
• Experience of creating cultures that embody positive change, continuous improvement and equality
• Experience of managing a supply chain including setting and achieving KPIs and contract conformance
• Management experience and understanding of contractual and performance management with the ability to deliver results
• Experience of successfully delivering an outcome-based contract
• Experience of driving performance, identifying areas of concern and implementing projects for performance improvement

Skills, knowledge and qualifications

• Clear understanding of the purpose of professional registration and associated processes
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to negotiate and influence a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to analyse a range of data from a range of sources to develop insights and support decisions
• Ability to respond quickly in a fast-moving environment, and make key decisions aligned to business goal

Personal Attributes & Approach

• Commitment to a registrant-centred approach
• Confident, positive and hard-working team player – happy to go above and beyond
• Ability to work flexibly within changing priorities and a capacity to be adaptable as required to deliver completed tasks to set deadlines
• Excellent IT and digital skills including Microsoft 365
• Ability to work on own initiative, as well as in consultation and negotiation with senior managers and other stakeholders as required
• Commitment, determination and resiliency

Desirable:

· Relevant QCF Assessor Qualification – e.g. D32/D33/A1/CAVA/TAQA Assessor

· Relevant Internal Verifier/Internal Quality Assurer qualification – e.g. D34/V1

· Previous audit experience

· Demonstrated success in producing efficiencies/increased outcomes against target

· Significant operational management experience

Next Steps

Deadline for application: Friday 28th March 5pm

Interviews: w/c 7th April or w/c 21st April

Start date: As soon as possible

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, which exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. We are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now looking for an experienced Research Manager to lead on evidence-based research and insight management, who can utilise the wealth of data, insight and experience that SOS UK can access from around the world.

• Help shape and drive forward our new knowledge hub 
• Improve our evidence base to strengthen fundraising, impact reporting and inform our programmes, advocacy and communications
• Accompany research projects, from beginning to end, as the main contact 
• Identify opportunities for new research and collaboration
• Support the development of new research programmes 
• Work with colleagues in the UK and across the SOS Children’s Villages Federation to achieve results. 

If you are a dynamic and experienced research project manager, who can channel your passion for social change into a research strategy, looking for a pivotal role within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be for you!

To Apply

Please read the full Candidate Pack attached which contains the entire job description and person specification, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 6 April 2025, 17.00 UK time. 

Please note: The post-holder must be UK-based and able to work on a permanent full-time contract. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

Job Description

Title: Operations Support Coordinator

Reports to: Senior Operations Administrator

Based: Remotely - however must be willing and able to travel as and when required to meetings and events.

Job Purpose: To maintain a high level of operational support to all areas of the Charity Group

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide operational administrative support within the Charity Group (UK & USA); tasks to include but not limited to updating database with varying records, spreadsheet creation and maintenance, running reports, managing administration projects

· Taking payments over the phone as and when needed

· Administer data received from online forms, calls and emails (follow up as necessary and update Database)

· Grants: undertaking research to identify funding opportunities for the Charity Group, completing associated forms and working with the Senior Operations Administrator to submit applications.

· Adding holidays, absences and meetings to the company diary as required.

· Collate websites update requests and liaise with Communications Team to instigate the changes.

· Assist the Patient Services Team with patient enquiries, answering calls as and when required and taking messages when necessary. Screening and responding as appropriate to incoming emails or calls.

· Administer the charity resource review process for all the resources the Charities publish -set annual or periodic review dates for current titles and engage with HCP’s and other medical professionals on reviews and approvals of new titles and subjects. Work closely with the Patient Services Manager who would manage this project.

· Provide cover for administration and other tasks when staff are on holiday or absent

· Planning, coordinating, attending events/programmes such as World Heart Rhythm Week, Global AF Aware Week, Heart Rhythm Congress, Heart Rhythm Updates, and any other event/programmes or initiatives

Person specification:

- Educated to GCSE level

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Competent in Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Calendar

- Experience of drafting documentation for the approval of others

- Excellent organisational skills, with the proven ability to prioritise and manage own workload to meet deadlines

- Can undertake a wide variety of tasks and multi-task with ease

- Ability to work on own initiative

- Flexible approach to work and strong attention to detail and accuracy

- Can work independently, and as part of a team

- Demonstrates a methodical and thorough approach to work

- Friendly and polite with good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with people at all levels

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager with a youth activist charity that challenges the food system, on an initial 12-month FTC, full-time basis. As Finance Manager you will report into the Director of Finance and Operations and lead on the charity’s financial management, practices and policies.

Please note, this role can be worked either remotely within the UK or on a hybrid basis from the charity’s London office. If worked hybrid (2+ days per week) in the London office, candidates are entitled to an additional office allowance of £2,000 FTE per annum.

Additionally, please note, candidates looking for 4 days per week may be considered (depending on experience).

As Finance Manager, you will:

- Support the Director of Finance and Operations with financial reporting for the audit in line with SORP regulations

- Support the Director of Finance and Operations with the preparation of quarterly management accounts and associated reports for the board of trustees, as well as attending finance sub-committee meetings

- Ensure that there are financial policies and procedures in place that cover all areas of the team’s governance and compliance responsibilities

- Work closely with the Grants and Fundraising Manager, Director and CEO to monitor all income and grant payments, keeping the relationship leads informed of any payment delays and liaise with them on queries

- Prepare all schedules for the annual audit and supporting the relationship with the auditors

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role

- Be part or fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA etc)

- Have a strong understanding of accounting procedures legislation and an understanding of charity SORP

- Have demonstrable financial management experience, including budgeting and financial reporting to a leadership team

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Join us at an exciting time in our journey to improve lives through the sport of boccia and help to lead development of the most inclusive sport in England.

To help us achieve our ambitions, we are looking to recruit a Business Support Manager, to join our small staff team and report to our Head of Operations.

As Business Support Manager, you will play a central part supporting the organisation and ensuring we offer great service and care to the boccia community.

We are looking for people who can make a positive contribution to our charity and use their experience and skills to support our work.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a real difference and bring new ideas for our processes and services.#

Key responsibilities for the role are

• To manage the business support services within Boccia England, using a customer focused approach to achieve its mission and vision.

• To ensure the operational effectiveness of all general administrative services, Boccia England Membership and digital services including Marketing and Communications.

About Boccia England

We are the national governing body (NGB) for boccia in England and a registered charity.

We have the responsibility to govern the sport of boccia, grow participation and benefit people’s lives, with these three things at the heart of our work.

Our work has a profound impact on improving the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults with disabilities. To see some examples of this in action please watch our videos by clicking these links Volunteering with Boccia England and Boccia Club.

We want to establish strong foundations by developing opportunities, growing our workforce, and running an effective organisation that can help improve the lives of more people, whatever their needs or backgrounds.

Further information about Boccia England can be found on our website.

Diabetes UK is seeking an inspiring National Director for Scotland who is passionate about improving outcomes for people living with diabetes and driving meaningful change in diabetes care across Scotland. 

This is a role that offers the chance to shape national strategies, inspire teams, influence policy, and forge partnerships that deliver real, measurable results.  By uniting stakeholders—from government ministers and health boards to community organisations  and people affected by diabetes. The National Director for Scotland will help create a fairer, more supportive environment for everyone affected by diabetes.

Join Our Team as a Virtual Challenges Manager!

After a significant period of growth, Social AF is excited to announce an opportunity for a Virtual Challenges Manager to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in managing relationships with our charity partners and overseeing the performance and development of our moderators. With a team of 30 Moderators and Team Leaders (self-employed contractors) supporting up to 25 events in peak months, you will ensure the smooth operation of our social fundraising challenges. Your responsibilities will include monitoring KPIs, developing training programs, and recruiting new team members. Additionally, you will manage a portfolio of charity partner accounts, providing top-notch service to maximise income generation and ensure challenges run to an exceptional standard. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who thrives on building relationships and delivering high-quality work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of key charity partner accounts, including hosting weekly update meetings and providing ongoing support throughout the duration of their challenge.
• Provide expert advice to our charity partners to maximise their challenge income.
• Develop and deliver end-of-challenge reports.
• Conduct ongoing challenge and performance analysis.
• Maximise retention for existing charity partners.
• Identify charity partners that are a good fit for our other services and support with cross-selling.
• Work with the Virtual Challenges Officer on content plans, supporter journeys, and event setup.
• Line manage the Virtual Challenges Officer.
• Lead the management of our moderation team.
• Assist with moderator training, including identifying knowledge/skill gaps, creating materials, and delivering training.
• Take an active role in recruiting new moderators.
• Organize and deliver team meetings.
• Plan and hold charity introductions and pre-challenge briefing meetings with moderators.
• Support with the development of weekly rotas and moderator group placements.

Person Specification:

• At least 3 years' fundraising experience.
• Minimum of 12 months’ experience running a Facebook Challenge or Social Fundraising Portfolio.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and management skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage a varied workload.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and responsive to changing circumstances at short notice.
• Team player.

Desirable:

• Experience managing and moderating Facebook Groups.
• Experience using GivePanel or a similar platform.
• Experience working with third-party agencies on Social Fundraising Challenges.
• Line management experience to lead and develop a high-performing team.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Social AF is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all groups of people without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible.

To apply, send your CV and a short covering statement (300 words), along with answers to the following questions:

1. Tell us more about your experience managing a Social Fundraising portfolio, highlighting any direct experience with Facebook Challenges.
2. Please share more about any line management experience you have.
3. What motivated you to apply for this role?

We look forward to hearing from you!

It is an exciting time to be joining Engineers Against Poverty (EAP) with the organisation growing in its impact to improve infrastructure transparency, advocating for greater openness and integrity in climate finance, and promoting our work on green cities and infrastructure.

EAP is a leader in infrastructure and international development with strong links with development agencies, government and industry. We develop research, policy and practice in infrastructure investment, labour standards, climate change, transparency and accountability and local content in line with our mission to help reduce poverty.

The appointee will also take on for the same role for CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative – a transparency, participation and accountability programme which operates in 20 countries and for which EAP hosts its International Secretariat. 

As Senior Finance Manager you will be responsible for the financial management and reporting of the organisation. You will also lead on the charity's year-end accounts ensuring that financial statements are prepared in line with the latest SORP requirements and liaise directly with the organisation's external auditors.

You will be an experienced finance professional with at least 5 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role (including at management level) and ideally in a not-for profit organisation. You will possess qualification or part-qualification in AAT/ACCA/ACA/CIMA with knowledge of UK charity accounting. You will show high levels of initiative, an ability to work with minimum supervision across a varied workload, and possess strong communication skills. Further detail on requirements of this role in the attached job pack.

Key responsibilities include:

• As a member of the senior management team, you are responsible for the management of the financial systems including producing, maintaining and managing budgets and financial management reports (including management accounts, preparation of annual accounts and other statutory reports)
• Ensure compliance with corporate and charitable law, and ensure that financial systems comply with statutory and other requirements (e.g. SORP)
• General finance management such as ensuring financial management policies and procedures are up to date, assist in the preparation of financial proposals and bids, and other responsibilities that may be required to meet the needs of the organisation.

We are a flexible employer and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements with potential candidates. We are an international team and this is a fully remote role (with travel and in-person attendance required at meetings a few times a year likely in London, UK). We encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.

To develop and lead the implementation of a strategic communications plan delivering high-quality coverage and resources to capitalise on high awareness of the power of personal music to help dementia and increase it further. You will support our work to empower people in communities to create and use playlists, encourage people to support our work through donations, undertaking training or sharing our message. To line manage and develop the Communications Officer, and collaborate with the wider team to deliver the strategy. To protect and enhance the reputation of the charity through proactive and reactive media relations management, stakeholder engagement and campaign management.

Key responsibilities

General

You must have empathy with Playlist for Life’s aims, values and objectives and strong understanding of the sector Playlist for Life operates in. Understanding the third sector and best practice in communications and marketing is essential. You will ensure a consistent ‘tone of voice’ for the charity and ensure its messages are delivered uniformly across platforms to maximise impact.

Leadership and strategy

· Work closely with the Executive Director, Business Manager and Head of Communities to develop a communications and campaign strategy that coordinates message-delivery in a creative and innovative way across all platforms to complement our operations and delivers our strategic objectives.

· Manage the reputation of the organisation, reviewing and updating our brand guidelines. Including developing communication handling plans for sensitive issues and advising staff and trustees.

· Ensure appropriate sign-off procedures and communication guidelines to protect and enhance the Playlist for Life brand and reputation

· Line manage and develop the Communications Officer role to provide the skills and capacity required to deliver the communications strategy including campaigns, event management, PR, digital engagement, social media, design of new materials and resources.

· Has budget responsibility for the Communications Team and commission and brief designers, consultants and other external suppliers

· Build on existing partnerships with other organisations and establish new ones to deliver joint campaign themes and increase our national impact.

· Work with the wider team and board on our fundraising strategy and ensure the communications strategy compliments and boosts our fundraising efforts to increase donations to the charity from individuals, corporate partners and trusts and foundations

· Work with our Business Manager and Head of Communities to promote and market our training to sell to care homes and other care settings.

· Work to ensure our website is easy to use and communicates our message to all of our target audiences.

Media management

· Manage the promotion of stories across all platforms – proactively seeking ways to raise our profile and ensuring the organisation is able to respond appropriately to media requests and enquiries.

· Act as a spokesperson for Playlist for Life if appropriate and required. Provide guidance and support to staff members or trustees who are acting as a spokesperson for the charity.

 Stakeholder engagement

· Work closely with the Communities Team to develop a communications strategy for engaging and supporting our community partners (Help Points), volunteers, lived experience ambassadors, and health and care professionals to keep in touch and share best practice.

· Support the development and creative of high-quality case studies, videos and photos to showcase impact, tell people’s stories and inspire others to create a playlist, donate to the charity or support our work.

Project management

· Prioritise, plan and allocate resources (including budgets and staffing) for the delivery of key communications activities, campaigns and projects on time and within budget.

· Oversee and organise special events and activities scheduled as part of the overall comms and PR strategy, National Playlist Day or other communications projects

· Increase the capacity of our Communications Team by working with external partners and contractors, and mentor and line manage any interns, volunteers or apprentices we may recruit

· Ensure that all duties are carried out in line with Charity health and safety and other Charity requirements and policies

· Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the Executive Director.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive and may be added to or changed to from time to time following discussion and consultation with the post holder and line manager.

We work on a hybrid basis with an expectation to work from our Glasgow office at least three days per week.

Interviews will be held in person at our office in Glasgow week commencing 7th April 2025.

Barnardo's has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated Buyer on a maternity cover basis.

There are currently three Buyers in the New Goods team, each responsible for development and product selection within specific product categories. Over the last few years, the financial contribution that New Goods delivers to Barnardo's Trading Companies has grown significantly, and consequently the size and structure of the team has developed to support the commercial ambition. This role is a fixed-term maternity cover position, with responsibility for key categories including paper products (Cards, Christmas cards, calendars and diaries), stationery, fashion accessories and homeware.

The ideal candidate will need:

• Graduate of a relevant discipline such as business, marketing or management, or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of retail buying within a similar environment or relevant categories such as paper products, fashion accessories and homeware.
• Knowledge of the retail buying process, critical paths and supply chains.
• Commercial awareness.
• Experience of charity retail is desirable but not required.

Some of the key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Buyer (Maternity Cover) is responsible for identifying, selecting and purchasing retail products which meet the expectations and requirements of Barnardo's charity shop customers, so understanding the customer and predicting future trends is a core part of the role. The Buyer is also accountable for achieving the best possible commercial terms across a diverse supply base, and for maintaining positive and beneficial relationships with external suppliers and partners, in order to deliver maximum profit from their product categories. The ability to collaborate with colleagues within New Goods, as well as across retail and trading, marketing and commercial businesses, balancing individual and whole team objectives, is key to the success of this role.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to deliver this role to the highest standard and would like to work for the UK's largest Children's Charity, then please click on the ‘apply now' button below. We look forward to receiving your application.  

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the role described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Job Advert

Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Permanent contract 

Job Ref: V538

Hours/Days per week: 35 hours per week – (Flexible days/hours)

Salary: £40-45,000 plus attractive employee benefits package

Start date: ASAP 

Location: Homebased 

Closing date: 28th March 2025

Interview date and Location:  Phase 1: w/c 7th April, Phase 2: w/c 14/21st April

Volunteering Matters 

At Volunteering Matters we use volunteering’s unique power to bring people together and build stronger, more resilient communities across the UK. 

We bring people together to resolve some of society’s most complex issues.  From social isolation and loneliness; improving health and wellbeing; building skills, confidence, and opportunity; to ensuring young people can become change makers in their community, the impact that we make is great.  And we won’t stop until everyone in the UK has the opportunity to thrive.

People-led and impact driven, we are a national charity that is deeply embedded in local areas across the UK.  We operate in five regions: London and the South East; Wales and the West of England; East of England; the Midlands and North West England; and Scotland and North East England.  We also have an Employee volunteering Team with over 25 years’ experience, acting as a broker to provide tailor-made solutions to employers. We turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all. 

This is an exciting time to be joining the team.  We’re changing the way we work to meet new ambitions and make sure our impact continues to grow alongside out business. 

Job Purpose:

The successful candidate will play a key role in the oversight of the daily financial operations and line management of the finance team, ensuring efficiency and accuracy across all financial functions. This includes producing timely and accurate monthly management accounts, budgeting, and reforecasting, as well as providing guidance to finance and non-finance colleagues.

Additionally, the role involves preparing annual accounts, supporting external audits, and fostering a collaborative team environment. The Finance Manager encourages knowledge sharing and multi-functional working to maintain seamless operations, particularly during high-demand periods or team absences.

Financial Management and Reporting 

• Manage and oversee day-to-day finance operations.

• Prepare and deliver monthly management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Complete and submit quarterly VAT returns in compliance with HMRC regulations.

• Maintain and update the fixed asset register for accurate financial reporting.

• Assist with year-end financial processes and external audit requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Develop management reporting packs, budgets, and reforecasts.

• Provide financial insights to support decision-making across departments.

• Process and post nominal ledger journal entries, including payroll reconciliations.

• Support funder reporting requirements in collaboration with delivery and core teams.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide effective line management to a small but busy finance team.

• Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring team members develop confidence and skills.

• Foster a supportive team environment that encourages cross-functional working.

• Document and improve finance processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Projects & Compliance

• Lead ad hoc finance projects, including Gift Aid claims and fixed asset reviews.

• Ensure compliance with charity financial regulations and HMRC requirements.

• Support system improvements and database management related to finance.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of finance operations, budgeting, and reporting.

• Ability to delegate tasks, provide clear guidance, and support performance management.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Business Central and Jet Reporting (preferred).

• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to financial tasks.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of SORP and charity financial regulations.

• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to explain finance concepts to non-finance colleagues.

• Ability to manage workloads effectively and meet tight deadlines.

• Commitment to team development and continuous learning.

Experience Requirements

• Proven experience in financial management and reporting.

• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills.

• Experience supporting and deputising for a Head of Finance.

• Familiarity with charity finance and compliance requirements (preferred).

Qualifications

• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, CA, or equivalent) required.

• Consideration given to part-qualified candidates committed to obtaining full qualification.

• Relevant experience and alignment with organisational values are equally important.

Our Values & Way of Working:

In all that we do, we embrace a philosophy of ‘Freedom within a Framework’ and are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.

This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.

Diversity & Inclusion 

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups. 

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments: 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the “Experience/Skills” section of this advert. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your application.

We have also committed to the following pledges which positively encompass our recruitment and selection processes and methodology: The Promise, Show The Salary, Salary History. 

Benefits 

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work), Unlimited Annual Leave, Employee Pension scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loan, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced sick and family leave. We are also open to discuss job share applications. 

GDPR Statement 

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to 6 months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.   

Communications Manager

Terms: 22.5 hours per week / 0.6 FTE, 3 days per week; one year contract with possibility for extension
Salary: £39,000 - £47,000 per annum (pro rata)
Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days.

Closing Date: Friday 30th March 2025. On submission of your application, please add​ ‘Communications Manager’ in the subject line. Your application should include the following:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• ​A one-page document (including images) highlighting a previous communications campaign that you worked on. Please use the following format: clearly outline the a) purpose, b) key message(s), c) description, and d) outcome/impact of the campaign.

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent think tank whose mission is to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear weapons risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Founded in 1987, we have 40 years’ experience of convening meaningful dialogues across complex political divides, and a reputation for generating innovative, high-quality research and policy advice.

BASIC sees its role as one of drawing together different perspectives within the nuclear weapons / security debate and pushing the boundaries of policy discussions. We cherish our independence and freedom of speech. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC is a fast-paced, inclusive, and rewarding environment in which to work. We have experienced 5x growth since 2017, and our intention is to continue this growth trajectory, and have an exceptionally positive team culture.

Role Description

BASIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Manager to lead and implement effective communication strategies that amplify our mission, enhance our brand identity, and strengthen engagement with key audiences. The ideal candidate will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to storytelling, and the ability to collaborate across the organisation to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in shaping BASIC’s external presence, working across programmes to craft compelling narratives for social media, the website, and other digital platforms, as well as press contacts.

The Communications Manager will be the point of contact for all communication activity and will be responsible for setting the strategy and communicating this to the team. As an organisation, BASIC is keen to develop brand identity, particularly amongst our programmes and the Communications Manager will be instrumental in developing this work. 

Main Duties

Organisational Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BASIC’s mission and objectives including a strong link to impact.

• Lead the evolution of our social media strategy, ensuring increased engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement strategic online communication plans to enhance BASIC’s digital presence, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee BASIC’s branding and identity development, ensuring consistency across programmes and platforms. This includes: organisational brand asset, image, review and refresh.

• Act as BASIC’s press officer, managing media engagement, journalistic contacts, and public relations.

• Plan and execute BASIC’s website redevelopment strategy, including better functionality for fundraising efforts and overseeing all aspects of website content/management.

• Draft, edit, and manage organisational newsletters using MailerLite, ensuring clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that aligns with BASIC’s communications strategy.

• Provide communications training to staff, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for communications.

• Create promotional materials to advance BASIC’s initiatives

• Strengthen BASIC’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.

Programme Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tailored communications plans for specific programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and effective audience engagement.

• Collaborate with programme teams to create and distribute engaging content that highlights programme achievements and key messages

• Work with programme teams to define the strategy, vision and purpose of newsletters

• Coordinate programme events (virtual and in-person), in terms of communications outreach to increase visibility and structuring of success stories

• Support the creation of digital content (social media posts, website updates, videos, etc.) to promote programme activities and initiatives

• Assist with publishing programme reports including proofing and providing guidance for branding and imagery 

• Provide communications support for programme fundraising activities

• Monitor and analyse communications impact across programmes, using feedback and data to suggest improvements and ensure messaging is reaching the right audiences

• Help to manage relationships with key stakeholders for each programme by ensuring ongoing engagement and support for programme objectives

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all programme communications to maintain coherence with the organisation's overall identity

Role Requirements

Essential criteria for the role:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Education, Business, Fundraising)

8+ years of working in a communications role

Knowledge of global security issues with linkage to UK policy 

Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages

Ability to generate innovative ideas and content that engage target audiences and enhance brand visibility

Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience in monitoring and evaluating communication impact through media coverage, engagement metrics, and analytics. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.

Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.

Keen eye for detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all communications materials.

Desirable criteria for the role:

Experience in crisis communications, including drafting statements and managing sensitive issues.

Why Join BASIC?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a respected international security think tank. If you are a creative, strategic, and proactive communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.