Recruitment manager jobs in haywards heath, west sussex

Head of Customer Services

Hours: 37 hours a week

Salary: £44,100 per annum

Location: Hybrid/Flexible - we have buildings in Brighton, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Horsham and Bognor Regis, giving flexibility to choose your main base - as well as the option for homeworking on occasions

Closing Date: Monday 19th May, midday

Are you a passionate leader with a flair for driving change?

We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced Head of Customer Services to lead a culture shift across Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. This brand-new role is your chance to shape and deliver our first customer-focused workplan, embedding outstanding customer service across all touchpoints. If you're someone who is energised by change, understands the power of great customer experience, and can bring teams with you - this could be the role for you.

We want to be the go-to charity for people as they age - and for their families and carers too. Whilst we’re proud of what we do and the difference we make, we know we can’t stand still. With an ageing population and stretched resources everywhere, we need smarter, more joined-up ways of working that enables the reach to be further and the impact to be greater.

You’ll spend time in our services and buildings to really understand how we operate, and you’ll need to work closely with staff and volunteers to embed a more consistent approach to customer service; one that is person-centred, informed by data and using the best tech and digital solutions. In return, we offer a chance to make a lasting impact in a visible and vital new role for us. This position involves travel across our sites, therefore a driving licence and access to your own car will help you hit the ground running.

What You’ll Do

· Design and deliver a consistent customer journey that spans all our services

· Pioneer a customer-first culture and demonstrate exemplary leadership

· Harness tech and innovation to improve processes

· Champion our new membership programme, launched April 2025

What You’ll Bring

· A proven track record in customer service, transformation and culture change

· Sharp strategic thinking, plus confidence working with data, compliance and KPIs

· Great people skills, you must be able to lead, coach, train and bring others with you

· A passion for inclusion and for building solutions that meet real-world needs

What We’ll Offer

· An opportunity to create lasting impact across a well-loved and ambitious organisation

· A vibrant, values-driven culture where your voice matters

· A flexible, supportive team with big plans and a collaborative mindset

· Condensed hours may be considered after six months (note: job share not available)

Benefits

We value our team and offer a brilliant benefits package, including:

· Flexible working options

· Ongoing professional development

· 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)

· Blue Light Card eligibility

· BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

· 4% auto-enrolment pension with life assurance

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Electric Vehicle Scheme

How to Apply

To apply, please read the full Job Description and get to know us at our website. Then, submit your tailored CV and a covering letter (no more than 3 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification. We love innovation (yes, we use AI too!), but most of all, we want to hear your voice.  

For any questions, please let us know and Jo Clarke will be happy to contct you. 

Please note applications without a cover letter will not be shortlisted. 

Alternatively you can download our application form from our website.

If you're shortlisted, we’ll carry out DBS and reference checks before appointment.

If you need support with your application please do let us know.

About AUKWSBH

We are known for our excellent work with older people in the UK. We are an ageing population, and many older people have no one else but us. We are passionate about inspiring and enabling people over 50 to Love Later Life.

We provide various services and activities within the community, helping people, their families and carers by providing opportunities for people to stay independent, have fun, socialise and build friendships. We also deliver some services for people over 18. We offer rewarding roles, flexibility and the chance to be part of an amazing team.

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We want you to feel welcome, respected and able to be your full self—whether you’re applying, volunteering, or working with us.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know—we’ll make it work for you.

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.

Are you an experienced fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment? Do you want to play a pivotal role in an exciting charity that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives? Wheels for All is seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Fundraising to lead our fundraising efforts and help us reach even more people with our inclusive cycling opportunities.

Wheels for All is on an exciting journey of growth, expanding our reach and impact across the UK. With over 30 years of success, we’re now scaling up our work to ensure more people, regardless of their ability, can enjoy the life-changing benefits of cycling. As we continue to grow, we need a strategic and innovative fundraiser to help fuel this expansion.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge, and experience to the table. We are looking for someone who can bring fresh, innovative approaches to fundraising, tapping into new opportunities, and securing the funding necessary to take our mission to the next level.

This is a remote role, offering you flexibility to work from home while having the ability to operate on a national scale, with some occasional travel required   . You will work closely with our passionate team, trustees, and external partners, helping shape the future of the charity and expand our reach far and wide. 

In this role, you will:

• Lead the fundraising strategy, securing major grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donations to support our national expansion.
•  Oversee marketing and communications to ensure consistent and engaging messaging that resonates with a wide audience.
• Work alongside the CEO and trustees to identify new opportunities and drive growth, capitalising on our position as a national leader in inclusive cycling.
• Develop and deliver innovative fundraising initiatives that align with our growing ambitions.

We offer a salary in line with market rates for the role, negotiable depending on experience, and remote working options to ensure you thrive in a flexible work environment. With staff benefits including generous leave, Cycle to Work schemes, and access to health and wellbeing support, this is a chance to be part of something truly special. 

Come with us and make a real difference. Join Wheels for All as our Head of Fundraising and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a fantastic creative digital marketing agency that focus their efforts on the third sector and work with values-based organisations and in particular the Islamic communities. Through their work they have managed to increase donations for charities as well as increasing traffic to websites. The agency specialises in crafting impactful digital marketing strategies, creative campaigns and comprehensive go-to-market plans. A fantastic opportunity exists for a Creative Copywriter to join the team. As Creative Copywriter, you will write creative and persuasive copy for digital campaigns, websites, ads, social media, and more. You will also collaborate with designers, strategists and marketers bringing campaigns to life. This is a full-time, permanent role, home based within the UK with meetings in Bradford every fortnight.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will have 3-4 years of copywriting experience in an agency or in-house role. You will have a strong portfolio showcasing versatile writing skills across different formats. You will be able to think conceptually and craft narratives that engage and convert. An understanding of branding, marketing strategy and audience psychology is essential for this role. Candidates will also have a passion for culturally inclusive marketing and a nuanced understanding of diverse communities including the Muslim Community.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis and roles may closer earlier than initially indicated.

Head of Grants 

Are you a visionary leader who can turn ideas into reality? Do you have the drive to manage complex projects, inspire teams and create lasting impact on a national scale? Do you love giving charities money? If so, we want to hear from you!

This is a remote working role offering part-time hours, on a permanent basis. 

Position: Head of Grants 

Location: Remote/London

Hours: Part-time (4 days per week)

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Benefits Include: 25 days per year (pro rata – excluding bank holidays), employer pension contribution of 5% into a personal pension (which does not have to be matched by the employee)

Closing Date: 27th May 2025

About the Role

This role is key to shaping how the organisation maximises impact over the next 5 years, delivering on ambitions for the 2024-2029 Strategy. The aspiration is to help 10,000 young people at risk or experiencing homelessness, to reach their full potential.

By working with key players in the youth homelessness landscape, like-minded organisations, and embedding the voices and experiences of young people in this work, you will help maximise social impact and deliver £150m in social value by March 2029. 

You will ensure the charity is the best possible grant funder in the field, thoughtful, diligent, transparent and efficient, as it works with the very best charities across the country deliver vital support to young people facing homelessness.

You will be in charge of grant programme design, development, and delivery in line with the new strategy.  You will have the opportunity to work on new programmes and ideas, and to gather data and insight from this vital work (and other sources) that will help both future grant-making and our influencing work nationally.

About You

Whilst grant-making experience would be helpful, what truly matters is your ability to strategically lead and drive projects that deliver impact. You’ll be at the forefront of developing and delivering new programmes, ensuring they align with key targets while bringing innovative ideas to life.

This role is not just about achieving KPIs, it’s about leading teams to achieve results. You will have experience of delivering presentations, developing ideas and projects collaboratively, and using data-driven insights to shape future projects and influence decision-making at a regional or national level. Strong project management, monitoring, and evaluation skills are key in this role, as are those of team- and partnership- working.

If you are a senior leader looking for your next role, then we would love to hear from you. 

About the Organisation

The charity has been around since 1986, created by and working with the UK property industry to try and harness a collective desire to do good. Since 2016, the focus has been exclusively on creating a corporate movement within and across the industry to tackle and end youth homelessness. 

Additional Benefits

• Opportunities for flexible working 

• Free annual Flu’ jabs and annual sight tests

• Cycle to Work Scheme (salary sacrifice)

• ½ day a month entitlement to volunteer for a charity of your choice, in work time

• Interest-free Annual Travel Card Loans

• A Professional Development Fund 

• Commitment to wellbeing (we’re signatories of Mind’s Time to Change Pledge)

• An Employee Assistance Programme 

• Private Health Insurance with Vitality (small employee contribution required).

You may have experience in other roles such as Grants, Impact, Grants and Impact, Head of Grants, Head of Impact, Head of Grants and Impact, Impact and Innovation, Director of Grants, Director of Impact, Director of Grants and Impact.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation

Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance - Charity - 6 Month Day Rate

A leading national charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing a significant health challenge is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join them on a temporary basis as their Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance to ensure the smooth continuation of key functions during a transition period.

This six-month contract offers a crucial leadership role, primarily focused on driving the risk management strategy and ensuring a robust compliance framework. You will line manage a team and collaborate across the organisation, playing a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding the charity's interests. This role offers remote working with an expectation of attending the office in [Specify Location, e.g., London] approximately once a month.

As Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance, you will be instrumental in maintaining a strong governance and risk culture, enabling teams to operate effectively and with confidence. This role requires a strong understanding of risk management principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and support a team.

Key Skills Required:

• Extensive Risk Management Expertise: Proven experience in developing and implementing risk management frameworks, including strategic and operational risk registers, and holding a relevant qualification.
• Compliance and Governance Oversight: Strong understanding of compliance requirements, policy development, and experience with company secretarial matters, including relevant regulatory body filings.
• Effective Line Management & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team, fostering a collaborative environment and working effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive and Detail-Oriented: Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and ensure meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the role.

Contract Details:

• Duration: 6 months
• Rate: £450 - £500 per day - Inside IR35
• Location: Remote - one day per month in London

Apply now for immediate consideration for this impactful leadership opportunity.

URNFP is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a national charity to recruit a Supporter Engagement Officer in order to play a crucial role in fostering lasting relationships with the charity supporters across Dorset.

You will provide exceptional service to donors, volunteers, and community fundraisers, ensuring that their engagement with the charity is meaningful and rewarding. You will be at the heart of the charity fundraising efforts.

As a Supporter Engagement Officer you will:

• Act as the primary point of contact for charity within the Dorset community, promoting the charity and maximising income opportunities.
• Provide top-quality stewardship for supporters, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for income growth in line with the charity’s strategy.
• Manage and coordinate collection boxes across Dorset, working closely with fundraising officers and finance teams.
• Collaborate with local community groups to support and promote fundraising activities.
• Develop and deliver engagement activities, including newsletters, events, and personal acknowledgements, to thank, update, and inspire supporters.
• Lead and manage a team of volunteers across Dorset, recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support.
• Work alongside volunteers to engage with and expand local fundraising initiatives.
• Deliver compelling talks about the charity to different audiences, adapting your approach to ensure maximum engagement.

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in customer service, supporter care, or fundraising.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.

Desirable

• Previous experience in the charity sector.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Experience using supporter engagement platforms or email marketing tools.

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum

Contract type:Full-time, permanent

Location- Dorset, remote work

Closing date: On rolling basis

Interview: TBC

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement to

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

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.

We are seeking a full-time Primary Science Mentor to join our team of experts. Through your knowledge of and passion for primary science education, you will inspire transformational change in schools.

You'll be home based and able to support schools in one of the following regions: East Midlands, North East England, North West England or South Wales Valleys.

About the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT)

PSTT is a registered charity with a clear vision – we want to see excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom in the UK. We believe it is vital that children are engaged and inspired by science from an early age. We want to draw on their natural curiosity to help them explore, understand and ask questions about the world around them.

We’ve built a Primary Science Teacher College of over 200 outstanding teachers; each helping to shape and influence science teaching across the UK. We produce great resources that improve how science is taught and planned. We organise engaging professional learning events for teachers, and work with partner organisations to further enhance how science is taught. Our 2023-28 strategy is building on these strengths to reach more teachers across a more diverse range of schools.

We’re dedicating our most intensive efforts to areas of the UK requiring most development in primary science. Our Priority Areas initiative is being piloted in 30 schools, and in September 2025 we plan to launch this programme in a further 30 schools. Our Regional Mentors have worked with more than 3,000 schools across England, with exceptionally positive feedback.

Job summary

There are two parts to the Primary Science Mentor role. The majority of the role will focus on strengthening primary science teaching and leadership by leading our second Priority Areas initiative. Through their knowledge of and passion for primary science education, the successful candidate will inspire transformational change in schools taking part in this project. They will build close working relationships with participating schools and create a vibrant and exciting learning community based on mutual support and the sharing of expertise.

The remaining hours in the role will be as a Regional Mentor: joining PSTT’s growing team of primary science experts who provide bespoke support directly to individual schools, multi-academy trusts and other school groupings and organisations. This includes developing and delivering training in a variety of contexts, including online; working individually with Science Leaders; being a leading voice, expert and advocate for primary science (both regionally and nationally); and creating partnerships with other organisations that support science within the region.

A crucial part of the role is to ensure collection of appropriate data for both Priority Areas and Regional Mentor activities, so that we can evaluate our work against intended outcomes.

Key facts about this role

Salary

PSTT band E(ii): starting salary £49,149. A cost-of-living increase will be applied on 1 September 2025; amount TBC.

Pension and benefits

Employer pension scheme, sick pay and maternity/paternity/adoption pay as detailed in our pay and reward scheme

Location

Home based in either the East Midlands, North East England, North West England or the South Wales Valleys.

Travel

The job requires extensive travel to schools within the Primary Science Mentor’s working region, and sometimes beyond that region (including occasional meetings at PSTT’s Bristol office). Expenses will be reimbursed.

Line manager

Director of Regional Programme

Start date

1 September 2025. Potential for some work prior to 1 September to support with identification and recruitment of schools (to be discussed at interview).

Contractual basis

2 years

Hours

35 hours per week (full time), usually worked between Monday-Friday. You may occasionally be required to work during evenings and weekends.

Annual leave

28 days (of which 3 must be taken during the Christmas closure period) plus public holidays

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a national charity to recruit for the Fundraiser (Direct Fundraising) in order tosupport the growth and development of direct fundraising activities, including face to face recruitment and telephone fundraising campaigns.

As a Fundraiser you will:

• Support the Senior Fundraisers in growing direct fundraising activities.
• Assist in the planning and execution of direct fundraising campaigns, including the setup of new fundraising agencies and campaigns.
• Conduct mystery shopping and call listening to monitor the quality and compliance of fundraising activities carried out by external agencies, ensuring they meet expected ethical and regulatory standards.
• Ensure campaigns adhere to compliance standards and best practices.
• Monitor performance metrics, income, and expenditure.
• Advocate for the mission, ensuring that fundraising activities align with values.
• Collaborate with other departments and external agencies to drive success.

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Highly developed written communication skills to understand, interpret and present complex information in a clear and persuasive way for a range of audience
• Have strong ability to record, analyse, and present financial data in an accurate and impactful way.
• Have experience using Windows based software like Excel, Word, and email, to carry out tasks and projects.
• Willingness to travel across the UK for mystery shopping and engage with external agencies to ensure high standards of fundraising.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a dynamic team.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and well organised professional

Salary: £28,337 - £31,485 + allowances

Contract type:Full-time, permanent

Location- London, hybrid  (1-2 days in the office) or remote 

 Closing date: 16th May at 8am

Interview: TBC

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement 

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

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.

The North West England Methodist District (NWED) is seeking to appoint a District Property Secretary. The role is home-based, with travel throughout the District. They will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to property and will work in collaboration with the churches and circuits within the District, providing oversight of the properties owned by the District. The post holder will give support and assistance to a range of stakeholders on property-related matters, in the context of Methodist Church governance.

This post will be responsible for supporting the Financial Controller in all aspects of the financial management of the charity. This post will take an active role in supporting both overseas and UK staff with financial management. The post will also be responsible for producing monthly/quarterly project finance reports both internally and externally. The successful candidate will be an analytical, intelligent accountant who will provide high quality support for a range of teams across the organisation. They will have the ability and communication skills to build strong working relationships at all levels across the organisation, including non-finance staff. The successful candidate will have at least two years’ experience working in a similar role and will preferably be at least part qualified. 

ID: 1439 - Senior Social Media Executive

Service: Digital Marketing

Salary: £32,311 FTE per annum + £480 home working allowance

Location: Homebased

Hours: Full time 37 hours per week. We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Permanent

Relate at Family Action & the Role’s Impact:
Family Action is a national charity that supports people through change, challenge and crisis across England and Wales. On 1st January 2025, Relate, the largest provider of relationship support, joined the organisation helping us reach even more people and support the creation of secure foundations for children and young people, and safe, supportive relationships for all.

For over 150 years Family Action has seen first-hand the power of family and relationships to shape lives, for better or worse. That's why we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Whatever family means or looks like to us, it's relationships that matter. With Relate at Family Action, we are able to extend the support we provide with counselling, information, mediation and support to individuals, couples and families from all backgrounds and sexualities, as well as provide expert training for relationship support practitioners.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our organisation and help shape the future of Relate’s social media presence as part of Family Action. You will oversee Relate’s paid and organic social media activity, build brand awareness and drive sales of services and toolkits, whilst also supporting wider Relate at Family Action work aligning both brands.

Main Responsibilities (for details check the job description and person specification):
• Manage Relate’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and the planning, creation and scheduling of organic content
• Work with the Social Media Manager and Head of Digital Marketing to develop a paid social media strategy and sales funnel to support B2C opportunities and the purchase of Relate’s services and toolkits by individuals and organisations.
• Create and manage paid social ad campaigns at each stage of the purchase funnel ie. awareness, interest, conversion.
• Support other social media channels linked to Relate at Family Action, such as those managed by our charity shop retail teams.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):
• Experience of effectively managing social media channels.
• Experience of delivering successful paid social media ad campaigns from end to end.
• Excellent copywriting skills and the ability to write powerfully and succinctly for different audiences and objectives.
• Experience of driving sales of products and services through social media marketing.

Benefits:
- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
- up to 6% matched-pension contributions
- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
- cycle to work scheme
- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:
• Please apply via our website - Click the “Apply Now” link and fill out our digital application form
• Closing Date: Sunday 11th May at 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually, week commencing 19th May 2025.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

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.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.