Service manager jobs in preston, lancashire

Job Purpose

We are looking for a CEO with a passion for animal welfare, who will contribute to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing animals in need. Our new CEO will want to actively promote kindness and the prevention of cruelty to animals, and be driven by a desire to give those in our care a second chance in finding their forever home.

They will expand our profile across the Blackpool and North Lancashire region, working closely with the trustees to create a robust business plan, and have overall responsibility for the Branch Centre, our shops and the day to day running of the charity 

Role Responsibilities

People

Have overall responsibility for all branch employees, including recruitment, employee development and performance assessment.

Income Generation, Fundraising and Publicity

Lead income generation, actively championing and contributing to fundraising events, whilst introducing new ideas and new activity.

Have overall responsibility for the Branch retail operation, working closely with the managers to ensure that individual shops meet annual sales targets.

Work with the trustees in developing the retail strategy and the growth opportunities of new outlets. 

Digital Media and Marketing

Be responsible for developing the use of digital media to deliver the charity's vision, mission and strategy.

Work with the trustees to develop a marketing strategy, helping our Branch reach more people and generate additional income.

Financial Performance, Governance and Administration

Together with the trustees, develop and implement robust policies, procedures and controls in line with RSPCA guidelines and law, and produce annual budgets and reports for the Branch.

Security, Maintenance and Health and Safety

Ensure the Branch fulfills its duty of care for the health and safety of employees, volunteers and others on site, and have overall responsibility to ensure that the buildings, land and equipment belonging to the Branch are maintained in a safe and secure manner. 

Animal Welfare

In collaboration with the Animal Centre Manager, ensure the Branch delivers on its commitment to care for and ensure the welfare of animals, overseeing compliance with RSPCA standards and policies, relevant legislation and best practice in the provision of animal welfare services.

Person Specification

You have:

• A passion for the care and welfare of animals
• A proven track record of leading and motivating people to deliver the strategic aims of a business/charity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and also the ability to listen to the opinions of others
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multi-task
• A desire to design and implement systems and processes, enabling delivery of our overall strategic aims
• A full UK driving licence

You have expertise and experience in:

• Operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• Project management and business planning
• Business development and growth
• Budget management
• Business and financial reporting
• The use of technology and digital media

You are:

• Flexible, with an ability to adapt to different situations and willing to 'get your hands dirty'
• A people person who is approachable and enjoys working with others, communicating effectively to build strong relationships
• Proactive and forward-thinking with an ability to plan ahead 
• Able to prioritise conflicting demands and thrive under pressure
• Committed to the highest levels of integrity and effort

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date and Interviews will be held on a day to be confirmed in June.

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

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

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

Duties and responsibilities 

• Financial Management 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Governance 

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

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

• Companies House and Charity Commission filings.

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

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

• HR 

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

• Manage recruitment processes for all staff.

• Manage the annual leave tracker. 

• Operations and administration 

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

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

• Ensure PINF has appropriate insurance cover. 

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

Requirements  

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

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

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

• Sympathy to the aims and objectives of PINF. 

• Full professional proficiency in English. 

• Right to work in the UK. 

Skills and attributes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

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

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

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

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

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning
   

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.

All applicants need to submit a CV and a covering letter on why you should be considered for this role. Applications will not be accepted if no covering letter is included. 

Please note that the closing date for this role is 9th May 2025 however, we may close early should sufficient applications be received, so early application is advised.

Please be advised that this role is part-time working 15 hours per week and fixed-term with an expected to end date of 31st March 2026. The annual salary is £47,000 pro rata.

We have a preference for hybrid working, however we'll consider the role being completely remote for the right candidate.

Job Description

You'll be an experienced qualified High Intensity Therapist with BABCP accreditation who likes working as part of a supportive team to help clients who struggle with common mental health problems such as anxiety and/or depression.

You will be responsible for the clinical supervision of Mind and Body Practitioners and CBT Therapists. Supervision will be provided on both an individual and group basis. You will be expected to support the clinical governance of the Mind and Body service.

Interviews are due to take place around 19th May 2025.

Essential Skills

• Have a Post Graduate Diploma in an NHS Talking Therapies Course or a recorded/registered qualification in one of the following - nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or within a psychological therapy – plus further post-graduate qualification training in CBT along with significant experience working as a practitioner
• Have accreditation with BABCP 
• Have demonstrable experience working in mental health and young person services
• Have demonstrable experience with routine outcome monitoring
• Use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
• Know child protection issues and other relevant legislation
• Be able to work within a team and foster good working relationships
• Have advanced communication skills

The Digital Engagement Officer is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team and will support the day-to-day running and development of our digital channels. You’ll work to drive engagement, reach new audiences and provide a smooth supporter experience.

You’ll be writing and uploading content to our website, analysing performance, reporting back on learnings and developing plans for improvement. You’ll also help run our email programme. This will involve managing our supporter newsletter, with the support of the Senior Digital Engagement Officer. It’ll also cover growing our list of supporters consenting to hear from us, running testing plans and assisting other teams with their mass email needs.

You’ll work closely with the Senior Digital Engagement Manager, Senior Digital Engagement Officer, wider Marketing and Communications team and colleagues across fundraising, policy, research and services to contribute to the digital elements of the marketing and communications strategy.

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality testing solutions? Join us as a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead and drive excellence in our testing processes!

�� Location: Hybrid/remote (expectation to travel to key national sites as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary:

• Starting from £46,434.55 - £51,078.01 for base locations outside of London, dependant on experience and location
• Starting from £51,078.01 - £56,185.81 for base locations inside of London, dependent on experience and location

What is a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead?

As Portfolio Delivery Test Lead (a new role to MSIUK) you will oversee testing and lead the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) for all new MSI UK system deployments, responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing UAT to ensure that the solution meets business requirements and is ready for deployment.

You will work closely with the Project Managers, Products team, Business Intelligence team, Digital, IT teams, Governance, Contact Centre, Clinical colleagues and Operations, Clinical Safety, UK Learning & Development team, Global Information Services and all colleagues across the business

The objective of this role is to ensure any DDaT deployment to the business is fit for purpose, fully tested and accepted by the business to improve the client journey with MSI UK, on small pathway changes to larger projects alongside process improvements to enhance the client experience and overall business.  The role will support other teams in DDaT such as test and release or regression testing with the Product team.

What can we offer you?

• �� Expenses incurred while traveling outside your base location will be reimbursed.
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

What you’ll be doing:

• Design and implement fit-for-purpose UAT frameworks aligned with business goals.
• Create detailed test plans, cases, and criteria to reflect business requirements.
• Manage a test environment mirroring production, including representative test data.
• Define UAT timelines and milestones to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate with users to create actionable test scripts and scenarios.
• Lead testing, track progress, and manage defects with prioritisation and retesting.
• Ensure testing rigor, support methodology development, and oversee collection of test evidence.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience as a Test Lead, managing UAT processes, including test plans, cases, and scripts.
• Proven ability to use, manage, and suggest automated testing tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complex use cases.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly to end-users and non-IT staff.
• Solid understanding of risk and issue mitigation, with the ability to escalate when necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical and strategic thinking skills, able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of the agile product development lifecycle, including product strategy, story writing, requirements definition, backlog prioritisation, development, QA, and launch.
• Familiarity with the current and emerging digital and technological landscape, and how it aligns with organisational goals.
• Willingness to work outside core hours (including weekends) and travel as needed.

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of special educational needs and disability (SEND) law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants, and this is a new role designed to help strengthen and grow IPSEA’s income from charitable Trusts and Foundations. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with existing funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also support the early development of strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy. 

This role is an opportunity to play a key role in our future fundraising strategy and help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services. 

You will work remotely, with occasional travel required for essential meetings approximately 4-5 times per year. 

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you. 

To apply

• Download our ‘Trusts and Philanthropy Officer Recruitment Pack’
• Visit our website to download an application form
• Submit your completed application form via our website

Please note that we do not accept CVs as applications.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 May 2025 
First-round interviews: 21 or 22 May in central Birmingham

ARC Blackburn (ARC), an established local charity, has recently been commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver an asylum seeker integration programme for newly arrived asylum seekers in the borough. The purpose of the role is to work with new and existing partner organisations as well as existing staff, volunteers, and service users to deliver the programme.

This role requires an experienced individual who will encourage clients’ engagement in the community by welcoming, supporting, signposting, running social activities, connecting communities and supporting organisations, organising events and trips, and engaging with clients who require additional social engagement support. The Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for measuring the impact and outcomes of all small activities and events using surveys, questionnaires and focus groups.

The other strand to the coordinator role will be to support local asylum seeker and refugee support hubs in the delivery of both formal and informal learning of English and Digital skills.  Enabling access to these learning opportunities is vital to our clients’ resettlement and integration in the UK and local environment.

To be successful in the role, you will have relevant experience in community engagement and/or building partnerships in the charity sector. You will have proven experience in delivering activities and events that focus on community connection and co-creation, thus improving community integration and reducing social isolation.  You will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to motivate and inspire diverse groups of people. You must also have excellent IT skills, with the ability to report on quantitative and qualitative data. Experience of using a case management system is preferred.

Fluency in an additional language would be beneficial. The post will be based in Blackburn, Lancashire, but with frequent visits to other locations in Blackburn and Darwen. 

Why work for us?

• We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer. We are committed to paying our staff according to the real cost of living.
• 25 days holiday (pro-rata), plus Christmas and Eid
• 3% employer Pension contributions
• Be part of an amazing team that are committed to making a real difference to the lives of asylum seekers and refugees

Please download our recruitment pack including the person and job specification before applying. Please avoid the use of AI in your application - we are not assessing your application based on grammar or spelling, and we would love to read about your specific experience.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to join our team of six Strategic Partnership Advisors across England. In this role, you will support key partners, including Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport, local authorities, and leisure providers to become more effective in their role of enabling more disabled people to be active.

You will possess a strong understanding of the sport and activity sector, including its operations, and be able to advocate for improvements that help more disabled people become active. Additionally, you will be aware of the broader systems and barriers that disabled people encounter in sports and activities, as well as organisations such as disabled people’s user-led organisations and various charities, to build relationships and foster effective cross-sector partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with experience of working strategically at a place based and/or locality level within the South West region. Someone who can positively influence local developments, systems and investments to tackle the inequalities disabled people face in sport and activity through inclusive practice.

The successful candidate will work remotely from home and be based in the South West region. This role will involve travel across the region and occasional travel to our Loughborough and Manchester offices.

This role is full-time (36 hours) and permanent.

We offer 26.5 days of annual leave, including birthday leave, plus bank holidays. Activity Alliance also closes between Christmas and New Year which means that employees are not expected to work during this time and they are not required to use their annual leave allowance to have this time free from work.

Activity Alliance currently offers the following benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Time off in lieu
• A contributory pension scheme (employee 6%, employer 9%)
• Childcare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care
• Employee engagement initiatives such as away days
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Menopause policy
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Group Income Protection
• Death in service
• Training and development opportunities

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we are united by a shared mission purpose: ensuring that no one must choose between heating and eating. Creating a United Kingdom free from fuel crisis. We exist to make it possible for everyone in the UK who prepays for energy to have sustainable access to the heat, light, and power they need to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Every day, our work helps people facing fuel crisis, providing emergency financial support, practical and actionable advice, and long-term advocacy to create real, lasting change.

As part of the Fuel Bank team, you play a vital role in making this happen. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Whether you're working directly with those in need, behind the scenes supporting operations, or helping shape policy, your contributions make a real difference to the lives of the people we support.

Are you a natural team leader or strive to be one, do you have excellent communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, ever evolving environment, that manages customer queries and applications processing? Are you flexible, empathetic, and dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service? If so, this role is perfect for you.

As the Triage Team Leader, you will be responsible for managing the team’s daily operations and ensuring performance targets are met, in line with our mission to help and support our clients out of crisis. Your role will include leading and supporting triage advisers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings, overseeing resource allocation, and delivering quality assurance and coaching."

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading with Purpose: Support and guide our triage advisers, helping them meet their goals and deliver high-quality support. Hold regular one-to-ones to offer encouragement, feedback, and development.
• Using Resources Wisely: Ensure the team is well-organised and resourced so we can offer the best possible service to those who need us, when they need us.
• Championing Quality: Carry out regular quality checks and offer tailored coaching to help the team grow their skills and confidence, making sure every interaction counts.
• Keeping Track: Monitor and report on how the service is performing against both internal and external targets. Quickly raise any challenges or concerns with the Head of Customer Service and Advice to keep things running smoothly.
• Always Improving: Look for ways to strengthen our service and improve outcomes for people in fuel crisis, making sure we’re always learning and evolving.
• Stepping In When Needed: During busy times, lend a hand by speaking directly with customers facing fuel emergencies—carrying out needs assessments and ensuring they receive same-day support.

 Experience and Skills:

• Previous Advice Role: Experience in an advice role with an understanding of how to develop the support we offer.
• Team Leader/Senior Experience: Previous experience as a Team Leader or in a senior role is desirable but we are open to developing the right person.
• Phone-Based Experience: Preferably in a triage/advice role, but general customer service experience is also suitable.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrated empathy with a strong desire to help and support customers.
• Attention to Detail: Strong administrative and reporting skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on continuous improvement and service enhancement.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient in using computer systems and software.

What You’ll Receive in Return:

• Team Support: Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to your success.
• Enhanced Annual Leave: 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a flexible schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Private healthcare and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Training and Development: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding programme and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Are you a focused individual with an analytical mindset, seeking new challenges where you can showcase your expertise as an experienced Technical Business Analyst?

If so, we invite you to apply to this unique opportunity and become a vital part of our team. Make a difference in a growing healthcare organisation and help us enhance the client journey for over 110,000 clients annually.

�� Location:  Hybrid/remote (expectation to travel to key national sites as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary: Starting from £53,608.48 - £58,969.32 dependant on experience

What is a Technical Business Analyst?

As a Technical Business Analyst, you will lead the analysis, design, prioritisation, and implementation of process and technical changes to enhance business operations and services. Your role involves identifying improvement opportunities, leveraging technology (including automation), defining costs and benefits, and establishing success metrics. You will manage DDaT-enabled process improvements.

Your objective is to enhance the client journey, from small pathway changes to large technical projects and process improvements. You’ll collaborate closely with Product Owners, Project Managers, Business Intelligence, IT, Digital teams, Governance, Contact Centre, Clinical colleagues, Clinical Safety, Learning & Development, Global Information Services, and other stakeholders, including board-level directors.

What can we offer you?

• �� Expenses incurred while traveling outside your base location will be reimbursed.
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

What you’ll be doing:

• Identify and assess challenges or opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with healthcare colleagues to map workflows and ensure technology solutions meet clinical needs.
• Design systems that enhance client safety, experience, and satisfaction.
• Facilitate seamless integration of new solutions with existing clinical systems.
• Support staff in adopting new technologies through training and assistance.
• Define success metrics to track improvements in client pathways.
• Communicate between clinical staff, IT, and other teams to integrate new solutions.
• Collect and align business and user requirements for new systems.
• Document how new solutions will integrate with existing systems.
• Ensure new systems enhance patient experience and care delivery.
• Establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of new systems.
• Evaluate risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Use data-driven insights to prioritise features and deliver value.

What we’re looking for:

• An experienced Technical Business Analyst with a strong understanding of Agile principles and iterative approaches.
• Skilled in identifying, analysing, and communicating business problems.
• Utilise AI and automation for process enhancements.
• Lead process changes and support implementation.
• Strong risk management skills.
• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Apply strategic thinking with strong technical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Find simple solutions for complex issues.
• Expertise in all stages of the agile lifecycle.
• Present technical information clearly to non-IT staff.
• Understand digital trends, especially AI and automation.
• Willingness to work outside core hours (including weekends) and travel as needed.

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.

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