Head of Operations

Head of Operations Southend Up to £55k 35 hours per week

Role Purpose

The Head of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic & operational leadership across the Company's executive functions.

Reporting to the Executive Director & working closely with the Director of External Services, the postholder leads operational teams, oversees governance, budgets & resources, & ensures the effective delivery of services supporting the Company's charitable objectives, membership, professional standards, conferences & events, & member communications.

The role works closely with Trustees, senior leaders, committee members & external stakeholders to drive organisational performance, compliance & strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic & operational leadership across the Company's core functions.
• Support the Executive Director & Director of External Services in delivering the Company's strategic objectives.
• Lead operational planning, resource management, budget oversight & service improvement initiatives.
• Monitor departmental performance, identify efficiencies & promote continuous improvement.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, strategic reviews & implementation of agreed projects.
• Prepare reports & present updates to the Council, Executive Board & other governance groups as required.
• Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Membership & Professional Standards

• Line manage the Membership Manager & oversee membership operations, including professional registrations & accreditations.
• Review membership systems, data & CRM processes to improve efficiency, member engagement & renewals.
• Attend Membership Committee & Professional Standards Board meetings, acting as Secretary to the Professional Standards Board & ensuring agendas, papers, minutes & actions are effectively managed.
• Work with the Executive Director & Marketing Team to support membership growth & retention.

Governance & Compliance

• Oversee governance support for the Council, Executive Board & other committees, ensuring effective management of agendas, papers, minutes & follow-up actions.
• Manage governance processes including Council nominations & elections, Trustee registers, annual audit support & preparation of governance documentation.
• Maintain the Company's policy framework, ensuring policies remain current, compliant & effectively implemented.
• Manage escalated complaints & provide guidance on organisational complaints procedures.
• Monitor developments in governance, information security & data protection, implementing improvements where required.
• Build effective relationships with Trustees, officeholders, committee members, volunteers & external partners.
• Line manage the Governance Team.

Conferences, Events & Publications

• Line manage the Conferences & Events Team & the Editorial Executive (or Communications Lead).
• Oversee the planning, budgeting & delivery of a sustainable programme of conferences, events & member communications.
• Approve conference & event proposals where appropriate & attend events as required.
• Support the production & delivery of the Company's member publication & associated communications.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate & develop operational teams through effective leadership, coaching & performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive & high-performing culture.
• Conduct performance reviews & support the professional development of direct reports.
• Ensure resources are effectively managed to deliver high-quality services across all operational areas.

What you'll need? Essential

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in a senior operations, business management or leadership role.
• Experience of leading & developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working within a charity, membership organisation, public sector or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience supporting senior boards, committees & external stakeholders.
• Experience of governance, committee administration & corporate decision-making processes.
• Experience managing budgets, projects & organisational change.

Desirable

• Experience within a professional membership body, regulatory organisation or charity.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience overseeing conferences, events or stakeholder engagement activities.

Skills & Attributes Essential

• Excellent organisational, planning & prioritisation skills.
• Strong written, verbal & interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong administrative & analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while leading collaborative teams.
• High levels of integrity, discretion & professionalism.
• Strong IT skills, including CRM systems, databases & Microsoft Office applications.
• Flexible, proactive & solution-focused approach.
• Sound judgement, tact & diplomacy.

Knowledge Essential

• Understanding of charity governance & organisational accountability.
• Knowledge of organisational policy development & review.
• Understanding of data protection legislation & information governance.
• Knowledge of Charity Commission regulation & governance best practice (desirable).

What's in it for you?

• £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
• 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday (Hybrid) 3 days WFH 2 office based
• 9% company pension contribution
• Holiday entitlement 25 days plus bank holidays
• Christmas shut down from Christmas Eve until beginning of January which will not be deducted from your holiday entitlement

For more information please contact Sophie Barnes