Head of Operations & Programmes

The Head of Operations & Programmes will play a key leadership role in ensuring BelEve's programmes and day-to-day operations run effectively, consistently and at a high standard.

Working closely with the Chief Finance & Operations Director and wider leadership team, you will turn strategic plans into practical systems, oversee programme delivery, strengthen internal processes and ensure teams have the structures and support they need to deliver successfully.

You will provide strategic oversight across BelEve's programme portfolio, lead and develop the programme team, and help build the operational infrastructure needed for BelEve to grow without compromising on quality, safeguarding or our organisational culture.

This is a leadership role for someone who is proactive, solutions-focused and confident taking ownership of operational delivery.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational running of BelEve's programme delivery function.
• Turn organisational priorities and strategic plans into clear systems, processes and actions.
• Line manage and support the two School Mentoring & Facilitation Leads, including regular supervision, performance reviews and professional development.
• Provide strategic oversight of BelEve's programme portfolio, ensuring programmes are delivered consistently and to a high standard.
• Maintain a master delivery calendar covering programmes, events, reporting deadlines, partnership activity and key organisational milestones.
• Oversee programme planning, scheduling and resource allocation, acting as the senior escalation point for delivery risks and challenges.
• Ensure programme and delivery information is accurately maintained within BelEve's CRM and used effectively by the programme team.
• Monitor day-to-day programme expenditure against agreed budgets and raise any variances promptly.
• Manage relationships with programme delivery suppliers, including venues, materials providers and delivery partners.
• Develop and improve systems for scheduling, workflow management, performance monitoring and internal communication.
• Lead continuous improvement across operational processes and ways of working.
• Ensure programmes operate in line with safeguarding, GDPR, equality, data protection and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain delivery and safeguarding risk registers and support incident response and audit preparation.
• Review and update operational policies, procedures and SOPs relating to programme delivery.
• Develop and maintain quality assurance systems across programme delivery sites.
• Review programme reports and impact dashboards produced by the programme team.
• Lead staff onboarding, process documentation and knowledge management for the delivery function.
• Champion youth voice, ensuring girls and young women continue to shape BelEve's programmes and delivery.
• Work collaboratively across Programmes, Mentoring and the CEO/CFO office to ensure effective cross-organisational coordination.
• Provide operational insight and advice to the CFO and senior leadership team.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least five years' experience in operations, organisational leadership or a similar senior operational role, with experience building and embedding systems within a growing organisation.
• Demonstrable experience leading the operational running of an organisation, department or function rather than solely providing administrative support.
• Strong people management experience, including line management, performance management and professional development.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively and deliver against deadlines.
• Experience managing programme delivery suppliers and procurement processes.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365, CRM systems and project management platforms.
• A strong understanding of organisational compliance requirements, including safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, colleagues and external partners.
• Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements.
• The ability to work confidently across teams and build accountability while maintaining positive working relationships.
• A strong commitment to BelEve's mission of empowering girls and young women.

Desirable

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Experience working within the charity, youth or social impact sector.
• Experience within programme delivery environments and charitable impact reporting.
• Experience working alongside or supporting board-level or senior leadership teams.
• Knowledge of HR systems and people operations.
• Experience using HubSpot, SharePoint, Salesforce or similar CRM and knowledge management platforms.

Additional Information

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent
• Location: BelEve HQ, 372 Brockley Road, London SE4 2BY
• Reports to: Chief Finance & Operations Director
• Direct reports: Two School Mentoring & Facilitation Leads
• DBS requirement: Enhanced DBS covering children and vulnerable adults

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements considered.
• A supportive, values-led working environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• The opportunity to play a key role within a growing charity making a meaningful difference to the lives of girls and young women.

BelEve is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from the communities we serve.

Join our community of changemakers and start making a difference today! Our mailing list will keep you connected.