Deputy director of hr operations jobs

Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director to spearhead the development of transformative projects across the North West. This is your chance to shape the future of personal development, employment support, and training initiatives — while unlocking new funding streams and forging powerful partnerships.

As a strategic force behind our Employment & Skills team, you’ll lead high-impact bid development, secure sustainable income, and mobilize projects that change lives. You’ll work alongside passionate teams, engage with diverse communities, and represent Groundwork at the highest levels of influence.

Why this role stands out:

• Lead regional growth in one of the UK’s most respected social enterprises
• Drive innovation in employment and training programmes
• Collaborate with VCFSEs, education providers, and local authorities
• Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive culture

This isn’t just a job — it’s a platform for purpose-driven leadership. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference, we’d like to hear from you.

What we will offer you

• 25 days holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, plus public holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
• Flexible working arrangements, depending on the needs of the role
• Enhanced employer pension contribution (6%) increasing further with length of service
• Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Benefit 

We're hiring: Interim Director of Research (Maternity Cover)

Part-time / £60,000-£70,000 / Hybrid role 

Location - Home based and London

Hours - 3/4 days per week

Salary: £60,000-£70,000 depending on experience

We are looking for an Interim Director of Research (Maternity Cover) who will lead a talented research team of staff and associates providing direction and oversight for a diverse, ambitious research portfolio. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play an essential role in strategy and have a hands-on approach from quality assurance and developing research practice, to managing projects and nurturing partnerships.

You will need to have deep roots in qualitative research, as well as the work of charities and funders, with experience of line management, team supervision and leading on new work development.

You will play an essential role at a key moment for IVAR. Charities are facing mounting pressures and ongoing complexities, and IVAR’s work is critical in supporting the response.

About us

At the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), we work with charities, foundations and public agencies to strengthen UK communities through action research. We champion the role and contribution of the voluntary sector. We listen, learn and share what helps – and what gets in the way – so that funders and decision-makers can put charity voice at the heart of change.

As Interim Director of Research, you will lead a motivated and talented team of research staff and freelance research associates. You will be responsible for maintaining and developing a strategic and balanced research portfolio, including leadership of project design and new work development.

You will work closely with the Director of IVAR and both the Deputy Director of Research and Director of Communications to support quality assurance, supervise specific projects, and ensure that IVAR meets its ethical standards. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also support and feed in on all people matters and contribute to embedding an inclusive and equitable approach and internal culture. For more details of our work please read our full job description.  

You will have a proven track record at the senior leadership team level and in line management, experienced at moving between strategic and operational priorities, and be confident to lead a research team in a collaborative and developmental way. 

You will have strong experience of research design, bid writing and generation of new work. You will be skilled in qualitative and action research, including significant experience of facilitating complex processes and discussions.

It is essential that you have experience of the voluntary sector and working with funders.

If you feel that this sounds like you would love to hear from you. 

What we offer:

• £60-70,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hybrid Working (Thursdays are a key working day in the London Office, SE11)
• 0.6-08 FTE Hours (3/4 days per week)
• 30 days annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• Pension matched to 5%
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities

How to Apply 

Please complete an online application by noon Sunday 26th October 2025. 

Interviews will be held in person at the offices on Thursday 6th November 2025.

Start date: 5th January 2026 or before 

Please submit your CV, a cover letter (maximum of two A4 sides) and links to a couple of examples of reports/papers that you have authored. Your cover letter should include;

• Why you are applying
• How you meet the person specification
• Your availability to start 
• What in particular you would bring to IVAR. 
  

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and social background.

Use your culture and people leadership expertise to support the dynamism and excellence of a fast-growing and highly respected youth charity. 

We are seeking an exceptional culture and people leader who brings experience of supporting organisational growth and excellence.

One YMCA is now one of the largest YMCA’s in Europe and our focus is supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to develop the skills and confidence to live their life to the full.

In the last five years, we have trebled our income to £40m, and more than doubled our staff numbers to 750. This is a new role that we have created to provide leadership to a strategically critical function and to develop our staff and culture so that we maximise our social impact across our 160 sites.

You will be responsible for developing a culture and people strategy in line with our organisational plan, elevating the culture and people function to be as proactive and value adding as possible, and ensuring a thriving, inclusive, and values-driven workplace.

If you enjoy working in a dynamic organisation and are attracted to the challenge of working with highly committed staff, serving people with complex needs and in a context of organisational growth, we would love to hear from you.  

For more information please see the job pack attached. Closing date 23rd October. 

Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Competitive

Location: London, WC2E 9AB

About Our Client

Our client is a registered charity on a mission to become the UK’s leading neurodiversity employment model. They help young adults with learning disabilities and autism gain the skills and experience they need to secure sustainable jobs through their training café in Covent Garden and specialist employment programmes. While they continue to fundraise, their goal is to be as self-sustainable as possible. They achieve this by running their café, delivering events, supplying wholesale coffee, offering DEI workshops, and constantly seeking creative ways to raise awareness of their cause and diversify revenue streams.

Summary of the Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will act as the CEO’s strategic partner and trusted deputy, leading both the charitable programmes (training, neuro-inclusion, and employment support) and the trading operations (café, events, wholesale coffee, and partnerships).

This role combines operational leadership with commercial acumen, ensuring excellent programme delivery while also driving business growth, increasing sales, and shaping a commercial strategy that supports our client’s long-term sustainability. The COO will oversee finance, compliance, people and culture, and organisational development, while also building partnerships and identifying new opportunities for business development and income diversification. By fostering a high-performing, values-led culture and strengthening their internal foundations, the COO enables the CEO to focus on external growth, partnerships, and brand leadership, ensuring the organisation continues to expand its impact while remaining financially resilient.

Ideal Candidate

They are seeking a senior leader who:

• Has experience at Director/COO/Deputy CEO level within a charity, social enterprise, or purpose-driven business.
• Is commercially minded, with proven experience in growing business, driving sales, shaping commercial strategy, securing partnerships, and spotting opportunities for business development.
• Can demonstrate a track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and senior managers.
• Brings knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, HR, and regulatory compliance.
• Has significant financial management experience across both charitable and trading activities.
• Can translate strategy into clear operational plans and deliver tangible results.
• Thinks laterally and creatively to diversify revenue streams and amplify impact.
• Understands fundraising models and income diversification, with an entrepreneurial mindset for sustainable growth.
• Is resilient, hard-working, emotionally intelligent, kind and empathetic, courageous, warm, purpose-driven, and a strategic leader.
• Is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with experience embedding a values-led culture.

Benefits:

• One Friday off a month (in addition to 30 annual leave days)
• Flexible working arrangements (2 days per week working from home)
• Complimentary beverages at the Café
• Free staff lunch
• Organised social events with learners and staff
• DBS enhanced check provided
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults course provided
• Monthly work coach session for six months

Top Responsibilities

As COO, you will:

• Act as the CEO’s deputy, providing leadership continuity and ensuring the effective running of the organisation. 
• Lead and drive the day-to-day operations across both charitable programmes and commercial activities (café, events, wholesale coffee, and workshops), implementing our client’s strategy and ensuring organisational goals are met.
• Oversee all financial management, reserves, compliance, and risk across the organisation.
• Manage senior leaders and foster a positive, inclusive, and values-driven culture.
• Drive organisational growth by strengthening infrastructure, growing the team, diversifying income, and scaling impact.
• Build strong relationships with funders, employers, and stakeholders, while also bringing in potential partners to enhance both impact and sustainability, and ensuring CRM systems support engagement and growth.

Our Client’s Commitment

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Contract type

Part time, permanent

Location

Whittington

Hours

Part time (22.5 hours) 

Annual salary

B – 2 £25,947.56 - pro rata for part time hours

Review Date

19/10/2025

The Group Volunteer Administrator reports into the Group Volunteer Manager and is responsible for the smooth operation of our group volunteer services. They will play a vital role within the volunteer function by ensuring the smooth running of the volunteer lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding. 

They will support the Group Volunteer Manager in the delivery of workshops to volunteer leads and ensure an overall positive experience for our volunteers. 

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Experience of working in an administrative role

·Experience of working with a HR or Volunteer information system

·Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Desirable

·Experience of working in a volunteer role

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

Essential

·Time management

·Attention to detail

·Excellent communication abilities and problem solving

·Excellent mathematical skills

·Strong organisation skills

·Proficient in Microsoft packages, especially excel

·Ability to multi-task

Personal Attributes

·Empathetic

·Team player

·Able to work under pressure

·Collaborative

·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is recruiting for a new Casework Manager to lead our growing and dynamic Casework and Advocacy Service.You will be joining an impactful local organisation at a crucial time in our development. We are looking for a hard working and dynamic leader who can balance the operational demands of casework and managing frontline services, with excellent HR skills and a keen interest in policy and developing partnerships. This is an exciting and integral role within a supportive and dynamic team at AFRIL. The role is available due to the advancement of the previous post-holder to a more senior post.

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Service is a busy, professional team of 4 caseworkers (3 FTE) , a Community Activities Coordinator, and a number of volunteers. The team has grown significantly in the last 3 years, in response to the needs of our community and due to recognition of AFRIL’s high quality and relevant casework provision. The Casework and Advocacy Service provides AQS accredited complex casework and advice in the areas of Asylum Support, Housing, Benefits and Community Care. The service works to fill the gap, focusing on supporting those with complex vulnerabilities requiring wrap around support. AFRIL takes its services to where clients are; holding regular casework drop-in’s at asylum support hotels, community centres and at Lewisham Foodbank. AFRIL is also recently accredited by the Immigration Advice Authority to provide advice at Level 1, in both Immigration and Asylum and is currently in the process of becoming accredited at Level 2.

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy service uses casework trends and data to work with community members in order to engage in policy and systemic change. Utilising casework and community co-production, the service has created sector wide resources on asylum support, engaged in strategic litigation and successfully influenced local, pan-London and national policy outcomes. This is a growing area of work for the service and the successful Casework Manager will be required to balance high quality casework outputs and management of a team, while working closely with the Executive Director on emerging policy and advocacy work.

About AFRIL:

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a registered charity that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in South East London. We support people to lift themselves out of poverty, assert their rights and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We  provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to  tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis, supporting people to integrate and thrive. Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and solidarity. Our clients are at the heart of what we do and our approach is one of co-production and empowerment.

AFRIL delivers the following core services in the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley:

• Rainbow Club Supplementary School - providing weekly supplementary education in English and Maths, arts, music and sports activities to children from refugee, migrant  and asylum seeking backgrounds from 4-11 years old, plus youth volunteering programme and Youth Council (NRCSE and Sanctuary Status). 

• Casework and Advocacy Service: providing AQS accredited advice, casework and legal interventions in asylum support, community care, housing, welfare benefits and related matters. Pre-Action Protocol letters to challenge unlawful public law decisions and IAA Level 1 Immigration Advice.

• Destitution Support - a fortnightly Food Bank in partnership with St Peter’s Church providing food, food vouchers, toiletries, and other essentials, alongside a warm hub with free cafe, information and support. Small grants for essential items and cash payments for food in emergencies. Securing and distributing gifts in kind, e.g. winter coats, laptops and data. 

• Allotment of Refuge - a welcoming community of food growers that supports improved health, wellbeing and integration of members, whilst protecting the local environment. 

• Immigration Project in partnership with Southwark Law Centre, providing free legal advice and representation to support people to regularise their immigration status. 

We use our frontline experience, together with our clients, to engage in policy and influencing work to improve the services and policies that impact our clients group. 

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Strategic Communications and Policy Influencing Lead to spearhead the implementation of the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) communications and policy influencing strategy globally. The position will shape and oversee the programme’s global communications and policy influencing strategies, ensuring coherence across national and global levels.

This role is central to translating strategy into action at national and global levels: working closely with country teams, donors, civil society, and survivor-led organisations to strengthen prevention, accountability, and justice frameworks. The role will align communications outputs to influencing and other strategic goals and making sure national and global work connects. The programme will support teams across Bangladesh, Jordan, Pakistan and Syria, as well as other countries still to be decided. 

About the Programme

The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) is a programme that aims to support organisations in the aid sector to strengthen their safeguarding policy and practice against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH). RSH supports organisations working in both the humanitarian and development sectors and is driven by the needs of smaller national or local organisations in developing countries.The programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) until 2030.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our dynamic team, please refer to the Person Specification and submit your tailored CV and cover letter to the link below. The deadline for applying is Sunday, 26th October 2025. Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates.

As this is a UK-based role, please confirm your eligibility to reside and work in the UK as part of your cover letter.