Deputy director of operations jobs in Bermondsey, greater london

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

We are an intergovernmental organisation working with Civil Society across a global reach of 51 member countries. Our work advances the interests of Commonwealth Civil Society in areas of equality, participation, and good governance.

The Foundation is guided by a Board of Governors, representing Commonwealth Governments, High Commissioners and Civil Society Leaders. The Board ensures our work reflects the values and aspirations of the Commonwealth.

As our Senior HR Officer, reporting to the Deputy Director-General, you will lead on key HR functions including recruitment, policy development, and HR systems during an exciting transformation as we prepare for our Strategy 2026–2031. This role is central to our commitment to investing in our people and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive organisational culture.

What you will focus on: 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all HR related queries, ensuring timely, accurate, and solutions-focused responses.

• Lead recruitment and onboarding for all UK-based roles and internships, actively championing the Foundation’s values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Review, enhance, and develop HR policies to ensure alignment with UK employment legislation and best practice standards.

• Oversee and support the full performance management cycle, guiding managers and staff.

• Drive the implementation of innovative HR systems and learning initiatives to improve efficiency and support organisational development. 

What we are looking for: 

• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) and a minimum of 2+ years’ HR experience 

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices 

• Excellent communication and organisational skills 

• Proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office 

What We Offer: 

• Salary: £39,800 to £44,000  

• Generous annual leave (almost seven weeks excluding public holidays) 

• 15% of salary payable tax-free at stipulated periods in lieu of a formal superannuation scheme 

• Private health scheme including dental cover 

• Flexible working policy (several days in the office per week) 

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London 

The Process 

Applicants must declare their right to work in the UK at the time of submission. Any application that fails to do so is unable to be processed.

Applications should include: 

• A comprehensive CV 

• A motivation letter addressing the person specification and competencies 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.

Please note, first round interviews will now be held online via video link on Tuesday 27 January 2026. 

Second round interviews will take place in person on Wednesday 4 February 2026. 

Closing date for applications: 

5.00pm GMT Monday 19 January 2026

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

Do you have experience of successful delivery of safeguarding strategies and initiatives?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard through a profound commitment to safeguarding, protection and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our team to Act as the expert organisational designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for all work 

covering children, young people (CYP) and adults in equal measure. Your role will be homebased but may require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes nationally to meet with stakeholders; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

You will have at least 2 years’ experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with line management responsibility, developing, implementing and evaluating of CYP and Adult safeguarding policies, procedures, and training programmes, reflecting current legislation and best practices.You will also have demonstrable experience in leading, managing, influencing diverse teams on safeguarding, focusing on developing a positive culture and promoting continuous professional development. 

You should have experience in managing complex safeguarding cases, including conducting risk assessments, deciding on immediate actions, and coordinating with external agencies and key stakeholders. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be called upon internally and/or by external bodies as a source of organisational expert knowledge. 

You will provide leadership and accountability for the advancement of safeguarding best 

practices. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively across agencies and adapt child protection systems to address risks in diverse social environments as part of a contextual safeguarding approach, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people, vulnerable groups and adults alike.

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

Support with continuous professional development  

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development   

Personal Development Plans  

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

About HIAS+JCORE 

HIAS+JCORE is the UK Jewish voice on refugees and racial justice. Our work is driven by the belief that the Jewish community should play an active part in building a society in which refugees are able to live in dignity where the UK is a welcoming place free from racism. 

Our organisation came into being through the joining of forces in 2023 between two organisations: the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE) and HIAS.  We put in place a strategy to last from late 2024 to late 2027 and are excited about how we are achieving many of our goals.

Purpose and nature of role 
 

We’re looking for a motivated self-starter to join our team to take on a role with autonomy around office management, human resources and procurement. You’ll be a fast learner who takes initiative and can work independently on new projects. The successful post-holder will provide support to ensure the whole operation runs smoothly. 

Essential functions  

Organisational operations 

1. Managing the office, ensuring team members have the space and equipment they require; procuring new equipment and services required, and managing all suppliers; 

2. Ensuring HIAS+JCORE is meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements including implementing health and safety policy and procedures, and arranging and ensuring staff attendance at relevant training; 

3. Being the first point of contact for external queries and responding to phone and email enquiries; 

4. Administering HIAS+JCORE’s DBS system for staff and volunteers, liaising with both applicants and the DBS provider to ensure smooth processes;

5. Liaising with the charity’s insurance provider to ensure that policies are up-to-date and cover our work.

Events

1. Providing administrative support to HIAS+JCORE events, including venue booking, registration, communication, working with suppliers, and other support before, during, and after events; 

2. Organising staff meetings, training, away days, social events and celebrations; 

3. Ensuring events take place within agreed budgets.

HR 

1. Managing contracts and inductions for new staff, maintaining personnel files and HR records; 

1. Working with colleagues to produce and update job descriptions and person specifications; 

1. Managing annual leave records and liaising with staff and trustees about office closed dates; 

1. Assistance with recruitment and induction as required. Including advertising roles, maintaining recruitment records, liaising with candidates and interview panel, organising interviews, requesting references/DBS checks and ensuring statutory requirements are followed at all times; 

1. Liaising with the charity’s payroll provider and ensuring payslips, P60s and other documents are sent to staff;

1. Ensure that employment law and other relevant legislation is being complied with; 

1. Working with colleagues at the HIAS Head Office to respond to any arising HR or disciplinary issues; 

1. Ensuring staff compliance with all HIAS+JCORE and HIAS policies. 

Finance support 

1. Working with the freelance finance manager to ensure timely updating of accounts and payments;
2. Oversee staff payment cards;
3. Fundraising administrative support, including recording and logging regular and one-off donor and administrating fundraising appeals; 

 
Governance and staff support 

1. Coordinating the work of the Board of Trustees, including organising Board meetings, circulating papers to trustees, attending meetings and taking minutes; 

1. Administrative tasks relating to liaising with and updating records held by the Charity Commission and Companies House; 

1. Administrative support and diary management for Executive Director and Deputy Director. 

IT 

1. Responsible for the management of HIAS+JCORE’s data and filing systems. Ensure data protection laws are being adhered to. Point of contact for the ICO; 

1. Ensuring regular safety testing; 
2. Work with partners at HIAS to implement new systems

1. Working with the team to implement our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system; managing our database and CRM, including data entry, supporting staff with CRM and setting up campaigns, events, reports and forms. 

Other Responsibilities 

1. Any other duties as required by your line manager. 

 
Qualifications and Experience 

Essential 

• A self-starter that is able to take initiative and work independently on new projects, including finding ways to improve the efficient and smoother running of the HIAS+JCORE office team; 
• A willingness to learn on the go;
• Excellent IT skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite including being able to undertake key tasks such as mail mergers; 

• Awareness of statutory and regulatory requirements; 

• Awareness of GDPR and data protection legislation; 

• Ability to communicate well in writing; 

• Excellent attention to detail; 

• Excellent organisational skills; 

• Ability to work well as part of a team and with other volunteers; 

• Ability to oversee and manage projects on an ongoing basis; 

• Commitment to HIAS+JCORE values, social justice and anti-racism. 

Desirable 

• Experience of working for a small charity ;

• Experience of interacting with charity governance and trustee boards.

Experience required 

• Prior administrative experience; 

• Experience of managing a database system; 

• Experience of holding responsibility for data management, HR and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements; 
• Proficiency in IT and ability to learn how to use new equipment

Applicants must be UK based either in London/the South-East or be willing to relocate. We are only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK. HIAS+JCORE is unable to sponsor working visas to the UK. 

We warmly encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and people with any, or no, particular religious faith or beliefs. We particularly encourage applicants from people with lived experience of the asylum system.