148 Head of operational development jobs

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?

Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.

If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.

Are you an experienced finance professional who enjoys getting into the detail, improving processes and making a real difference? 

We’re looking for a Head of Finance to lead our finance function at an exciting time for Action for Carers Surrey. As we develop our new strategic plan and continue to evolve as an organisation, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our finances, systems and processes support our ambitions.

This is a genuinely hands-on role, ideal for a qualified Finance Manager or experienced finance professional who enjoys combining operational delivery with continuous improvement. You’ll oversee management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, payroll and governance, while identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls and improve financial insight across the organisation. 

If you enjoy variety, like seeing the direct impact of your work, and want to use your expertise within a purpose-led organisation that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, this could be the role for you.

We’d love to hear from you if you have: 

 A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent). 

 Significant experience in a hands-on finance leadership or Finance Manager role. 

 Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports. 

 Strong financial systems and IT skills, ideally including Xero. 

 Experience overseeing payroll, pensions and financial controls. 

 A track record of improving processes, streamlining ways of working and driving efficiencies. 

 Experience managing or supporting staff and developing positive working relationships. 

 Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues. 

 A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to organisational values.

Key Information 

 Location: Burpham, Guildford with hybrid working available 

 Hours: 22 hours per week, ideally spread across four days 

 Contract: Permanent 

 Salary: £46,956 – £50,471 FTE 

 Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer 

Why Join Us? 

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad and varied finance role within a charity that makes a meaningful difference to unpaid carers across Surrey. 

At Action for Carers Surrey, we’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive. Our benefits reflect our values of Focus, Inclusion, Respect and Excellence, ensuring you feel valued, supported and empowered in both your work and personal life. 

Safeguarding Statement 

Action for Carers Surrey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Head of Service – Reddo

Reddo is looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial Head of Service to lead our next stage of growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced children’s services leader who can combine strong operational management with a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset.

You will work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to:

• Lead and strengthen day-to-day service delivery

• Develop our team, systems and processes

• Drive quality, safeguarding and performance

• Build strong relationships with local authority commissioners

• Support new business and the mobilisation of new contracts

• Help shape Reddo’s future growth and development

We are looking for someone with experience in children’s social care and local authority commissioning, strong leadership and commercial awareness, and a genuine passion for building and improving services.

If you are ready to make a real impact and help shape the next chapter of Reddo, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service provides specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families. Our services extend across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Care to join our Senior Clinical Team and provide strong operational and clinical leadership across our care services.

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, working closely with the Director of Care and Lead for Quality and Governance to ensure that children and families receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

About the role

As Head of Care, you will have responsibility for the operational management, quality and delivery of our care provision, including community care, day care, inpatient care, education and after-death care.

You will provide visible and supportive leadership to the Care Team, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill mix, competence and professional development. You will also lead our Practice Education Team and help embed a positive, inclusive learning culture across the organisation.

Working as part of the Senior Clinical Team, you will contribute to clinical strategy, governance, risk management, audit, service development and CQC compliance. You will also act as a Joint Registered Manager and deputise for the Director of Care when required.

An important part of the role will be building effective relationships with external health and social care professionals and partner organisations, helping to develop an integrated palliative care model across Berkshire and surrounding areas.

About you

You will be a Registered Children's Nurse (RN Child) with significant clinical management experience and a strong understanding of caring for children and young people with complex health needs.

You will bring:

• Experience of clinical leadership and managing and motivating teams.
• Experience of delivering high-quality care to children and young people with complex needs.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong organisational, leadership and team-building skills.
• A relevant degree or equivalent and postgraduate study, ideally in palliative care, leadership or education.
• Experience of working in children's palliative care, with experience of end-of-life and post-death care desirable.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, dignity and family-centred care.

Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and translate our values into everyday practice.

Why join Alexander Devine?

This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a growing children's hospice service where your experience, ideas and leadership will have a direct impact on children and families.

You will join a committed and supportive Senior Clinical Team and have the opportunity to shape the future development of our care services, while helping to develop the skills, confidence and wellbeing of the wider Care Team.

Our values – determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy – are at the heart of everything we do.

If you are an experienced children's nurse looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, including appropriate barred lists, a current full driving licence and satisfactory Occupational Health clearance.

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Dog Training & Client Services to lead one of the charity's most important service areas. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across our Training Department, including Puppy Development, Dog Supply, Instructor Services and Client Services functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to shape the future of our training and client services, lead a dedicated team of professionals, and ensure the highest standards of support for both our beneficiaries and assistance dogs. 

As Head of Dog Training & Client Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and development of the Training Department. 

You will work closely with senior staff to ensure the successful delivery of our assistance dog programmes, while driving continuous improvement, innovation and organisational growth. 

The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is ideal for someone who is passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for both people and dogs. 

Lead services that support those who serve on the frontline
 

DMWS is seeking an experienced operational leader to develop and deliver high-quality services for blue light organisations and their workforces. This senior role combines strategic thinking, practical delivery, partnership building and strong project management.
 

A key part of the role is bringing services together. You will work closely with DMWS welfare teams, psychological services and clinical governance colleagues to strengthen referrals, coordinate support pathways and ensure operational delivery is safe, responsive and well governed.
 

What you will do
·   Lead operational plans, service performance, contracts, budgets and improvement activity.
·   Manage service mobilisations, pilots and improvement projects from scope through delivery, evaluation and handover.
·   Build effective working relationships across welfare, psychological, occupational health and partner services.
·   Coordinate cross-functional teams, project governance, milestones, risks, dependencies and reporting.
·   Strengthen relationships with military, blue light organisations, commissioners, public-sector partners, funders and suppliers.
·   Use evidence, outcomes and feedback to improve services, demonstrate impact and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
·   Lead and develop staff while maintaining high standards of governance, safeguarding and compliance.
 

What you will bring
·   Senior operational leadership experience in a complex service environment.
·   Strong project or programme management skills and a track record of delivering change.
·   Credibility with varied stakeholders and the ability to work effectively across professional boundaries.
·   An understanding of welfare, wellbeing and psychological support pathways and the importance of clear clinical and safeguarding escalation.
·   Commercial awareness, sound financial judgement and a commitment to quality and value for money.
·   A collaborative, evidence-led and values-driven approach.
 

Why join DMWS?
 

This is an opportunity to shape a growing area of work, strengthen integrated support for military Services, blue light communities and help DMWS turn trusted expertise into sustainable, high-impact services across the UK. This role is progressive and offers the right candidate an opportunity 
 

How to apply
 

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the requirements of the role by 28th September 2026. Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle which is required for this role. 
 

DMWS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

Westway Trust is seeking a dedicated Head of Operations with a minimum of 5 years’ senior leadership or operational management experience in a multi-disciplinary organisation, ideally within a community, charitable, social enterprise or values-led setting.

In this newly created role, you will act as a key advisor, reporting directly into the CEO, and will have responsibility of key areas of the Trust’s operational functions, ensuring the smooth and effective running and delivery of services. You will directly manage the leads of HR, Learning, Communications & Marketing, and Community Engagement, supporting them to deliver high-quality work and develop professionally.

If you are a values-led operational leader who is committed to community transformation and organisational excellence, and thrives on steering strategic decisions, this role is for you!

Key responsibilities of the role include but not limited to:

• Oversight and line management of the HR, Learning, Communications & Marketing, and Community Engagement functions of the Trust.
• Oversight of key projects essential to the delivery of the Horizon (strategic) Plan 2025-2028 as agreed with the CEO.
• Be a key part of the Executive Team, chaired by the CEO.
• Maintain an overview of all projects and programmes of activity, outputs and outcomes within the role and ensure reports are written and submitted on time.
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership across teams, driving high performance, alignment with values, and maintaining individual, personal & team wellbeing.
• Develop and implement planning processes and performance management tools to ensure effective delivery of goals.
• Develop, drive and maintain the data gathering and analysis for the Westway Trust, that enables the Social Impact Framework and to play a key role in the organisation’s progress towards creating a strong narrative in respect of achievement.
• Attend People Committee Meetings and the Board as requested, and contribute to the preparation of meeting papers as necessary in line with agenda requirements.
• Provide upward reporting and insight to the CEO including written briefings, performance dashboards, and recommendations.
• Attend internal and external meetings, including those that require representing the Trust publicly, in line with agreed strategies and perspectives.
• Monitor, update and ensure compliance with organisational policies and legal requirements (e.g. safeguarding, employment, health & safety, data protection) to build a positive work culture.
• Champion collaboration and integration across departments, ensuring consistent implementation of work priorities that align with community needs and objectives.
• Support a values-based culture that centres equity, sustainability, openness, courage, and integrity.
• Contribute to organisational development and support the process of communicating and managing change effectively at the Trust in line with agreed policies and frameworks.

Essential Experience, Skills and Attributes:

• Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership or operational management experience in a multi-disciplinary organisation, ideally within a community, charitable, social enterprise or values-led setting.
• Proven ability to lead, guide and motivate diverse teams and to support the professional growth of those who report to you as a line manager.
• Demonstrable experience of good practice approaches to conflict resolution, working in collaboration with others and encouraging honesty, transparency and open ways of working across teams that benefit the organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Excellent planning, organisation and performance management skills.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills, including the ability to summarise complex data and issues for decision-makers.
• Experience in researching, developing and managing departmental budgets.
• Ability to analyse information, and formulate practical and reasoned operational plans that can be easily understood and monitored.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills – able to offer both moral and professional support to teams.
• Experience of supporting organisational change, transition, or transformation programmes.
• Experience of embedding inclusive and equitable practices across teams.
• Demonstrable alignment with the Trust’s values and commitment to anti-racism and community power.

Desirable Experience, Skills and Attributes:

• Previous experience overseeing HR or education/community programmes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with communications/marketing functions is a plus but not essential.
• Degree-level education together with a recognised professional qualification in any of the fields this role covers – or equivalent lived/professional experience – is highly desirable.

The application deadline is 5 pm on Sunday, 27 September, when applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview. However, we reserve the right to close the application early. An early application is strongly recommended.

Sightsavers is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Major Donor Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth for our high value individual giving programme. This role can be worked full time or part time, with a minimum of four days per week, and is UK based with regular travel to our Haywards Heath office.

As part of the Fundraising and Marketing directorate, you will develop and deliver a long-term major donor strategy, lead a specialist team and personally manage a focused portfolio of high value donors and prospects. The role will focus on supporters giving £10,000 or more per year, while also strengthening nurture and loyalty programmes that help build a sustainable future pipeline of philanthropic support.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, technical leadership, programme delivery, finance, planning and senior leadership, you will identify compelling funding opportunities and help build strong cases for support. You will also represent Sightsavers externally with donors, prospects, philanthropy advisers, wealth advisers and sector networks.

We would like to hear from confident and collaborative senior fundraisers with experience of leading or managing a high value fundraising programme. You will bring a strong track record of securing, cultivating and stewarding significant gifts, including six-figure prospects, alongside the ability to use data and insight to manage pipelines, forecast income and support decision-making. You will also bring the relationship-building skills to work effectively with trustees, senior leaders, high net worth individuals and external advisers.

Application and interview process
To apply, please complete an application through our recruitment portal by uploading an up-to-date CV and answering the job-specific questions. We are particularly interested in understanding your motivation for applying. We anticipate a two-stage interview process, with first interviews from w/c 12 October and second-round interviews expected w/c 19 or 26 October 2026. The process will include a role-specific presentation task at first interview stage, and one interview will be held in person at our Haywards Heath office. We would like the successful candidate to start by the end of January 2027.

Sightsavers is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.

You will use a wide range of commercial and interpersonal skills to develop the way our services support children, young people and families.

The core area of your work will be working with teams of Barnardo's colleagues to produce compelling proposals to commissioners and partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland. As such, you'll be able to demonstrate:

• Strong organisational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to elicit and articulate great ideas
• Strong written and spoken communication

You will need to be a good writer, communicating ideas effectively on paper with an ability to analyse large volumes of information to develop clear and compelling responses to tenders. It is critical that you can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of proposals and service design.

You will manage all aspects of proposals and tenders, leading the development and delivery of bids, working to deadlines, ensuring that we present strong business cases and bids that underpin successful outcomes. In addition, there will be the opportunity to help us develop new services and innovations in priority growth areas, monitor market intelligence, assess commercial and contract risks and work alongside operational colleagues in Children's Services.

Your project management skills may have been developed in any sector, and may need further development, but your commitment to the work we do will be demonstrated by your enthusiasm and ability to learn. In Business Development we are a supportive team, with stimulating and challenging work and extensive opportunities to learn and to help Barnardo's transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children.

These roles will operate on a 'Work from Anywhere' basis, meaning that you can work both from home and/or from an office 'hub' that's nearest to where you live. Some travel across Scotland and Northern Ireland may be required.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Contract Type: 21 hours per week. Initial 12-month fixed term contract with the potential for extension and/or a permanent position at the end of the term.

Salary: £27,00 - £30,000 per annum dependent on relevant experience (£45,00 - £50,000 FTE)

Base: Remote/Hybrid

About us

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you want to work with like-minded professionals in a great team?

Rees seeks to support those who have, at some stage in their lives, been in foster care or residential care, including those with custodial experience. The charity understands the importance of having a lifelong support network. Our aim is to help care experienced people thrive in all aspects of their lives at any age. We seek to listen; and offer help and advice about any aspect they may have.

Rees delivers its services and products to public and voluntary sector commissioners, businesses, other agencies, and professionals.

Role Purpose

The Head of Commercial Income is a senior leadership role and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

The postholder will lead the Charity's commercial income function, with responsibility for growing sustainable income through commissioned and commercial services, training, Ask Jan membership and other opportunities.

This is a strategic, commercially focused and hands-on role. The postholder will be a visible face of the Charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations, businesses and other partners. They will identify opportunities, understand customer and commissioner needs, develop compelling propositions and secure sustainable business.

A particular focus will be growing the Charity's position within the statutory sector. The postholder will develop a strong understanding of local authority priorities, commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes and use this insight to anticipate emerging needs and create opportunities for the Charity to provide innovative and valuable solutions.

The postholder will lead and develop the Commercial Income function, with the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator reporting directly to them. They will set direction, priorities and targets while maintaining an active role in developing relationships, identifying opportunities, progressing bids and supporting commercial negotiations.

Working across the Charity, the postholder will ensure commercial opportunities are translated into high-quality, financially sustainable services that deliver positive outcomes for care experienced people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide strategic and commercial leadership for the Charity's commissioned and commercial services, training portfolio and Ask Jan membership offer.
• Lead and develop the Commercial Income function, line managing the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator.
• Set clear commercial priorities, targets and performance expectations and ensure the team has a strong focus on growth and results.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the leadership, planning and future development of the Charity.
• Develop a proactive, creative and customer-focused commercial culture across the function.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Income and Development, Head of Service Delivery and wider Leadership Team to maximise income and impact.
• Balance strategic leadership with direct involvement in key commercial relationships, opportunities and negotiations.

Strategic Partnerships and Business Development

· Provide strategic leadership to the Charity's relationships with local authorities, commissioners and key partners, building senior-level relationships and positioning the Charity as a trusted partner.

· Oversee the commercial services pipeline, providing direction and support to the Business Development Manager to identify, prioritise and progress opportunities for growth.

· Develop approaches to securing new commissioned and commercial opportunities, working with Service Development and Service Delivery colleagues to shape services in response to market and beneficiary needs.

· Provide senior leadership and input on key bids, tenders and commissioned service proposals.

· Represent the Charity at strategic commissioning forums, partnership meetings and senior stakeholder events, promoting its expertise, services and impact.

· Monitor developments in commissioning, procurement, public policy and relevant markets, using this insight to identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges.

Commissioned and Commercial Services

• Provide overall strategic oversight of the Charity's commissioned and commercial services portfolio, ensuring services meet contractual obligations, quality standards, agreed outcomes and financial targets.
• Work with operational and service development colleagues to ensure services respond effectively to commissioner and customer needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop, improve and expand existing services and create new commercial offers.
• Ensure commercial propositions are viable, deliverable, competitive and aligned with the Charity's mission.
• Monitor market, commissioning and policy developments and identify their implications for the Charity's services and commercial opportunities.

Training and Ask Jan

• Provide strategic leadership for the continued growth and development of the Charity's training offer and Ask Jan membership service.
• Ensure training and membership propositions remain relevant, innovative and responsive to customer and sector needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop new training, membership and other commercial products and services.
• Work with colleagues to ensure these offers are effectively positioned, developed and brought to market.

Financial and Operational Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the financial performance and sustainability of the commercial income portfolio.
• Set and monitor income, growth and performance targets and report progress to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee the commercial pipeline, income forecasting, contract performance and retention.
• Ensure commercial services are delivered within agreed budgets and provide value for money.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, pricing, sustainability and long-term income.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring, reporting and evaluation arrangements are in place for commercial activity.
• Ensure commercial activities comply with contractual, legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.

General

• Work collaboratively across all departments to maximise impact for care experienced people.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in local government, commissioning, procurement, children's services, social care and the wider charity sector.
• Promote the Charity's expertise, services and impact and protect its reputation through high-quality commercial relationships.
• Ensure the Charity's commercial activity remains consistent with its values, purpose and commitment to care experienced people.
• Contribute to organisational planning, continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Essential

• Significant experience of leading and growing commercial income, commissioned services, business development, sales or other income-generating activity.
• Proven track record of securing new business, growing existing contracts and generating sustainable income.
• Experience of building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations and other senior stakeholders.
• Experience of leading or overseeing successful tenders, procurements, bids or commissioned service proposals.
• Understanding of public sector commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes, ideally with experience of local authorities and the statutory sector.
• Experience of identifying customer or commissioner needs and developing services, products or propositions in response.
• Strong commercial and business development approach, with the ability to build relationships, influence decision-makers, negotiate and secure business.
• Experience of managing and developing staff within a commercial, business development, sales or income-generation function.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic awareness.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with an active role in business development and income generation.
• Creative, proactive and opportunity-focused, with excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Rees Foundation.

Desirable

• Experience of working with local authority children's services, social care, leaving care, corporate parenting or related statutory services.
• Knowledge of the care experienced and/or social care sectors.
• Experience of developing and selling services to local authorities or other public sector organisations.
• Experience of managing training, membership or subscription-based services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, charity governance and relevant regulatory requirements.

Application Process

The closing date for this position is Friday 18th September 2026 at 5pm. Please note that we reserve the right to close applications before the advertised closing date or extend the application window at our discretion.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and welcome applications from those who are care leavers.

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high-quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally. 

There’s no ‘average’ case – our advice is tailored, but our standard of excellence is identical for every client. You will play a key role in ensuring that our services are community focused, impactful and sustainable. 

As a newly created position, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape its direction, innovate, and directly define its success. You will operate with high levels of autonomy, while being fully backed and championed by Trustees and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), consisting of:
 

• Chief Executive Officer 
• Head of People, Culture & Resources
• Head of Advice Standards & Delivery
• Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact.
   

The Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact will provide strategic leadership for CABB’s generalist and community-based advice services, while driving organisational growth through strategic partnerships, data analytics and social impact storytelling. This role bridges operational delivery with external system integration, using hyper-local data to ensure our services directly meet the evolving needs of residents in the specific communities where help is needed most. By leveraging client insights to drive Research & Campaigns activity and inform strategic funding bids, you will articulate our organisational impact using partner-aligned terminology – translating advice outcomes into language that directly resonates with health, statutory and VCSE stakeholders (such as health inequalities, demand management, Marmot principles, and prevention) – to build strong, collaborative pathways.
 

Key elements and tasks within this role include:

• Data insight & impact strategy development with organisational data analysis, trend forecasting, research & campaigns and evidencing social return on investment. Leverage client data to produce high-impact insight reports, drive local, regional and national campaign work.
• Shape the future of service delivery by embedding sustainable ways of working, processes and performance frameworks, leading evidence-based recommendations that support CABB’s long-term operating model and growth ambitions, to meet client demand. 
• Collaborate and build relationships across VCSE/statutory, health and wider systems, including colleagues across CABB and wider stakeholders, build positive and professional relationships with partners and contract/ funder relationships within the scope of this role. Foster positive relationships with Head of Advice Standards & Delivery, and wider SLT, deputising as required.
• Support community & generalist services through senior oversight of generalist advice teams and managers, but frame responsibilities around high-level service performance, governance and client outcomes, aligned to advice standards. 
• Drive service improvement & innovation using data and technology to support continuous improvement, contribution to organisational strategic pillars and values. 

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B):

We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our EDI&B work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from local individuals who are representative of the local communities we serve - this is not just a matter of diversity but of strategic importance to ensure our services are grounded in the realities of our communities. 

Benefits

We value the people who work here. The following are included within the employee remuneration packages as standard;
A flexible 35 hour working week (for full time employees)
Generous holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days per year, increasing to 30 (in addition to bank holidays), pro-rata for part time
Additional day off for your birthday
5% employer contribution pension scheme
Access to 24/7 confidential telephone counselling and structured counselling support
Access to online GP and telephone counselling services
Enhanced family friendly leave and occupational sick leave
Access to ‘Blue Light Card’ and other charity discount schemes

Rural Refugee Network (RRN) is a small local charity in East Hampshire, Havant and Portsmouth, working alongside refugees and people seeking asylum through the work of six board members, thirty operational volunteers, one part-time permanent employee and a small bank of project staff and contractors. The charity is widely recognised by stakeholders and the local community for sensitively and effectively addressing the many challenges people arriving in the UK face as they strive to resettle and thrive in our community.

RRN is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead its support for refugees and people seeking asylum. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small charity through a period of significant change, with overall operational responsibility for the charity, including partnerships, funding, coordination of delivery, safeguarding and compliance. 

Working directly with a range of stakeholders and beneficiaries, the ideal candidate for this complex and high trust role will be self-reliant, adaptable, and able to engage and influence through excellent face-to-face and online communication skills. This is a genuinely flexible role, with significant autonomy over when and where work is undertaken. There will be regular opportunities for in-person team management and relationship-building, alongside substantial flexibility in how the wider working week is structured and where work is carried out. We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, manages their own time effectively and values the trust and responsibility that come with this level of autonomy.

A candidate who is energised by working flexibly and sensitively with a small team will thrive in this role, which offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Experience in the refugee sector is desirable.

Deadline: 5pm Monday 21 September

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement of not more than 2 sides, explaining your motivation, reflecting on how you would approach being RRN’s only core employed leader, and demonstrating your fit against the specification below. Please use the email subject heading “Head of Operations Application”. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications.

Job Description

Title: Rural Refugee Network Head of Operations

Reports to:  Board of Trustees

Hours:  Part-time (0.5 FTE, negotiable). Permanent contract.

Salary range: £40,000 - £45,000 FTE depending on experience.

Benefits: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata to hours agreed). 3% employer pension contribution.

Location and expectations: Flexible hybrid working with frequent travel to projects, events and stakeholder meetings in Portsmouth, Havant, Petersfield and the wider Hampshire area. Occasional evening and weekend in-person working required.

Purpose: To lead the day-to-day operation, development and sustainability of Rural Refugee Network, working with trustees, volunteers, funders and partner organisations to ensure refugees and asylum seekers receive practical support and RRN maintains compliance and operational sustainability.

About the role:. 

In this small charity, the Head of Operations combines operational coordination, programme oversight, partnership development and income generation, with delivery shared across volunteers, trustees and contracted staff.The role offers a high degree of autonomy and flexibility, alongside the opportunity to shape how the organisation works and develops. It requires strong judgement in balancing opportunities, risks and priorities within limited capacity, and the confidence to work independently while bringing others with you.

RRN is volunteer-led, and the Head of Operations is the organisation’s only permanent employee, holding overall coordination and accountability for day-to-day operations. This is therefore a broad, high-trust role: rather than delivering everything directly, you will enable and coordinate others, working closely with trustees, volunteers and contractors who deliver significant elements of the activity you lead.

The role will suit someone who enjoys variety, autonomy and a flexible working pattern, and who is comfortable taking ownership while knowing when to collaborate, delegate or seek support.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership, coordination and partnerships

• Deliver agreed strategic objectives and support trustees in developing future priorities.

• Prepare quarterly Board reports.

• Coordinate relationships with statutory, voluntary and community partners.

• With the support of trustees, represent the charity in local forums, develop opportunities for collaboration and promote RRN in the local community.

Programme and volunteer coordination

• Provide oversight of funded and core programmes.

• Recruit, train and manage project staff (currently two youth workers) and contracted/sessional staff.

• Recruit, train, support and retain volunteers.

• Oversee referral pathways and access.

• Support volunteer-led communications activity including website, newsletters, social media, impact reports and case studies.

Income development and funding

• Write grant applications and manage reporting requirements (with volunteer/trustee input).

• Maintain and develop funding pipeline and actively develop new funding streams.

• Support relationship-building with donors and community supporters.

Finance and compliance 

• Monitor programme budgets, working with the Treasurer.

• Support trustees in governance, reporting and compliance responsibilities.

• Maintain organisational policies and procedures.

• Lead safeguarding practice and reporting, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring policies are implemented by staff, volunteers, and contractors.

• Maintain oversight of organisational risk, compliance with Charity Commission, data protection, employment requirements and insurance arrangements.

• Ensure appropriate administrative systems are in place and followed, including maintaining up-to-date records in the CRM, Lamplight.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Substantial experience managing programmes or services in the charity/social impact sector, including line management, budgeting and financial oversight, and grant compliance/reporting.

• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience leading and recruiting volunteer teams. 

• Deep understanding of safeguarding and compliance and recent experience leading safeguarding practice and decision-making. Up to date on requirements and best practice.

• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement about what trustees need to know and when, and to prioritise effectively within limited capacity and competing demands.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, IT proficiency.

Desirable

• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or other vulnerable groups.

• Understanding of immigration, integration or resettlement issues.

• Successful fundraising and bid-writing experience. 

• Experience of local authority commissioning or grant funding.

• Comfort and experience in IT, data and/or CRMs.

RRN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant barred list, two satisfactory references, including your most recent employer, and safer recruitment practice including verification of employment history and a right to work check. RRN is unable to sponsor work visas, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.