Head of operations and development jobs

About the Role

As we scale, we are looking for a Head of Operations to provide operational leadership to ensure the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably in line with its mission and ethos. Working closely with the CEO, you will support the translation of the vision into reality by building strong foundations, enabling effective delivery, and supporting the scaling of the organisational from a regional base to a nationally impactful charity.

This is a pivotal role shaping how BeSpace grows. You will lead on strengthening systems, people, governance and operational delivery embedding accountability, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will:

Strengthen governance, risk and compliance

· Develop and maintain robust governance frameworks and ensure legal and regulatory compliance

· Embed effective risk management processes

· Oversee key compliance areas including safeguarding, GDPR and reporting

Build operational systems and infrastructure

· Develop and implement scalable systems, processes and internal controls

· Improve data management (including CRM) and strengthen reporting

· Contribute to ensuring operational readiness to support national growth

· Work with external providers on IT and financial system integration

Lead people, culture and organisational development

· Oversee recruitment, onboarding and retention of a high-performing team

· Strengthen performance management and accountability frameworks

· Support and foster a values-led, healthy team culture aligned with BeSpace’s mission

Enable delivery, impact and growth

· Strengthen operational support for programme delivery and expansion

· Support the translation of strategic ambitions into practical systems and ways of working

· Improve data insight to inform decision-making

· Support development of fundraising infrastructure.

Contribute to wider organisational life

· Work collaboratively across the team to support evolving priorities

· Act as an ambassador for BeSpace’s values and Christian ethos

About You

We are looking for someone who:

· Has experience in operations, programme or an organisational role with increasing responsibility or has had operational leadership, ideally within a growing or changing organisation

· Has good experience in developing systems, processes and organisational infrastructure

· Can work closely with a CEO to translate vision into operational delivery

· Has excellent organisational and project management skills

· Is proactive, collaborative and relational leader who builds strong teams and culture

 It would be a bonus if you:

 · Are an experienced operational leader motivated by impact, flexibility, and supporting the growth of a mission-led organisation

· Have significantly enabled the scaling of a regional organisation to national growth operationally.

· Have experience in fundraising systems or donor management

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced charity operations and finance professional to join as our inaugural Head of Operations and Finance. As we continue to grow our impact, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations and Finance to work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Chair to help strengthen our operations and oversee our finances.

This is a pivotal leadership position combining strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery. You will, support our Chief Executive and Executive Chair todevelop and implement organisational strategy while ensuring our people,systems, governance and finances support the effective delivery of our mission.You will join a close-knit team that punches above its weight, with real influence on policy affecting millions of babies worldwide.

If you're an experienced charity operations and finance professional looking for your next big challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Put simply, there is nowhere else quite like it. Seven acres of park, playgrounds and Grade II listed community buildings, tucked into the heart of Bloomsbury, dedicated entirely to children and families and where no adult can enter without a child.

It has been this way since 1936 and our jobs and potentially yours, as our new Head of Estates, is to protect this sanctuary for children and young people for generations to come.

This isn’t your average Head of Estates role – it’s a role for someone that cares deeply about their work and someone who will thrive on the prospect of developing and protecting this iconic space for children and young people. The prospect of being able to see the tangible impact of your work in bringing joy to thousands of children and families across London, will hold huge appeal.

What you’ll be doing:

• Overseeing the day-to-day compliance, management and maintenance of our park, playgrounds, sports facilities, and Grade II listed buildings.
• Leading a small, multi-skilled Grounds and Facilities team — recruiting them, developing them, and building a culture they're proud to be part of.
• Overseeing contractors and capital works, from routine repairs to major building projects. 
• Sitting on the Senior Management Team to shape the charity's strategic plans.
• Looking after a grounds and facilities budget of c.£400K.
• Acting as one of four Designated Safeguarding Leads, because looking after this site 
means looking after the children in it.
 

Who we’re looking for:

• An inspiring leader, capable of galvanising and getting the best out of our small but agile team – you’ll thrive on managing people, seeing your team as your greatest asset.
• A systems person, who knows that quality systems and structures are key to consistent, high quality facility management
• Someone who sees the bigger picture but also knows how to balance this with a hands on operational approach when needed.
• Someone with an exceptional attention to detail – you’ll see things that others don’t, set standards at the highest level and help others understand why quality matters.
• An experienced facilities professional, capable of balancing the demands of managing a complex, public space and heritage site.
• A team player – someone with the conviction to own what they do but who also understands 
the value of working and learning from those around them.

The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (GA) is the central charity that supports its member congregations, ministers and societies in England, Scotland and Wales. Its purpose is to promote free and inquiring religion, through inclusive, free-thinking communities that draw on wisdom from all sources, without doctrine or dogma. Our congregations are autonomous and locally led; the GA is not a hierarchical leadership body, but one that supports and leads alongside our members. 

As Britain’s religious culture and context has changed, so have Unitarian communities, and the GA is in a process of adapting to best meet these changing needs. 

The purpose of this role 

This is a new role, being the operational engine to strengthen the organisation at a time of change. Shifts in the wider Unitarian movement with patterns of innovation, rebuilding, and growth alongside congregational vulnerabilities and closures mean that the GA’s operational function must adapt. 

This role would suit someone who is excited to manage governance, systems, and data as strategic enablers in a values-driven organisation, who can drive change while delivering operational excellence. 

This is a role with real scope to shape how an organisation that is approaching its centenary works in the years ahead - including how good data, digital systems, and emerging tools can support a small team to make best use of its resources and build capacity for relational work. 

The Operations Director will work closely with the Chief Officer, and will be a collaborative and proactive enabler to lead a transition to a future-fit organisation that can better serve its members and have a greater impact. 

You don't need to be Unitarian or a person of faith to apply. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and beliefs who are drawn to work within a values-led organisation. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Strategy & organisational development — Partner closely with the Chief Officer to shape strategy, translate priorities into action, and build the systems that make us resilient.

• Governance, legal & compliance — Serve as Company Secretary, stewarding our transition to CIO and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory obligations with confidence.

• Financial oversight — Ensure financial management arrangements (including outsourced providers) deliver accurate, timely information and sound controls; work with the Honorary Treasurer and external accountants on budgeting, fund oversight and audit support, escalating risks and holding providers to account. 

• Systems, data & digital — Lead our information infrastructure, oversee our CRM migration, and champion a culture of good data practice — including thoughtful use of AI where beneficial.

• People & HR — Line manage two team members and keep our HR and supplier relationships running smoothly, with care and clarity.

• Unitarian relationships — Nurture collaborative relationships with key Unitarian bodies from an operational perspective, including governance support for affiliated organisations.

• Events & communications — Take operational ownership of the Annual Meeting and ensure the infrastructure behind our communications is solid and reliable. 

See the attached job description for more details. 

What core skills and experience you’ll have 

Essential: 

• Senior operations leadership experience in a purpose-led or membership organisation, with a track record of building capacity through periods of organisational change. 

• Experience leading complex organisational change and systems transformation, including the people dimensions of change. 

• Experience managing contracted delivery of services by third parties 

• Financial literacy sufficient to own management accounts, lead a budgeting process, and act as a critical friend to trustees on financial governance.

• Must be comfortable interrogating financial information and holding external providers to account; accountancy qualification not required 

• Experience of leading the implementation or significant improvement of CRM, financial management, or other organisational systems — including managing migration risk 

• Experience of people management, and good HR / employment practice 

• Substantial experience of charity governance and compliance 

• Solid working knowledge of UK charity law and Charity Commission requirements, including the ability to advise senior colleagues and trustees with confidence 

Desirable: 

• Experience of property or building management, including leases, tenancy relationships, and facilities oversight 

• Experience of a CIO conversion or similar legal restructuring of a charity 

• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms 

• Experience of working in a faith, membership, or congregational context 

• Company secretarial experience 

Please note: We've listed essentials and desirables in good faith, but we know no one is the finished article. If you bring the right values, approach, and most of the experience, we would love to hear from you. 

About the role 

• JOB TITLE: Operations Director 

• LOCATION: Central London (Essex Hall, WC2) and home-based hybrid. Minimum 2 days per week in the office. 

• WORKING HOURS: Full-time 35 hours a week. Part-time applications (min. 4 days a week) considered. 

• SALARY: £55,000 per annum 

• START DATE: ASAP 

Our benefits package includes 

• 30 days holiday, plus English bank holidays 

• Workplace pension scheme (7% Employer contribution) 

• Staff support budget for personal development and wellbeing 

• Membership of financial wellbeing programme (Maji) 

Apply for the position of Operations Director 

Please submit a cover letter and CV via the link below to make an application. 

In your cover letter, we would like to understand what it is that has drawn you to this role, what it is about the General Assembly’s work that resonates with you and what experience you have of implementing organisational change. 

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visa applications. 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 15th July 2026, 23:59 BST. 

Our initial first stage interviews will take place on Wednesday 22nd July 2026. These interviews will be in person at our Head Office, Essex Hall, in Central London and we will reimburse travel expenses (standard class public transport). 

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a final video interview taking place week commencing 27th July 2026. 

Please keep these dates free and be aware that there will be a short notice period before each interview.

The interview process will include a prepared task, and you'll be given plenty of time in advance to work on it - we want to see your thinking, not test you under pressure. 

If you need any reasonable adjustments to support you through the interview process, please just let us know - we're happy to help. 

Create is seeking a dynamic, ambitious, driven, fundraiser (grants/major gifts) with strong strategic skills, an exemplary income generation track record, and a passion for the power of the creative arts. This Senior Leadership Team position reports directly to the Chief Executive and manages a small team.

Do you believe in the power of the creative arts to connect, empower and upskill isolated and vulnerable children and adults? Are you passionate about relationship building, storytelling, meeting targets and changing lives? Are you excited to use your extensive senior-level fundraising experience, knowledge and contacts to lead Create’s income generation from Trusts & Foundations (T&F), public sector and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)? 

Context and Background

The NSPCC’s mission is to end cruelty to children by fighting for every childhood. To carry out its charitable work the NSPCC relies on the fundraising support of people across the UK for 90% of it’s income. Within fundraising our aim is to provide maximum resources for the NSPCC. We aim to provide the best possible supporter experience, building long-term relationships to create an experience which is different, better and more rewarding than that of supporting any other charity.

The Associate Head of Mass Participation Fundraising is a member of the Supporter Led Fundraising Leadership Team and the Philanthropy & Partnerships Department. The role contributes to the overall leadership and management of the team and department as well as implementing the fundraising plans and strategies for the Engagement & Fundraising Directorate.

Mass Participation Fundraising is an important component in the NSPCC’s Engagement and Fundraising strategy. The post holder will lead and develop a first-class team to develop our portfolio, engaging and deepening the relationship with participants into long-term supporters and optimising the fundraising income they generate.

A key element of the role is to provide leadership across a diverse team, which includes Third Party Events, DIY fundraising and Schools Fundraising. The role will work collaboratively across all departments to build the best possible supporter relationships to generate income and promote key organisational messages to external audiences.

Job purpose

To deliver effective fundraising activities from a mass participation portfolio of diverse products, events and opportunities. To manage relationships with suppliers and agencies, while providing leadership and management to fundraising staff within the Mass Participation Fundraising team. Continually refreshing, improving and growing the portfolio, facilitating increased income generation across all teams.

• To have accountability and responsibility for the budgetary performance of three core Mass Participation income generation streams (Third Party Events, DIY Fundraising, and Schools Fundraising)

• To form and deliver the strategy of acquisition, stewardship and retention of mass participants

• To identify synergies and best practice across similar operations within and beyond Engagement & Fundraising, applying principles of Supporter Centricity across participants and their connected supporters

• To take a lead role in working effectively with other teams and departments to maximise the recruitment of supporters and their fundraising to deliver income for children

• To lead, manage and develop the Mass Participation Fundraising team in line with our values and behaviours

Key relationships - Internal

• Reports to the Head of Supporter Led Fundraising

• A member of the Supporter Led Fundraising Leadership Team

• Line manages team leaders of Third Party Events, DIY Fundraising and Schools Fundraising teams and the Senior Marketing Officer

• Works closely with other teams within the Engagement & Fundraising Directorate operating nationally and locally to develop supporters, potential supporters and business projects

• Works closely with colleagues in other directorates to inform, support and manage fundraising activity and use relevant management information to maximise the impact of fundraising activities - such as Data, Tech and communications.

Key relationships - External

• Peers within the local and national fundraising sector

• Professionals/trade bodies/organisations that are the forefront of mass participation and supporter acquisition

• Marketing agencies and creative suppliers

Main duties and responsibilities

• To work with Head of Supporter Led Fundraising to develop ambitious strategies and business plans to optimise and grow income

• To guide and direct the implementation of agreed strategies including influencing the plans and activities across other fundraising audience streams

• To develop, deliver and be accountable for teams' annual budgets through monitoring, managing and reforecasting financial performance, ensuring that contingency plans are in place as required

• To guide and direct efficient acquisition strategies across Third Party Events, DIY Fundraising and Schools Fundraising and ensure all supporters are onboarded to the organisation appropriately, supporting retention.

• To seek and commission insight of sector-wide fundraising opportunities through a range of markets and/or supporter groups, to inform the team strategies

• To be accountable for the management of agency relationships and core suppliers that are key to the delivery of income growth and supporter satisfaction

• Within the Supporter Centricity framework, promote and prioritise lead sharing across fundraising, ensuring supporters follow the best supporter journey, establishing Mass Participation as a core route for new supporter acquisition

• To work with other functions, such as Children's Services, Technology and Communications to optimise compelling propositions, messaging within effectively delivered supporter journeys

• To foster an innovative culture within the team to generate increased income though incremental changes in pre-existing products or new product development.

• To recruit, train, develop and manage staff in line with NSPCC policies and practice including regular team meetings and regular performance reviews, coaching and mentoring staff to achieve high performance, growth and personal development

• To participate in Engagement & Fundraising or cross-directorate projects as required

Responsibilities for all Staff within the Income Generation Directorate

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

• To be responsible for updating databases and supporter information systems on a regular basis in line with Data Protection legislation and NSPCC policy and procedures to ensure all records are up-to-date and accurate.

• To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the NSPCC's development of fundraising activities.

• To maintain an awareness of own and others' Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC's Health and Safety policy and procedures.

• To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developments and general NSPCC news and also ensuring that the fundraising teams do likewise.

Person specification

1. Experience of leadership to successfully drive income growth from event participation, DIY or schools fundraising either in the commercial or charity sector

2. Skilled in strategic planning and development to find new ways to drive growth in an established market

3. Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively share complex information, propositions and business cases

4. Substantial experience of budgetary management and financial planning

5. Understanding of acquisition marketing strategies and integrated marketing planning approach.

6. Leadership and management experience of a diverse and geographically dispersed team to deliver results, with a commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

7. An ability to influence, empower, support and develop those who work with and for them

8. Experience in managing strategic relationships with suppliers, such as creative agency providers including the management of SLA's and performance measures, ensuring sustained high level of performance

9. Experience of presenting to and influencing senior stakeholders and external audiences

10. Willingness to work flexibly to changing deadlines and demands and the ability to travel to support the delivery of our event portfolio.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

Our principles:

• Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.

• Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.

• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.

• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Stewardship’s customer operations. You will lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering operational excellence across our primary platforms, ensuring that the systems, processes and controls supporting our services are effective, scalable and aligned with our mission.

This dynamic and strategic role offers a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic leader who is passionate about serving our organisation’s Christian mission. As the leader in this role, you will have proven ability to drive operational efficiency and implement best practice. You will prize quality and attention to detail, and innovation, focusing on growing the Kingdom of God through operational efficiency and excellence.

Occupational Requirement (OR)

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

Location: The role is national, managing teams in Northern Ireland, Wales and across England. You will need to be able to work at one of our BookTrust offices in London, Leeds, Belfast or Cardiff for an average of 8 days per month whilst some of these collaboration days may be worked in partner locations, at events or stakeholder meetings in any part of the country. The position will require regular travel to BookTrust office bases and to visit and engage as needed.

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. We know that children who read are happier, healthier, more empathetic, and more creative. They also do better at school.

Working with every local authority and across every region in the country, and supported by Arts Council funding, we reach over 3 million families a year via partners in schools, children’s centres, health visitors and libraries. This incredible network helps us to get children reading across the country.

This is a new role within the organisation and the postholder will be responsible for defining aspects of the role, building relationships and processes that will enhance our ways of working as part of wider organisational processes. 

You will be an excellent communicator who manages up effectively and who is comfortable working across a matrixed managed team. You will work closely with the Director of Partnerships in building relationships, systems and processes that support our delivery across regions and countries as well as working closely with key role holders such as but not confined to the Head of Partnerships Development, and Head of Programme for Vulnerable Children.

The Head of Partnerships Delivery will lead and coordinate our early years scaled programme delivery as well as ensuring activities to support delivery and development of our vulnerable children’s work are catered or within team processes and relationship building with strategic and local stakeholders.

This work spans the organisation – and will have a close working relationships with key stakeholders in operations on aspects of the work as well as to research and impact, design and innovation, growth planning, communications, profile-raising and income generation – and requires strong collaborative working to draw on skills and capacity in all these areas. 

To apply, please complete the application along with a copy of your CV.

Want to join us? To find out more about who we are please go to our website. 

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and communities. 

Please note that this advert may close early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

We aim to provide an inclusive recruitment process and actively welcome applications from diverse talent pools: minority ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities and long-term conditions and candidates from underrepresented communities.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and want to ensure we have an accessible application process for all candidates. If you need any reasonable adjustments or would like us to do anything differently during the application process, please contact our HR team (contact details can be found on our website). 

BookTrust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to safeguarding therefore, the suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment, and pre-employment checks.

Head of Operations
Location: Hybrid/London
Salary: £55,000-£65,000 FTE
Contract: Permanent, 4 days a week

Prospectus are delighted to be supporting our client in their search for a Head of Operations. They are a bold and rapidly growing organisation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for women’s health. Their new Head of Operations will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening their infrastructure as they continue to scale their impact. You will play a key role as part of the senior leadership team and have end-to-end responsibility for operations across the Foundation. You will be a key strategic partner to leadership and trustees, ensuring the organisation operates with excellence, strong governance, and scalable systems.

You will be an experienced and strategic leader who can balance big-picture thinking with hands-on execution. You will bring a strong track record as a senior operator across finance, governance, HR, and operations, with a strong knowledge of governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks. You will have financial oversight experience including budgeting and reporting, confidence engaging senior stakeholders, and a systems mindset with a passion for improving operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all operational functions, aligning delivery with organisational strategy and growth plans, ensuring strong operational control, processes and infrastructure are scalable, and driving improvements across systems and workflows

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial reporting and establish robust financial controls, providing insights and analysis to inform decision-making
• Work closely with external accountants to ensure accuracy and compliance

• Lead governance strategy and ensure Charity Commission compliance, strengthening governance frameworks to support growth and accountability

• Lead the full employee lifecycle, from hiring to development and retention and develop and embed HR policies, systems, and best practices

• Oversee contracts and manage organisational risk, partnering with legal advisors on contractual matters

This is a really exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the growth and ambitions of a bold organisation working to revolutionise women’s gynae health.

To Apply Please:

• Submit your CV
• Submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, and how your skills and experience align with the requirements

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Shannon Sanderson at Prospectus.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Who We Are

The Race Equality Foundation is a national charity working to tackle systemic racism and create the conditions for everyone to live healthy, secure and fulfilling lives and we are looking to appoint a Head of Operations. 

We combine evidence, co-production and practical action to address the root causes of racial inequality. Our work focuses not only on identifying inequality, but on challenging the structural racism, discrimination and unequal distribution of power that drive them. We work alongside communities, practitioners, policymakers and institutions to develop evidence-informed solutions that improve services, strengthen communities and promote racial justice.

Today, our work spans health and care, employment, housing and community wellbeing. Through partnerships, research, training and policy influence, we continue to demonstrate what meaningful anti-racist systems change can look like in practice. 

We are based in London but have a national remit.

Job description

We are entering a period of organisational growth and staff restructure, and the Head of Operations will be a new post at REF. The postholder will be ready to get stuck in, helping us to identify and address operational challenges before they become problems and reduce unnecessary demands on managers and senior leaders. We are looking for an effective communicator to ensure that people, systems, and resources support the Foundation's mission and enable staff to do their best work. We are not looking for someone who believes every challenge requires a new process. We are looking for someone who can exercise sound judgement, introduce structure where it adds value and help create the conditions in which staff and managers can focus on delivering impact. 

The postholder will be expected to bring a strong commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the way they approach organisational development and operational leadership. 

See Job Description document for full details of the role and responsibilties.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Several years' experience in a senior operational, organisational development or business management role in a charity or voluntary sector organisation. 

• Proven track record of driving operational improvements, such as overseeing or changing workflow systems, maintaining good governance and compliance policies, or implementing strong CRM systems. 

• Proven track record of managing HR procedures, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills, and effective people management including maintaining working relationships with colleagues at all levels. 

• Strong ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery. 

• Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to apply these principles in practice. 

• Experience of working in an environment that requires flexibility, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• Experience of managing external suppliers, advisers or contractors. 

Desirable 

• Experience of working in a time and resource limited small or start up organisation. 

• Experience of working with boards, trustees or governance structures. 

• Experience of working in an organisation committed to equality, anti-racism or social justice.

• Knowledge of organisational development or change management approaches. 

Pay and Conditions of Service

This post is permanent and full-time.

The annual full-time salary for this role is between £47,911 and £53,890, inclusive of London Weighting. 

There is a probationary period of six months for this post. 

Full-time staff are entitled to 25 days holiday leave per annum with additional days for long service. The timing of holidays must fit in with the needs of the Foundation and must be agreed in advance. In addition to annual holidays there is paid time off for national holidays. 

The post will be based in the London office at Unit 17 Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB. Staff currently work two to three days a week in the office. 

The normal working week is 35 hours for full-time posts, seven hours per day, Monday to Friday. Standard office hours are 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.

Application Process

Applications will only be accepted via the portal on our website. We will require the submission of an application form and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should be 2-3 pages max, 12 point font. We will not accept applications via CV. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to prepare a presentation, details will be shared in advance.

Please note that we are only able to appoint people who are eligible to work in the UK. 

The Head of Change leads the development, coordination and delivery of the Foundation’s strategic change portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Transformation, this role provides expert direction on organisational change initiatives, ensures alignment with strategic priorities, and builds a culture where transformation is understood, embraced and delivered confidently across the organisation. 

The Head of Change acts as the Foundation’s change leader, helping to shape strategy, establishing structures for high-quality programme delivery, and ensuring teams are ready and supported through change. This includes oversight of the Change team, taking a lead on cross-Foundation change initiatives, and ensuring all strategic programmes are governed effectively. 
This role is cross-organisational, working closely with the Chief People & Transformation Officer on the operating model, the Chief Financial Officer and the Director of Transformation on planning and delivery. 

This role delivers a transformational, organisation-wide approach to change, grounded in best practice, and provides a high-quality, consistent programme delivery through a strengthened PMO capability. The Head of Change delivers improved organisational staff readiness and staff confidence during periods of change, and produces clear, measurable outcomes across the Foundation’s strategic transformation priorities. This role also helps to foster a culture that embraces innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Change Leadership

• Define, lead and manage the organisation-wide strategic change programme, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and long-term goals.
• Develop the strategic change governance forum, providing oversight, challenge and direction.
• Work with the Executive Team, senior stakeholders, and programme leads to ensure clarity of change objectives and secure stakeholder buy-in.
• Working with the Chief Financial Officer, oversee organisational planning, delivery and monitoring of key KPIs.
• Foster a culture of change readiness, adaptability, and continuous improvement, ensuring clear alignment with the Foundation’s overarching decision-making framework. 

Programme & Portfolio Management 

• Oversee a portfolio of high-profile strategic projects, ensuring consistent delivery standards and measurable outcomes.
• Lead and mature the Foundation’s project framework to support governance, reporting, assurance and delivery quality.
• Ensure that the organisation has the necessary resources – people, technology and budget – to implement change initiatives without creating bottlenecks or overwhelming Business As Usual operations.
• Monitor progress and evaluate the impact of change initiatives, adjusting the approach to achieve outcomes. 

Leadership & People

• Manage and mentor the Change team, building a high-performing group of change specialists.
• Cultivate collaboration across teams, ensuring consistent approaches to change management and project delivery. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

• Partner with senior stakeholders to build alignment, engagement and ownership across change programmes.
• Lead delivery of change communications and engagement plans, ensuring clarity, consistency and accessibility.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, offering challenge, insight and strategic guidance. 

Change Management Practice

• Conduct enterprise-level change impact and readiness assessments.
• Design and implement training, coaching and resources for leaders and teams undergoing change. Ensure change methodologies, tools, and frameworks are embedded and consistently applied.
• Support the Chief People & Transformation Officer with organisational design activities, including target operating model development and capability mapping. 

Financial & Risk Management 

• Manage project and programme budgets effectively.
• Identify risks, interdependencies and issues across the change portfolio and develop mitigation plans. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, governance and audit requirements. 

Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role. 

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Skills, abilities, and attributes:

• Self-starter who is adaptable, works with integrity and exhibits the Foundation’s core values.
• Committed to the principle of continuous improvement, with careful attention to detail and due process.
• Committed to delivering consistent and high-quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills and able to effectively liaise with both internal and external communities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, inspire, challenge and influence. 
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable plans.
• Financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous and highly collaborative environments. 
• Strong influencing skills with senior stakeholders, including C-suite and Board-level relationships.

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications: 

• Experience in delivering large-scale transformation within complex organisations (charity, private, public sector, healthcare or equivalent).
• Exposure to digital transformation, innovation programmes or organisation design.
• Proven track record leading enterprise-wide change and readiness programmes.
• Demonstrable experience building and leading PMO functions.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and driving cultural and behavioural change.
• Experience operating within matrixed, multi-disciplinary or multi-site environments.
• Proficient, with recognised successes, in working with industry best practice project and change methodologies (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2, PMP, Prosci/ADKAR, CCMP). 

Benefits

• Contributory pension
• Annual personal development budget
• Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
• Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
• Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities. 
• Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit. 
• Shower facilities and bike lock area. 
• Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
• Subsidies for glasses
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Saferworld

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working in partnership with civil society to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and we build conditions for peace and justice. We also support analysis and learning to influence local, national and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace and justice. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with nine offices across those regions and offices in the UK, USA and Belgium.

Saferworld is committed to providing a safe, trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners and communities. Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

We are seeking a strategic and inspiring Head of Funding and Programme Development with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and mobilise resources in a values-driven environment. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to equitable partnerships with communities and organisations in conflict-affected settings, guiding teams to raise resources effectively while advancing peace and justice outcomes. Grounded in a people-centred vision of change, you will foster collaboration, champion locally-led approaches, and steer efforts toward resourcing sustainable, community-driven, and collective visions of peace.

About the role

• The Head of Funding and Programme Development will shape Saferworld’s income profile in alignment with our organisational strategy and change process. The post-holder will lead the development and implementation of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring it supports our strategic, programmatic and operational priorities.
• The role will focus on strengthening the quality, flexibility and diversity of Saferworld’s funding base, nurturing relationships with strategic institutional donors, growing philanthropic funding, and identifying new income opportunities.
• This is an exciting opportunity to influence Saferworld’s fundraising and programme development approach during a pivotal period for the organisation. The role will line-manage a small team across programme development, philanthropy and funding.

Key responsibilities

• As part of Saferworld’s senior leadership, you will support organisation-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. You will monitor funding trends, identify emerging issues relevant to Saferworld’s work and partnership approaches, and develop appropriate strategies to respond.
• Working closely with the Senior Operations Team, you will ensure funding plans are developed across business units and thematic/regional areas, and that income pipelines are maintained while quality assurance and active cost recovery are proactively pursued. You will oversee the funding and prospects pipeline, produce data and analysis to support decision-making, and provide regular reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Externally, you will represent Saferworld with key donors, partners and networks, building strategic relationships and identifying funding opportunities.
• You will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring a balanced, ethical and diverse portfolio of restricted and unrestricted income streams. This will include securing quality funding against agreed targets and supporting income diversification through trusts and foundations, commercial funding, and other sources.
• You will work closely with Saferworld’s Grant Management Team to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor relationship management and cultivation. You will also lead the design of multi-country and thematic proposals, as well as consortia bid development, to strengthen partnerships and support new ways of resourcing Saferworld’s strategy.
• The post-holder will set standards for collaborative and participatory programme design, manage proposal development processes from opportunity notice to contract signing, and ensure learning from donor feedback is used to strengthen our fundraising approach.
• You will lead the Funding Leadership Team to ensure cross-organisational ownership of fundraising efforts, and work closely with regional, thematic, policy and grant management colleagues throughout the funding cycle.

People and leadership

• You will line-manage the Funding and Programme Development Team and foster an environment where staff feel empowered, take responsibility and are accountable for achieving organisational objectives.
• You will ensure the team facilitates strong participatory programme design and proposal development with partners and staff, embedding Saferworld’s organisational values and principles. You will also support the team to work closely with colleagues across the organisation, grounding proposals in learning, evidence and evaluation findings.

About you

• You will bring proven senior leadership experience in funding, with a track record of developing and implementing funding strategies and raising income through a range of donors, including individuals, institutions, trusts and foundations. You will also have experience securing high-value contracts and grants of seven figures.
• You will have strong experience of leading complex participatory programme design, including developing budgets, monitoring frameworks and proposals. You will be confident coordinating programme development processes with multiple teams and partners to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• You will have a proven track record of motivating, mentoring and managing a team, and supporting that team to think creatively about fundraising. You will also be confident developing networks, building alliances, and nurturing relationships with individuals, collaborators and funders.
• You will bring a strong understanding of key political, development and humanitarian trends and debates, particularly linked to peacebuilding, development, human rights, governance, and security and justice. You will also have sound knowledge of UK civil society and charity regulatory requirements, and an understanding of the current international aid, peacebuilding and human rights funding environment.
• Experience of working and/or living in conflict-affected contexts, and understanding of peacebuilding and conflict prevention, are desirable.

Skills and qualities

• You will have excellent leadership and management skills, including strategic planning and business development. You will be able to provide sound financial and compliance advice, demonstrate good financial stewardship, and bring a creative, proactive approach to your work.
• You will be able to set priorities while working under pressure, adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities, and move between hands-on involvement in proposal writing and strategic oversight.
• You will bring strong communication skills, including experience of communicating across cultures and with diverse audiences. You will understand the power imbalances that may be reflected in programme design and budgeting, and bring a strong commitment to inclusive processes and to shifting power and resources to partners.
• You will be committed to Saferworld’s vision, mission and values, including equality, diversity and safeguarding. You will be able to lead by example and create a safe and respectful environment for all staff.

Application process

• Please apply through our vacancy portal on the Saferworld Jobs website.
• Upload your CV and a covering letter addressing the person specification and explaining why your experience matches the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 3 August 2026
Interviews planned: Week commencing 10 August 2026

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Operations is the most senior staff member at PACE and the primary day-to-day operational lead for the organisation. The postholder will ensure that services for children and young people are delivered safely, consistently, and to a high standard across all three sites, and that the organisation's systems, finances, people, and compliance obligations are properly managed.

This is an operational leadership role with responsibility for translating the Board's strategic direction into effective day-to-day delivery. The postholder will work closely with the Board of Trustees, who retain strategic governance responsibility, and will be the principal point of accountability for performance across all services. The postholder will also act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the organisation

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership and Service Delivery

• Take day-to-day operational responsibility for all PACE services across all three sites, ensuring consistent, high-quality, and safe delivery.

• Support and line manage Senior Centre Managers and Service Managers, providing clear direction, regular supervision, and accountability.

• Ensure all services meet regulatory requirements including EYFS, Ofsted standards, safeguarding and child protection legislation, and disability inclusion policy.

• Maintain and develop operational policies and procedures that reflect best practice in service delivery for children and young people, including those with additional needs.

• Identify and respond to operational risks across sites, escalating to the Board where appropriate.

2. Safeguarding

• Act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), maintaining overall responsibility for safeguarding practice across all sites.

• Ensure centre managers and service leads fulfil their DSL responsibilities and that training, records, and incident reporting are consistent, up to date, and audit-ready.

• Lead the organisation's response to any safeguarding concern or Ofsted inspection, maintaining transparent and proactive communication with commissioners and the Board.

• Embed a culture of safeguarding awareness and accountability across the whole staff team.

3. Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Work with the Finance team to manage the organisation's annual budget, ensuring income and expenditure are tracked accurately and reported monthly.

• Hold budget holder accountability across service and centre level, ensuring managers understand and operate within their agreed financial envelopes.

• Monitor income streams - including statutory contracts, parental fees, grants, and fundraised income - and alert the Board to variances or risks in a timely manner.

• Support income generation through effective contract delivery, occupancy management, and proactive relationship management with commissioners.

• Oversee the Fundraising Manager's workload and priorities, ensuring fundraising activity is aligned to operational need and deliverable commitments are accurate before submission.

4. Human Resources and Workforce Management

• Lead, support, and develop the staff team, fostering a culture of professionalism, consistency, and accountability.

• Work with the HR Consultant to ensure HR processes - including onboarding, probation, sickness management, performance management, and offboarding - are followed correctly and documented appropriately.

• Conduct regular line management meetings and appraisals with direct reports, setting clear expectations and addressing performance issues promptly and fairly.

• Manage staffing levels and deployment across sites to ensure services are appropriately resourced, proportionate to demand and income, and compliant with contractual ratios.

• Address workforce culture issues, reducing reliance on informal decision-making and ensuring accountability is embedded at all levels of the team.

5. Commissioner and Stakeholder Relationships

• Maintain and develop the organisation's relationships with Camden commissioners, the Play Providers Forum, Family Hubs, and other statutory and voluntary sector partners.

• Ensure proactive, transparent, and timely communication with Camden regarding service delivery, performance data, and any operational concerns.

• Represent PACE at external meetings, forums, and events as required.

• Support the development of community partnerships that extend the reach and impact of PACE's services.

6. Compliance, Governance and Risk

• Ensure organisational compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks including Ofsted, EYFS, charity law, and employment legislation.

• Maintain and regularly review operational policies, risk registers, and compliance records, ensuring they are current and accessible across all sites.

• Provide the Board of Trustees with regular, concise, and accurate reports on operational performance, financial position, safeguarding, staffing, and risk.

• Support Board governance by preparing timely papers, flagging decisions required, and maintaining clear separation between operational management and trustee oversight.

7. Systems, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Embed consistent, documented operational systems across all sites, reducing reliance on individual knowledge and informal workarounds.

• Develop and maintain monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track service quality, outcomes for children and families, and contractual KPIs.

• Oversee the organisation's use of operational systems including safeguarding software, HR and payroll platforms, invoicing, and timekeeping tools.

Produce and sign off external impact reports for funders and commissioners

Essentials:

• Experience in an operational management role within a children's services, play, youth work, education, or social care setting

• At least 3 years in a management role with direct line management of multiple staff or teams

• Demonstrable knowledge and practical experience of safeguarding children, including DSL-level responsibility

• Experience managing multi-site or multi-service delivery

• Sound financial literacy: budget management, variance analysis, and income/expenditure monitoring

• Experience of working with Ofsted regulatory frameworks, including EYFS

• Strong people management skills: supervision, appraisal, performance management, and HR process compliance

• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites calmly and consistently

• Commitment to inclusive practice and experience working with children with disabilities and additional needs

• A suitable Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years, Childcare, or a relevant field (e.g. CACHE Level 3, BTEC Level 3 in Children's Play, Learning and Development, or equivalent EYFS-recognised qualification)

Desirable 

• Experience of income generation including commissioner relationships, grant management, and contract compliance

• Experience of charity or voluntary sector management

• Coaching or mentoring experience

• Knowledge of Camden's VCS and community infrastructure

Conditions of Employment

• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

• The postholder will be required to work across all PACE sites in Camden. Flexible or hybrid working will be considered where operationally appropriate, but the role requires significant on-site presence.

• PACE is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from all sections of the community.

• PACE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.