Head of operations jobs

Join RABI and help strengthen the systems, insight and leadership that underpin our support for farming people.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 13th April 2026

Location: Oxford with flexible working (minimum two days per week in the office)

About us

Founded in 1860, RABI provides practical, financial and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales. What began as financial assistance has evolved into structured, evidence-led support shaped by research and lived experience.

Farming life brings physical, emotional and financial pressures. In 2021, RABI published the Big Farming Survey, identifying for the first time a measurable farming wellbeing gap between farming people and the wider population. That evidence continues to guide our services and long-term strategy.

Today, we provide:

• Practical support – advice, guidance and help accessing entitlements
• Financial support – targeted grants and responsive assistance
• Emotional support – free, professional counselling and wellbeing services

We are focused on prevention, early intervention and improving access to support, alongside structured financial assistance. Our services are confidential, professional and accessible.

Working with partners and government, we are contributing to the long-term ambition to close the farming wellbeing gap by 2050.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and thoughtful leader to join RABI as our new Head of Central Operations. This is a senior role at the centre of the organisation, reporting to the Director of People & Resources and working as part of the senior leadership team.

You will provide strategic leadership across finance, HR, estates and operational systems, while shaping and embedding a developing Data and Insights function.

Strong governance and financial stewardship remain essential. Beyond oversight, this role is about strengthening how RABI uses insight to inform decisions. You will help connect systems, people and data so that strategic choices are confident, transparent and evidence-led.

With a new CRM in place and investment committed to strengthening data capability, you will:

• Build and embed a high-quality Data and Insights function
• Strengthen reporting, forecasting and performance monitoring
• Improve cross-organisational systems and operational coherence
• Support Trustees and senior leaders with clear, meaningful insight

This role is central to ensuring RABI remains sustainable, accountable and strategically focused as we deliver our 2025–2030 strategy.

What we are looking for

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds, including data and insight, organisational performance, strategic operations or complex service environments.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within a values-led organisation
• A strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management
• Experience implementing data-informed approaches aligned to strategy
• Confidence presenting at Board level and working closely with Trustees
• A collaborative and systems-minded approach

You may not come from a specialist background in finance or HR, but you will be confident overseeing financial performance with the support of qualified colleagues and comfortable leading people and culture-related functions.

Above all, you will be measured, clear-thinking and purposeful in your leadership. You will share RABI’s commitment to strengthening the wellbeing of farming people and reflect our values in how you lead others.

A full UK driving licence is required, along with a willingness to travel where needed.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th April 2026.

Head of Operations

A senior leadership role where your decisions will directly improve young people’s lives.

The Jack Hazeldine Foundation (JHF) is a small, ambitious youth charity with a big mission: to transform the lives of young people through high‑quality 1:1 mentoring, tutoring and personalised support.

We are now seeking a Head of Operations to play a pivotal role in shaping how our charity runs – strengthening our systems, supporting our people, and ensuring we are sustainable, compliant and impact‑driven as we grow.

This is a genuinely senior role, working closely with the CEO and Trustees, where your judgement will be trusted and your impact will be visible every day.

About the role

As Head of Operations, you will lead JHF’s operational strategy and oversee delivery across operations, finance, people, systems, programmes and compliance.

You will line manage a small, committed team and deputise for the CEO when required.

This is a role for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, and who thrives in a small organisation where leadership is visible and change is possible.

Why join JHF?

• A senior leadership role with real influence over how the organisation operates
• The opportunity to shape and improve systems
• Close working relationships with the CEO and Trustees
• A manageable team size that allows for thoughtful, people‑centred leadership
• Clear, visible impact where your work directly supports better outcomes for young people
• A values‑driven culture rooted in integrity, collaboration and ambition for impact
• A supportive organisation that values learning, wellbeing and sustainable ways of working

We have strong operational foundations in place and have been awarded a CAF Resilience Grant to further strengthen our financial and operational sustainability – a key focus for this role.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and implement JHF’s operational strategy alongside the CEO and Trustees
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations across programmes, finance, HR and administration
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting and controls
• Act as senior lead for governance, risk, GDPR and information security
• Own and develop our bespoke database to improve efficiency, reporting and impact measurement
• Provide high‑quality operational insight and data to inform Board decision‑making
• Support programme delivery to balance impact, quality, compliance and sustainability
• Lead and support staff development, wellbeing and inclusive practice

About you

You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally in a charity, youth, education or people‑centred organisation
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting and reporting
• Experience leading small, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Confidence overseeing service delivery, compliance and risk
• Experience owning or leading organisational systems or digital change
• A values‑driven, collaborative approach and strong commitment to safeguarding young people

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement. If you bring relevant experience and a strong commitment to our mission, we would love to hear from you.

#Head of Operations #Operations #Strategic Operations #Head of Operations

This role

The Head of HR and Operations will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. This role will be central to shaping the organisation’s culture and ensuring that our HR and operational functions are robust, future‑focused, and aligned with our mission.

As we continue to grow, the postholder will play a pivotal role in building an inclusive, values‑driven, and high‑performing workplace where staff feel supported, trusted, and able to thrive.

They will lead on HR strategy, employee development and retention, and the effective management of our facilities and operational systems. A coaching and enabling approach will be essential—supporting managers to use people metrics confidently, strengthening people practices across the organisation, and embedding a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and wellbeing.

Main responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

· Contribute to the development and delivery of Your Voice Count’s organisational strategy as a member of the Senior Management Team.

· Champion inclusive, ethical and sustainable ways of working aligned with Your Voice Count’s values.

· Support organisational change, growth and service development from a people and systems perspective.

· Oversee HR function, policies, and efficient working practices

· Support managers with HR responsibilities and staff development.

· Ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent management.

· Foster an inclusive, diverse, and well-being-focused culture.

· Manage HR systems, technology, and budgets

· Ensure HR policies, procedures and practices are legally compliant, up-to-date and consistently applied.

· Support managers to build confident, fair and values-led people management capability.

Facilities & Office Management:

· Oversee office, facilities, and repairs to ensure a safe environment.

· Manage supplier contracts, IT, and communication systems.

· Supervise facilities and operations staff.

· Ensure cost-effective procurement and budget management.

Organisational Operations and Compliance:

· Act as organisational lead for GDPR compliance, working with external advisors where required, supporting the Data Protection Officer.

· Ensure compliance with Health & Safety requirements and support managers in maintaining safe working practices.

· Maintain oversight of organisational assets and information management systems

Essential Skills & Experience needed for the role

· Experience of building inclusive and diverse workplaces.

· Ability to develop HR strategies that support business objectives and workforce planning.

· Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.

· Experience supporting managers with employee relations and performance issues

· Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, with a people-first approach.

· Knowledge/experience of managing and delivering across multiple workstreams such as HR and Facilities (experience in all an advantage but not a requirement)

· Experience of contributing to senior decision making

· Ability to analyse, critique and evaluate business data and insights

· MCIPD qualified or a qualification or experience in human resources management, or equivalent experience at a senior level.

· Influential with the gravitas to effectively help shape the organisation

· Significant management or supervisory level HR experience

Desirable:

· Experience working in a charity or values-led organisation.

· Experience supporting organisational growth or change.

· HR or management qualification (e.g. CIPD or equivalent).

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is an independent non-governmental organisation established in consultation with international experts in conflict resolution and democratic advancement. DPI seeks to promote peace and democracy building through strengthened public dialogue and engagement.

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Head of Programmes and Operations is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the organisations’ project activities and leads the DPI Programmes team, also ensuring effective and enabling line-management of Finance, Fundraising, Programmes and Operations colleagues. The role works with the CEO on operational, fundraising, strategic and monitoring levels and involves representing DPI at external meetings and events as needed.

Project Management

• Coordinates the day-to-day operational management of the DPI’s programmes, including the implementation of activities and financial matters – in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Monitors the implementation of project activities and ensures compliance with donor requirements, the organizational strategic framework, as well as internal procedures and policies.
• Initiates and facilitates internal programmes and events planning meetings (including designing the agenda and overseeing the organisation and preparation of materials)
• Organises regular meetings with the Programmes team to ensure project plans and donor requirements are on track.
• Keeps an up-to-date overview of programme delivery, reports any challenges, and suggests solutions to the CEO.
• Builds project budgets with Finance, monitors project expenditures, develops financial strategies and addresses financial challenges.
• Monitors the political and security situation in Türkiye and the wider regions, developments relating to the conflict and impact on the project.

People Management

• Ensures the effective line-management of the Funding and Development Manager, Finance Manager, Operations Manager and Programmes staff.
• Organises regular check-ins with direct reports, to enable effective management of workloads, ensuring priorities are met, and to facilitate professional development and staff retention.
• Works closely with the Funding and Development Manager to ensure timely delivery and monitoring of contractual reports, including interim and final reports to donors.

• Oversees deliverables and performance of the M&E and Communications consultants.

Networking

• Represents and promotes DPI’s work in varied contexts and maintains relationships with external stakeholders in Türkiye and in Europe such as political party representatives.
• Builds and maintains relationships with partners and donors alongside the Funding and Development Manager when needed.
• Carries out frequent visits to Türkiye and maintains a good working knowledge of the facts on the ground when needed.

Governance

• Leads on the planning of regular Board meetings, in collaboration with all relevant colleagues and the CEO.

Key Experience/Technical Competencies/Knowledge required for the position.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• A postgraduate degree in Political Science, Law, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in project management in charity or NGO setting.
• Extensive experience with line-management, and a commitment to fostering an engaging and inclusive team culture.
• Strong experience of overseeing the implementation of government and/or EU funded projects.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience in research and complex information analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality terms.
• Ability to manage under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments

The successful candidate should have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the final deadline set as 18 March 2026

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

DPI is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.