Operations Manager

Help turn our plans into action

Are you a practical, people-focused manager who enjoys bringing a team together and making things work better? We’re looking for an Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the Air Cadet Charity and help us deliver our work effectively.

The Air Cadet Charity is an independent charity supporting RAF Air Cadets. We fund activities, equipment and experiences that go beyond standard provision—from flight simulators and drone technology to international expeditions, STEM projects and leadership training. By keeping our operations running well, you’ll help our team make these opportunities possible for young people.

As the Director’s deputy and a close working partner, you’ll turn agreed priorities into clear plans, support colleagues and keep delivery on track. You’ll combine oversight with hands-on involvement, giving the Director more space to focus on the Charity’s strategic direction, external relationships and income generation.

This role is primarily home-based and requires travel across the UK for charity meetings and events, along with flexibility in working hours to attend them.

About the role

You’ll directly line manage the Grants Manager, Grants Officer, Administrator, and Marketing and Engagement Officer, helping them work together with clear responsibilities, manageable workloads and shared priorities. You won’t need to be the specialist in every area, but you will need to ask good questions, exercise sound judgement and know when to offer support or escalate an issue.

• Lead day-to-day operations, coordinating activity across grants, administration, marketing and engagement.
• Support and develop your direct reports through regular conversations, clear objectives and constructive feedback.
• Work with the Director to translate the Charity’s priorities into realistic plans, monitor progress and address problems early.
• Oversee the smooth running of grants administration, supporting consistent processes, accurate records and clear communication with applicants.
• Help the Marketing and Engagement Officer align communications and engagement activity with the Charity’s priorities.
• Improve systems and ways of working, making proportionate use of technology to reduce duplication and save time.
• Help maintain effective policies, records and operational controls, identifying risks and bringing significant concerns to the Director.
• Provide clear operational updates to support management and trustee decision-making.
• Deputise for the Director within agreed responsibilities and delegated authority.

About you

You’ll bring experience of managing people and coordinating operations, alongside a calm, organised and collaborative approach. You’ll be comfortable moving between planning and practical delivery, and able to provide clear direction without losing sight of the people doing the work.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead and support colleagues working across different functions, building a connected, collaborative team in a home-based working environment.
• Manage competing priorities and follow through on commitments.
• Build positive relationships and communicate clearly with colleagues and external contacts.
• Improve processes while keeping them practical and proportionate.
• Use digital tools and information confidently to support good decisions.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and recognise when an issue needs to be escalated.
• Work closely with the Director, taking ownership within clear boundaries.
• Experience in a charity, grant-making or another mission-led organisation would be useful, as would an understanding of the youth sector or uniformed organisations. We also welcome relevant experience gained elsewhere. Above all, you’ll care about the Charity’s work and enjoy helping a small team deliver it well.

What we offer

This is an opportunity to work closely with the Director, shape how the Charity operates and see the difference your contribution makes across the team.

• Be part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated team where your ideas matter.
• Enjoy the flexibility of home-based working while staying closely connected with colleagues and supporters.
• 26 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time hours), plus bank holidays and a Christmas shutdown period.
• 5% employer pension contribution.
• Life assurance cover at four times your salary.
• The chance to see the direct impact of your work on young people’s lives.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The successful candidate may be required to hold a level of security clearance.

How to apply

To apply, submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages, explaining your relevant operations and people-management experience and why you would like to join the Air Cadet Charity.

• Shortlisting and interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the closing date, with interviews held face to face in London.

The Air Cadet Charity is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.