Operations Manager

Salary: c.£48,000–£52,000 per annum with 3% employee / 8% pension contribution and other benefits
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid (2 days a week in the London office; travel will be at own expense)

Application deadline: 9am on 27 April 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 4 May 2026

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is seeking an Operations Manager to support the organisation in delivering its mission of helping create sustainable futures for historic buildings across the UK.

This is a senior, hands-on role suited to a highly motivated and proactive self-starter who can manage the operations of a growing charity. The Operations Manager will work closely with the Director of Finance, CEO, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees, and will line manage the Administration Assistant.

The role spans Governance and Office Management, People and Culture, Policies and Procedures, Data Protection, and IT Management and Security. The post-holder will act as Data Protection Officer (DPO), provide support and advice to the CEO and Board, and be the key liaison with external HR, IT and data protection advisers.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Office Management

·       Oversee arrangements and logistical support to the Board and Committees (including Grants Panel, Credit Panel and Audit and Risk Committee), including coordinating the annual meetings plan

·       Produce draft minutes for Board of Trustee meetings and the Audit and Risk Committee

·       Support the CEO and Chair with Trustee recruitment and Board management

·       Develop and manage data recording and filing systems, including shared drive best practice

·       Ensure effective office management, including health and safety, fire, security and equipment, liaising with the landlord as required

·       Oversee correspondence handling and the premises maintenance register

People and Culture

·       Act as the key link with AHF’s external HR consultant, triaging employee queries and overseeing the Employee Handbook

·       Maintain accurate employee records and oversee new starter and leaver processes

·       Support managers and the SMT with recruitment, inductions and employee performance matters

·       Oversee staff benefits and training, including delivery of an AHF-wide training plan

·       Ensure annual appraisals are completed and filed in a timely manner

·       Organise team meetings, employee surveys and the annual away day, supporting the development of a positive hybrid working culture

Policies, Data Protection and IT

·       Coordinate the timely updating of organisational policies and procedures, including the policy log

·       Keep abreast of legislative and regulatory changes, particularly in HR and governance

·       Act as Data Protection Officer, liaising with the ICO and retained data protection advisers

·       Review and maintain UK GDPR compliance and arrange training as required

·       Act as the key liaison with external IT providers, overseeing IT assets, security, policies and disaster recovery planning

Person Specification

Essential

·       Highly motivated, proactive self-starter with a practical ‘can-do’ ethos

·       Experience in a senior administrative or operations role within a small business, charity or not-for-profit organisation

·       Strong experience of day-to-day HR, including employee records, people practices and policy review

·       Experience of supporting Boards and senior leadership teams

·       Excellent written and spoken English

·       Highly computer literate, with strong skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

·       Experience managing IT systems and third-party contractors

·       Data protection knowledge and experience, with the confidence to act as DPO

·       Line management experience

Desirable

·       Management and/or HR training or qualifications

·       Experience working with external consultants

·       Company secretarial or governance experience

·       Facilities or property management experience

·       Experience supporting organisational culture within a hybrid working environment

About the AHF

Founded in 1976, AHF is a leading heritage charity helping charities and social enterprises across the UK to find solutions for vulnerable historic buildings through advice, grants and loans.

We are a charity committed to being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or socio-economic background.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter (maximum two sides of A4) via the application link. Covering letters created using AI will be discounted. Please write your own covering letter.

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