Head of Community and Operations

Human Kind exists because vulnerability isn't the exception — it's part of being human. At some point, all of us need connection, kindness, and somewhere we belong. We're a community organisation built around a welcoming café, a programme of events and activities, and — soon — a peer-led listening service, all designed to make sure nobody in Billericay has to face difficult moments alone.

We're now looking for an experienced operational leader to help take Human Kind into its next chapter.

The Opportunity

This is a genuine leadership role, not a café management job. You'll be responsible for the people, programmes and day-to-day operations that make Human Kind work — from our community café and food offer, to family activities, events, partnerships and volunteers.

You'll move between the strategic and the practical: one morning working with trustees on priorities, the next developing a team member, the next solving an operational problem or meeting a potential partner.

You won't be expected to do everything yourself. You'll build a team where people understand their responsibilities and take ownership — while you focus on the decisions, relationships and direction that only you can provide.

Be clear-eyed about what the first year looks like: it's about getting a firm grip on the operation, building structure and earning trust — before it becomes about bigger ambitions. If you enjoy bringing order to a busy, people-first environment and want to see the results of your work in your own community, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference.

About Human Kind

Human Kind is a community organisation based in the heart of Billericay. We believe food, connection and kindness can bring people together and build a stronger community. Our work includes:

• A welcoming, pay-it-forward community café.
• Family and children's activities.
• Community events and regular groups.
• Support for older people, carers and anyone experiencing isolation.
• A growing peer-support and listening offer.
• Partnerships with local schools, charities and businesses.
• A large and active volunteer community.

We've built strong foundations. We're now focused on the leadership, structure and sustainable operating model needed to take Human Kind into its next phase — and this role is central to that.

What You'll Do

• Lead our café, food offer and community programme, working through your team of supervisors and coordinators.
• Build a confident, accountable team that takes real ownership of its areas.
• Make sure volunteers are a genuine, valued part of how we work — not just extra help.
• Manage budgets and costs with a commercial eye, while protecting what makes Human Kind special.
• Build relationships with local schools, partners and organisations that extend our reach.
• Help shape a new listening and peer-support service as it launches.
• Give trustees clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.

Your First Year

Your early months will be about getting a clear, honest picture of what's working and what needs to change, and establishing who owns what across the team. From there, you'll strengthen your team's ownership, tighten up reporting and systems, and start building toward a more coordinated, sustainable programme of activity — bringing your own ideas and experience to how that takes shape.

What We're Looking For

• Significant leadership and operational management experience — you may come from a charity, hospitality, community, education or customer-facing background.
• A track record of developing and holding managers or team leaders accountable.
• Confidence with budgets, costs and commercial decision-making.
• The ability to work with real autonomy — comfortable bringing your own structure and judgement rather than waiting to be told what to do.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the confidence to have difficult conversations when needed.
• A genuine connection to what Human Kind stands for.

Experience with volunteers, café or hospitality operations, or charity-sector leadership would be a bonus, but isn't essential — what matters most is your ability to lead people and build something better.