Head of Operations

This is a brand new influential role designed to support our CEO in building our organisational fitness for the future through its infrastructure, including health & safety, people management, data and technology, and the running of our building at Chaucer Street.

It is a wonderful opportunity to lead the creation of sustainable mechanisms to improve ways of working in the challenging and evolving charity services sector. It is a role that will directly enable our front-line teams to spend more time with and create improved outcomes with the women we are here to support.

About us

Nottingham Women’s Centre is a women’s community and services space dedicated to helping women to overcome barriers, have their voices heard and seek solutions that create a better future for themselves. We do this by offering a network of services that include counselling, advice and guidance, courses, health and well-being activities, volunteering, focussed campaigning and activism.  

General Description

We are looking for an experienced Operational Lead to join our senior leadership team at an exciting point of change and development for the organisation.  This is a brand new  influential role designed to support our CEO in building our organisational fitness for the future through its infrastructure, including health & safety, people management, data and technology and the running of our building at Chaucer Street.  It is a wonderful opportunity to lead on the creation of sustainable mechanisms to improve ways of working in the challenging and evolving charity services sector.  It is a role that will directly enable our front line teams spend more time with and create improved outcomes with the women we are here to support.  

Key Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership inc

• Oversee day-to-day operations across the organisation.

• Develop and implement operational policies, planning and procedures.

• Support continuous learning and improvement in organisational effectiveness

Governance, Compliance & Risk inc

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations

• Maintain and monitor the risk management register and oversight of all organisational policies

• Support the SLT, Board and CEO with governance processes and reporting (internally & funder) 

IT, Systems & Infrastructure inc

• Oversee the charity’s IT systems, databases, and technology infrastructure.

• Lead on digital transformation and ensure tools and systems support effective service delivery

• Maintain information security standards and appropriate accreditations  

Finance & Resource Management inc

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance to ensure robust financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for operations

• Monitor organisational performance against key budgets and metrics.

• Work with teams to ensure and increase value for money across contracts and expenses 

• Support funding bids primarily where linked to core and operational costs  

HR and People Management inc

• Support the People Officer in the development of People strategy and implementation (recruitment, performance, wellbeing, learning & development).

• Champion a positive, feminist and inclusive workplace culture.

• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice in HR. 

Service leadership inc

• The role currently includes management of the reception and admin team who support women as they come into the building and utilise the welcome space for activities as well as support the logistical running of the building  

Facilities & Health and Safety inc

• Manage the charity’s facilities (offices, community spaces, etc.) and ensure safe working environments.

• Oversee health and safety compliance and business continuity planning. 

Leadership and Strategic Input

Contribute to organisational strategy and business planning.

• Work closely with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure alignment across contracts, teams and activity offers

• Build and maintain working partnerships with external organisations 

• Support and develop your team ensuring they are competent and empowered to undertake their roles and support you and the organisation deliver quality services   

• Ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and Nottingham Women’s Centre policies and procedures, including the Centre’s Equal Opportunities policy and Health and Safety Policy. 

• Deputise for the CEO as required. 

The nature of the role and organisation will require you to be flexible and you may be asked carry out any other duties commensurate with this post

Notes

• As part of our anti-racism work we aim for 50% of shortlisted candidates to be from an ethnic minority. This positive action is being taken to further diversify our team. All shortlisted candidates must meet the essential minimum criteria which are marked with a * on the person specification.

• We offer a generous amount of leave, opportunities for flexible and or hybrid working, workplace pension, personal development and a supportive working environment that includes access to an employee assistance programme.

• This post is subject to completion of a three-month probationary period.

• An enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role.