Centre Manager

Routes to Roots is looking for an inspiring, compassionate and proactive Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operation and future development of the Genesis Centre in Poole.

This is not a role where you will spend every day behind a desk.

You will be at the centre of a busy, welcoming homelessness service: leading people, building partnerships, solving problems, developing opportunities and making sure that people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity receive the very best possible support.

Some days will require strategic thinking. Others will require you to roll up your sleeves and help make things happen. We are looking for someone who can do both!

About the role

As Centre Manager, you will take the lead for the day-to-day running and continued development of the Genesis Centre, working closely with our Trustees, staff, volunteers and local partners. You will have real scope to shape how the service develops and to strengthen the Genesis Centre's role within Poole's response to homelessness.

You will be a visible and approachable presence within the Centre and the wider community, helping to raise the profile and reputation of Routes to Roots and strengthen our network of partners and supporters by:

• Leadership & strategy – working with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s strategic and operational plans, monitor outcomes and identify opportunities to improve and develop services.
• People & volunteers – leading and supporting employees and volunteers, including recruitment, induction, development, performance and wellbeing.
• Centre operations – overseeing the day-to-day running of the Centre, budgets, resources, premises, donations, food supplies, health and safety, safeguarding and compliance.
• Partnerships & community engagement – building strong relationships with BCP Council, homelessness services, health services, community organisations and other local partners, while representing Routes to Roots at networking events and community activities.
• Fundraising & sustainability – supporting the Trustees with fundraising, identifying grant opportunities and contributing to the financial sustainability and future development of the charity.
• Governance & reporting – providing Trustees with clear information on performance, finances, risks, incidents and strategic progress, and ensuring policies and procedures are effective and up to date.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience of managing people and/or volunteers and overseeing a service, programme or project, including budgets and resources.

You will ideally already have experience of working with people experiencing homelessness or vulnerability and be just as confident building effective relationships with someone walking through the doors of the Genesis Centre as with a volunteer, Trustee, commissioner or partner agency.

You will bring:

• Strong leadership, people-management and communication skills;
• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities in a challenging environment;
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to turn strategy into practical action;
• New ideas, activities and partnerships that can improve outcomes for the people using the service;
• High standards around safeguarding, health and safety, incidents, complaints, records and the safe operation of the building;
• The ability to use data, feedback and what we learn from clients to understand what is working and where we can do better.
• An understanding of the importance of good governance, accurate records, performance information and safe working — but you will never lose sight of the people behind the processes;
• A compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Resilience, emotional maturity and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.

Experience of grant applications, fundraising or working within the voluntary, housing, health or social care sectors would be advantageous.

Most importantly, you will share our belief that people experiencing homelessness deserve dignity, respect, opportunity and the right support to move forward.

Why join Routes to Roots?

Routes to Roots is a Poole-based homelessness charity with a Christian ethos and more than 20 years' experience of supporting people who are rough sleeping, vulnerably housed or rebuilding their lives following homelessness.

Our Genesis Centre is much more than a traditional day centre.

It is a place where people can eat, shower, wash clothes, receive practical help and simply feel welcome. It is also a place where people can connect with housing, health, substance use and other specialist services, take part in activities and begin to move towards something different.

At its best, Genesis is a place of opportunity, connection and change.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in a charity that is committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in Poole.

You will have the opportunity to shape the future development of the Genesis Centre, work alongside dedicated Trustees, staff and volunteers, develop meaningful partnerships across the community and see the direct impact of your work.

Interested?

If you are an experienced manager who is passionate about making a difference and would like to play a key role in the future of Routes to Roots and the Genesis Centre, we would love to hear from you.

Routes to Roots is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds.