Director of Operations

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Operations & Organisational Effectiveness is responsible for leadingUbele's operational infrastructure and ensuring the organisation has the systems,processes, people, governance and resources required to operate effectively andsustainably.

As a member of the management board, the postholder will work closely with thecurrent CEO and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen organisationaleffectiveness, improve operational performance and create the conditions forsuccessful programme delivery and long-term organisational resilience.

The role will provide leadership across operations, governance, finance oversight,people management, compliance, organisational planning and businessimprovement, ensuring that Ubele's operational foundations support its mission,values and ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational leadership and organisational effectiveness

Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems,processes and operational practices.

Drive organisational effectiveness through improved planning, coordination,accountability and performance management.

Ensure effective operational planning and resource allocation across theorganisation.

Establish and embed clear operational frameworks, policies and procedures

 

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen delivery and enhanceorganisational performance.

Lead organisational improvement initiatives and support the implementation ofchange programmes where required.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.

 

People, culture and performance           

Provide leadership for organisational people practices, ensuring effectiveworkforce planning, employee engagement and performance management.

Support managers to develop high-performing and inclusive teams.

Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment practices are effectivelyimplemented.

Lead organisational approaches to performance management, learning andprofessional development.

Contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture that reflectsUbele's values and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Support organisational wellbeing and employee engagement initiatives.

 

Finance, risk and governance

Work closely with the Finance Lead and CEO to ensure robust financialmanagement, planning and reporting arrangements are in place.

Support the development and monitoring of organisational budgets and financialcontrols.

Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and support high-qualityreporting to the Board.

Lead the development and maintenance of organisational risk managementframeworks.

Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and statutoryrequirements.

Ensure organisational policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.

Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance reviews.

 

Programme operations and organisational delivery                  

Support effective organisational planning and delivery across programmes,projects and services.

Develop systems and processes that enable effective programme management,monitoring and reporting.

Ensure organisational resources are aligned to operational priorities and deliveryrequirements.                     

Oversee organisational performance reporting and management informationsystems.

Support cross-organisational collaboration and effective communication betweenteams.

Ensure grant, contract and reporting obligations are effectively monitored andfulfilled.

 

Assets, infrastructure and compliance

Provide operational oversight of Ubele's facilities, assets and organisationalinfrastructure, including supporting Wolves Lane leadership and other operationalresources.

Ensure effective management of suppliers, contractors and operational serviceproviders.

Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and organisationalcompliance arrangements.

Ensure business continuity and organisational resilience plans are maintained andregularly reviewed.

Maintain appropriate systems and controls to support safe, compliant andeffective operations.

 

External relationships and organisational representation

Develop effective relationships with operational partners, suppliers, funders andstakeholders as required.

Contribute operational insight and expertise to partnership discussions andorganisational initiatives.

Represent Ubele on operational, governance and organisational matters whereappropriate.

Support the CEO and management board through the provision of high-qualityoperational information, analysis and recommendations.

 

Person Specification

Skills         

Operational leadership skills, with the ability to drive organisational effectivenessand continuous improvement.

Planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.

People management and leadership skills, including the ability to develop andsupport teams.

Ability to analyse information and use data to support decision-making andperformance improvement.

Financial and commercial awareness.

Communication, influencing and relationship management skills.

Ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, Board members,partners, funders and external stakeholders.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions toorganisational challenges.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within a dynamic and evolvingenvironment.

Report writing, presentation and analytical skills.

 

Experience

Experience in a senior operational leadership role within a charity, socialenterprise, CIC, public sector or similarly complex organisation.

Experience leading organisational operations, systems, processes and businessimprovement initiatives.

Experience managing organisational change and embedding new ways ofworking.

Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.

Experience overseeing organisational budgets, financial controls and resourceplanning.

Experience supporting governance arrangements and working with Boards andSenior Leadership Teams.

Experience developing and implementing organisational policies, procedures andoperational frameworks.

Experience overseeing risk management, compliance and organisationalassurance processes.

Experience managing contracts, suppliers and operational resources.

Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects and services within acomplex organisational environment.

 

Knowledge

Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.

Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting and performancereporting.

Knowledge of employment legislation and people management practices.

Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisationalcompliance requirements.

Knowledge of organisational development and continuous improvementapproaches.

Understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing charities,CICs and social enterprises.

Understanding of equity, inclusion and community-centred approaches toorganisational leadership.

Understanding of the social, economic and structural issues affecting AfricanDiaspora communities and community-led organisations.

Knowledge of grant-funded and contract-funded operating environments.

 

This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionallydemanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience isessential.

A DBS check may be required depending on Ubele’s programmes.

This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.