General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operational management and financial performance of Vision 21 Gloucestershire.

The postholder will oversee the delivery of the charity's trading, environmental and community programmes, ensuring they operate effectively, safely and sustainably. They will lead staff and volunteers, manage operational budgets and resources, and ensure the charity's projects achieve their agreed objectives and impact.

The role combines commercial management of Reclaim Furniture Reuse and the local council bulky waste contract, with oversight of Vision 21's wider programmes, including ‘The Greenhouse’ (charity office and community space), Libraries of Things, Repair Cafés, community growing projects and other sustainability initiatives.

Working closely with the CEO, the General Manager will translate the charity's strategy into effective operational delivery, ensuring the organisation remains financially resilient and community focused.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of Vision 21 Gloucestershire.
• Implement organisational objectives and annual plans agreed with the CEO and Trustees.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination across all projects.
• Develop and improve operational systems, processes and procedures.
• Monitor organisational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Preparing annual operational plans
• Reporting KPIs to Trustees
• Supporting business development
• Identifying new income opportunities
• Support the CEO and Trustees through preparation of operational reports, risk registers, policies and annual planning.

Reclaim Furniture Reuse & Trading Operations

• Lead the successful operation and development of Reclaim Furniture Reuse.
• Grow the revenue via new revenue streams including online sales
• Manage the Cheltenham Borough Council bulky waste collection contract.
• Maximise sales, reuse rates, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Develop volunteer involvement, marketing and online sales opportunities.
• Oversee stock management, logistics, deliveries and collections.
• Ensure the successful relocation and operation of Reclaim at its new premises.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Line manage operational staff and project coordinators.
• Recruit, support and develop staff and volunteers.
• Conduct supervision, appraisals and performance management.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
• Ensure appropriate volunteer recruitment, training and retention systems are in place.

The Greenhouse and Community Programmes

• Oversee the operation and utilisation of The Greenhouse.
• Support the delivery of events, room hire and community activities.
• Ensure funded projects are delivered to agreed outputs and outcomes.
• Oversee the Libraries of Things, Repair Café network and community growing projects.
• Support the development of new programmes, partnerships and earned income opportunities.

Financial Management

• Manage operational budgets and expenditure.
• Work closely with the Treasurer, bookkeeper and CEO to monitor financial performance.
• Produce management information and operational reports.
• Ensure robust financial controls and procedures are maintained.
• Contribute to annual budgeting and financial planning.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health and safety, employment, environmental and charity regulations.
• Maintain organisational policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Oversee safeguarding, volunteer management and insurance requirements.
• Protect the charity's assets, reputation and operational resilience.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, funders, local authorities, businesses and community organisations.
• Represent Vision 21 at meetings, events and networking opportunities.
• Support the CEO in developing strategic partnerships and opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Autonomous self-starter: Capable of managing daily operations and executing the strategic plan independently with minimal oversight from the Board.
• Significant experience managing operations, teams or projects.
• Experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Experience managing budgets and organisational performance.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work strategically whilst remaining hands-on and practical.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, social enterprise or community sector.
• Experience in retail, reuse, circular economy or waste reduction activities.
• Experience managing contracts or service delivery.
• Knowledge of health and safety and compliance management.
• Experience working with trustees, governance structures or boards.

Key Relationships

The General Manager will work closely with:

• CEO (strategic leadership, fundraising and organisational development)
• Board of Trustees
• Treasurer and Finance Volunteers
• Reclaim staff and volunteers
• Project Coordinators
• Cheltenham Borough Council
• Funders and community partners

Success Measures

The postholder will be expected to:

• Maintain financial sustainability across operational activities.
• Successfully manage Reclaim's relocation and performance.
• Grow volunteer recruitment and retention.
• Increase utilisation and income generation from The Greenhouse.
• Deliver funded project outputs and outcomes.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and compliance.
• Support the long-term growth and resilience of Vision 21 Gloucestershire.