Head of operation jobs in Bristol

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, regardless of how severely mental illness affects them. Our services are growing — and so is our ambition. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Business Development Manager to help us shape the future of our charity and the support we provide.

About the role

As our Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in sustaining and expanding the services that make a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness. You’ll bring teams together, write with clarity and purpose, and lead the end‑to‑end bid development process — ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, impactful support where it’s needed most.

You’ll champion collaboration, draw on the expertise of colleagues across the charity, and craft compelling, evidence‑based proposals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. From early development to final submission, you’ll help us win and retain contracts that directly improve lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the end‑to‑end development of bids, retenders, and proposals in line with internal quality standards.
• Working collaboratively with teams across Rethink Mental Illness, building strong relationships and creating connected ways of working.
• Supporting and managing Bid Development Officers.
• Contributing to regional business development plans and helping shape sustainable, innovative service models.
• Writing high‑quality, insightful submissions that articulate our strengths, capabilities, and lived‑experience approach.
• Developing early-stage budget models and working with Finance and HR to finalise financials ahead of submission.
• Generating insight through data, evidence, and internal expertise to create winning proposals.
• Researching competitors and identifying what makes Rethink Mental Illness stand out.
• Supporting successful bids through structured handovers and mobilisation.
• Contributing to continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and maintaining our Bid Library.

What you’ll bring

Essential

• A strong track record of writing successful competitive bids or proposals.
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• The ability to interpret complex tender documents and understand commissioner expectations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to unite diverse teams.
• Knowledge of commissioning, current legislation, and best practice in mental health and social care.
• Experience constructing budgets and modelling service assumptions.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, with flexibility to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and excellent general IT skills.
• A values‑driven approach consistent with Rethink Mental Illness’ ethos.

Desirable

• Experience working within mental health, health, or social care sectors.
• Lived or professional experience related to mental health and wellbeing.

Why Rethink Mental Illness?

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of a movement.
A movement committed to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through high‑quality services, innovation, and compassionate support.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where your growth and wellbeing matter, and where your work has a clear, direct impact.

An exciting opportunity to play a central role in securing the funding needed that helps young people thrive. At a time of real growth for our charity, we are looking for an experienced Fundraising Communications Manager to join our team. You will lead two major annual fundraising appeals, grow our monthly donor programme, and create compelling communications that deepen supporter engagement and reflect the integrity of our work with young people. 

What is Jamie’s Farm?Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.As part of the dynamic HQ team we offer a beautiful and unique supportive working environment, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to be part of a team that is passionate about making a real difference. 

More about the role:As Fundraising & Communications Manager you will plan and deliver two organisation-wide appeals each year, with a combined income target of £300,000. You will own and grow our monthly donor programme, developing email journeys, digital content and supporter pathways that build a sustainable income stream. Alongside this, you will lead the creation of high-quality fundraising communications - from donor updates and impact stories to campaign collateral and web content - ensuring all storytelling is ethical, warm and true to who we are. 

Location : Jamie's Farm Bath (HQ) preferred but other Jamie’s Farm locations considered

About you:We are looking for someone with proven experience delivering multi-channel fundraising appeals and growing an individual giving or monthly donor programme. You will be an exceptional copywriter, able to communicate impact with clarity and warmth, and someone who understands the importance of representing young people responsibly and with dignity. 

A confident project manager, you are highly organised and able to juggle multiple deadlines, coordinate stakeholders and keep campaigns on track. You are comfortable using data and insight to optimise performance, and you bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset to everything you do. 

Please see the full job description, desired experience and employee benefits by exploring our recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for. 

An exciting opportunity to play an important role in transforming the lives of young people at Jamie’s Farm.We are looking for someone to lead and deliver impactful therapeutic support, helping young people build resilience and thrive. 

What is Jamie’s Farm?Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges. 

Known within the organisation as ‘Therapeutic Coordinator’ 

More about the role:This is not a formal therapy or counselling position.As Therapeutic Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our programme delivery.You will oversee the therapeutic aspects of up to four visits from schools and similar organisations per month, providing one-on-one support to young people facing significant challenges. Your expertise will guide both individual sessions and group discussions, fostering a safe space for personal growth. Collaborating with visiting staff, you will ensure each young person receives the care they need, both during and after their time on the farm.

Beyond therapeutic sessions, you will create detailed progress reports and contribute to the immersive farm experience, leading walks, evening activities, and mealtime conversations. This hands-on approach will help strengthen relationships with young people, allowing them to feel supported and empowered throughout their journey with us. 

About you:We are looking for someone who brings strong lived experience and relational practice to their work with young people, using everyday interactions and shared activity as the basis for support. This is a unique opportunity to join a purpose-driven charity, working in a beautiful rural setting where your impact will be deeply felt.

Please see the full job description, desired experience and employee benefits by exploring our recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for.