5 Operation director jobs in Milton Keynes

National Energy Foundation: Operations Director

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (4 days considered)
Salary: £63,000 - £70,000 per annum (FTE)

Hybrid: Two days at Milton Keynes office.
With the remaining three from home, with some travel nationwide

About the National Energy Foundation
Charity People is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of the National Energy Foundation (NEF), an independent charity that has been improving the use of energy in buildings since 1988. NEF exists to end fuel poverty and enable the low-carbon retrofit of homes across the UK. Each year, the organisation supports around 30,000 households through practical interventions, advice, guidance and energy-efficiency measures, helping people live in warmer, healthier and more affordable homes.

The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team as Operations Director at a pivotal time for the organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will oversee operational delivery across the charity, ensuring that ambitious organisational goals are translated into effective, high-quality services that deliver meaningful impact for people experiencing fuel poverty.

This is a hands-on and highly visible leadership role, requiring someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence. You'll lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee key delivery partners and subcontractors, manage operational performance, and help shape the future direction of the charity. Working closely with the CEO, Board and senior colleagues, you'll ensure that systems, processes, budgets and governance frameworks are in place to support sustainable growth and exceptional service delivery.

What We're Looking For
- An experienced senior operational leader with a track record of delivering organisational objectives through effective leadership and performance management.
- Someone who can develop robust systems and processes, and drive continuous operational improvement.
- A collaborative executive-level leader who is comfortable influencing at Board level and building strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders.
- Strong commercial, financial and analytical skills, combined with excellent judgement and attention to detail.
- Experience within the sustainability, energy, housing or built environment sectors would be desirable, though candidates from other relevant sectors are encouraged to apply.
- An engaging and resilient leader who can inspire teams and successfully lead leaders.

Why Join the National Energy Foundation?
This is an opportunity to play a critical leadership role in an organisation tackling one of the UK's most pressing social and environmental challenges. You'll help shape the future of a respected national charity, lead talented teams, and drive operational excellence that directly improves the lives of thousands of households every year. If you're passionate about combining strategic leadership with meaningful social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Sunday 1^st November 2026
Interviews: TBC (Early November)

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

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