Operation manager jobs in London

Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.

Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.

This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

Area Manager Role

Location: London (field-based with some home working)
Salary: £46,000
Contract: Full Time
Closing Date: 24 August 2026

Join FARA and Help Transform Lives Through Retail

Founded over 35 years ago, FARA Foundation is a UK registered charity and a successful charity retailer with a network of 39 vibrant shops across London. FARA raises vital funds to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families in Romania, providing services that help break the cycles of poverty and give young people a better start in life.

We are looking for an exceptional Area Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of 10+ charity shops, supporting Shop Managers to deliver outstanding commercial results while creating welcoming, community-focused spaces that embody FARA’s values and mission.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially-minded and people-focused leader who enjoys developing others, driving performance, and contributing strategically to a charity retail operation.

The Role

Reporting to the Trading Director, you will be responsible for supporting and developing a group of Shop Managers, helping them maximise sales, donations, Gift Aid income and community engagement while ensuring shops operate safely, compliantly and efficiently.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the wider development of the trading business, lead operational projects, and play a key role in delivering FARA’s long-term retail strategy.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following competencies:

• Values-led leadership: A strong commitment to FARA’s mission, vision and values, with the ability to lead, coach and develop Shop Managers in a supportive, accountable and collaborative way.
• Commercial focus: Experience of achieving results through others, using KPIs, budgets and financial reports to improve sales, contribution, Gift Aid, stock generation and controllable costs.
• People development: Strong line management skills, with experience of recruitment, induction, performance management, succession planning and handling employee relations matters.
• Retail operational excellence: A sound understanding of shop operations, including pricing, culling, density, curation, sales space, sorting, layout and the ability to coach managers to improve the retail proposition.
• Compliance and risk management: Working knowledge of health and safety, risk assessments, fire risk assessments, regulatory requirements and the ability to maintain safe, compliant shops.
• Project and planning skills: Experience supporting target setting, five-year plans, shop improvements, refits, relocations or other operational projects.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an Area Manager, Regional Manager or equivalent multi-site retail role (or demonstrable desire to gain wider experience).
• Strong track record of leading teams to achieve and exceed commercial and operational KPIs.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to analyse financial and operational data.
• Experience in coaching, developing and motivating staff.
• Experience handling employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk management and compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proficient IT skills to perform a range of professional functions on excel, word and other applications.

Desirable

• Experience within charity retail or the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of retail refurbishment, relocation or property projects.
• Understanding of Gift Aid and donation-led retail operations.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Additional Information

• Travel across London will be required.
• Participation in an on-call rota approximately one weekend per month will be required.
• Occasional cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave/absence will be required.

How to Apply

If you are an inspiring retail leader who can combine commercial expertise with a passion for people development and social impact, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) by email outlining how you meet the skills & experience required for the role and why the role excites you.

Join FARA and help us grow a retail operation that changes lives, strengthens communities and delivers lasting impact.

Keychange is a Christian charity with a proud history of supporting people by providing community for over a century. We believe that everyone has dignity and worth, and that people thrive best in communities where they are known, valued and supported. Across our care homes and housing communities, we seek to provide support that goes beyond compliance and is rooted in compassion, excellence and Christian values.

We are now seeking a Digital & Data Transformation Manager to provider leadership for our digital systems, data automation, cybersecurity protocols and AI adoption.

The role

As Digital & Data Transformation Manager you will have an ability to influence in digitisation, data and IT and work cross-organisationally with Care/Housing operations, Finance, HR, suppliers, Trustees and Executive leadership. Our need is to co-create the digital strategy, influence ways of working and problem solve at a practical level. This role will lead and add momentum to the digitisation of Keychange. The process has begun and this role will coordinate and add cultural sensitive impetus to the change.  We want to multiply the gains already made to continue the transformation of the organisation. 

The focus of the role includes:

• Digital and data transformation, including identifying emerging digital technologies that can support or enhance our operations and the development of a digital organisational dashboard
• Digital and data management, including data protection governance, data security and data management
• Operational delivery, including oversight of our outsourced IT contractor and technical management of our intranet development

This is a management role with real impact – both within Keychange and ultimately in the lives of people we support.

 About you

We are looking for a values-led manager who brings:

• Experience in leading the development of digital systems, information governance, cyber-security improvement or digital transformation in a charity, care, housing, education or public sector environment
• Strong supplier-management skills
• Working understanding of cyber-security governance
• Ability to explain technical and governance issues clearly to non-technical and non-IT colleagues
• Ability to work at both management and practical implementation levels

You will be someone who combines strategic digital and data management with high standards of support, and who leads with integrity, humility and purpose.

What we offer

• Flexible hybrid working, generally at least one day in London Central Office, with family friendly working arrangements available
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) and life insurance
• Contributory pension scheme, up to 5%, with matched employer’s contribution up to 5%
• Enhanced sick pay for up to four weeks, in accordance with our sickness procedure

Please see the attached job pack for a full job description and person specification, and more information about how to apply. Please note that we reserve the right to close applications early, so we recommend that you apply at your earliest opportunity. This job advert will close on 6 September 2026. In-person interviews will take place on 17 September 2026.

All applicants need to be able to evidence the right to work in the UK. At this time we are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

This is an exciting opportunity to join ATLEU, a leading legal, anti-trafficking and human rights charity, in a vital operational leadership role. 

This is a role for someone bringing significant operational management experience, ideally within the charity/NGO and human rights sector. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent organisational skills and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will bring your skills and experience to a dedicated team that punches well above its weight and is passionate about transforming individual lives and bringing about long term change. 

The Head of Operations will provide leadership in all operational matters, supporting the organisation's mission and long-term objectives, supporting ATLEU’s growth, resilience, and sustainability as well as building a flexible and supportive environment that enables the ATLEU team to do the challenging work that they do. 

This role is managed by, and works closely with the Chief Executive. You will be a member of ATLEU’s Senior Management team and work closely with and supervise the work of the People & Inclusion Manager (recently started in post), the Operations & Projects Coordinator, the Project Manager and Philanthropy Manager. The Operations team is a small team that works collaboratively to ensure all areas are covered at all times. As such, you will be willing to chip in and take on tasks of other team members if urgent matters arise or when providing holiday cover. 

We are looking for a positive, detail-oriented, creative thinker and problem solver who will build on our reputation for innovation and excellence. You will have a track record of achievement in this field and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong financial and business acumen. You will have experience of and confidence in overseeing a wide remit of cross cutting functions including finance, human resources, office management, information technology and governance and compliance. You will be comfortable learning and acting upon complex and technical information. This role will suit someone who enjoys working with people, is comfortable with autonomy and who thrives in a role which is fast-paced and where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will enjoy working in the office and being available to support colleagues. 

The deadline for applications is at 10:00am on Wednesday 19 August 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered. 

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised by close of business on Tuesday 1 September 2026. If you do not hear from us by this time, it unfortunately means that you have not been shortlisted for an interview. We regret that we do not have capacity to provide feedback to applicants who are not invited for an interview. 

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September 2026. 

Candidates may be asked back for a second-round interview.

As a Service Manager, you will lead the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of the Newham Together Cafe, ensuring the service provides safe, high-quality, recovery-focused support to people experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis.

What you'll do 

• Lead the operational delivery and development of the service, ensuring it meets contractual requirements, quality standards and the needs of the local community
• Provide effective leadership, line management, supervision and support to staff and volunteers, promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
• Monitor service performance, outcomes, capacity, safeguarding and risk, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure effective service delivery
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with NHS services, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations, representing the service at partnership meetings and multi-agency forums.

Please see the job pack for more information. 

Are you an exceptional governance professional who thrives working in a fast-paced environment?  

We are looking for a highly capable Governance and Executive Manager to play a pivotal role at the heart of our charity. Working closely with the CEO, Trustees and Executive, you will help ensure the organisation is governed to the highest standards while driving forward key strategic priorities including EDI and ESG.

This is a rare opportunity to combine your governance expertise with meaningful strategic impact in a dynamic and values-led organisation.

As our Governance and Executive Manager, you will be the trusted adviser and primary point of contact for our Board of Trustees, supporting effective decision-making and ensuring compliance with charity and company law.

You will lead the delivery of high-quality governance processes, oversee Board and Committee administration, support regulatory compliance and help develop policies and frameworks that strengthen our organisation.

Alongside this, you will provide executive-level support to the CEO, helping to coordinate priorities, prepare reports and contribute to organisational success.

Care to Dance is looking for a passionate, highly organised and relationship-focused Programme Manager to lead our programmes across the Midlands and North.

You’ll work closely with our dance teachers, social workers, local authority partners, carers and communities to make sure our programmes are consistent and high-quality. You’ll support our team, build strong partnerships and help create more opportunities for care-experienced young people to belong, express themselves and thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, values-led charity and play an important role in shaping and strengthening our work across the region.

Must be based in Midlands or North East.

Part-time Operations Coordinator 

Job Description and Person Specification 

Summary 

Role: Part-time Operations Coordinator (freelance – 22.5 hours per week/approximately 3 days per week) 

Contract period: 12 months (with the possibility of extension) 

Location: Home-based and Oxfordshire 

Pay: £27,850 per annum pro rata

Reports to: CEO 

Background 

Sundial Centre for Education on Harmful Practices (“Sundial” previously called Oxford Against Cutting) delivers high quality education and training on harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and online harms. We offer safeguarding training for teams of professionals such as teachers, police and social workers. We also deliver lessons in schools, as well as workshops for community groups. We ensure people from FGM- and HBA- affected communities and young people are at the forefront of our work and our workshops are often delivered with facilitators with lived experience. 

We are currently seeking an Operations Coordinator to provide professional and efficient and specialist administrative support.

Job description 

• To contact with schools and relevant institutions to promote Sundial’s training and workshops 

• To liaise with schools/organisations and facilitators to coordinate bookings of Sundial’s training and workshops, including logistics and timetables

• To organise team meetings

• To draft invoices and maintain records 

• To assist with keeping contact databases and records up to date 

• To draft, type and dispatch charity office correspondence 

• Maintain the bookings calendar

• Maintain DBS, safeguarding and training records

• To assist in scheduling social media posts

• To support the CEO and Research & Operations Manager where appropriate 

• To attend regular meetings as required 

Personal specification 

•  Self-starting, hardworking and committed to tackling harmful practices

•  Methodical, detail-oriented, with genuine passion for administration work

• Excellent writing skills and good telephone manner 

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Time management and organisational skills to be able to deal with multiple tasks and a range of priorities 

• IT skills – competent in Microsoft Office applications of Word, Powerpoint and Excel and able to use Mailchimp, Canva and Word Press

• Previous experience dealing with finance processes (desirable)

• Previous experience working in the charity sector (desirable) 

How to apply: 

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the issues that the charity addresses and your relevant experience. Please also ensure your CV includes details of two referees. We will not contact your referees prior to interview. 

We strongly encourage applications from people from minoritised communities and people from FGM- and HBA-affected communities. 

Applicants called to interview will be invited to complete a written task.

The appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and references. 

Please submit your application by midday, Friday 11th September.

Interviews will take place on 24th & 25th September.

Shop Manager

Lead a shop. Save lives.

RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch is looking for an enthusiastic and commercially minded Shop Manager to lead our North Finchley Charity Shop and help transform the lives of vulnerable animals across North London.

Location: North Finchley, London
Salary: £21,840 per annum
Hours: 30 hours per week
Contract: Permanent contract (subject to successful completion of a 3-month probationary period)

Every sale, every donation and every volunteer you inspire helps fund the rescue, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned cats and kittens, alongside neglected, injured and vulnerable animals. This is more than a retail management role: it is an opportunity to make a genuine difference every single day.

You willlead the day-to-day operation of our busy charity shop, motivate and develop a team of staff and volunteers, drive sales both in-store and online, maximise donations and deliver an excellent customer experience while supporting the Branch's local animal welfare work.

We're looking for someone with retail management experience who enjoys leading people, achieving ambitious targets and delivering outstanding customer service. Charity retail experience is welcome but not essential.

The role will include weekend working and occasional evenings in line with the operational needs of the Branch.

To Apply

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria set out in the Job Description and your suitability for the role.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient suitable applications be received.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank you for your interest in joining RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch and wish you every success in your future career.

About Woman's Trust

The charity was established in 1996 to meet the gap in specialist mental health services. Woman’s Trust is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awarenessraising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About the role

The Finance & Operations Officer provides high-quality finance, operational and organisational support to ensure the effective day-to-day running of Woman's Trust. Working across both Finance and Operations, the postholder will maintain accurate financial records, coordinate operational systems and provide administrative support that enables colleagues to deliver high-quality services to women affected by domestic abuse.

Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE).

Location: Woman’s Trust premises including co-location with statutory partners and community partnership  locations.Woman’s Trust operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 50% to be on-site.

In return, we can offer:

• 25 days' holiday + 3 days at Christmas + Public holidays
• Hybrid & flexible working - office based with minimum of 50% of working hours in Woman’s Trust London office, we also support mutually agreed flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mandatory job-related training
• Individual staff professional development budget
• A caring, committed and highly collaborative environment
• Several social events/lunches per year
• Friendly, all women team

To find out more and apply with your CV, please visit our website via the apply button.  

Please note, CVs and cover letters should be sent in Word format.

Closing date: 14th August 2026.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

Operations & IT Manager
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Location: UK-based, with preference for candidates based in or around London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Fully remote, with occasional travel to the London office when required

 
Our client is an international organisation working across more than 23 countries, supporting colleagues, partners and programmes around the world. Following an organisational restructure, they are seeking an experienced Operations & IT Manager to bring together leadership of both operational and technology functions within a newly created role. The position sits within the Business Support function and offers the opportunity to influence organisational effectiveness, digital transformation and cybersecurity on a global scale.
 
This is a rare opportunity for someone who combines strong operational leadership with credible IT expertise and enjoys working across multiple disciplines. You will lead strategic improvements, oversee critical systems and infrastructure, and ensure staff across a globally distributed workforce receive effective operational and technology support.


Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee both Operations and IT functions.
• Line manage and support the organisation's IT Officer.
• Develop and implement operational and IT plans, priorities and performance measures.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives and strategic technology improvements.
• Oversee Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure and wider organisational systems.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements are in place.
• Manage organisational technology infrastructure, software platforms and external suppliers.
• Review and develop operational and IT policies, including cybersecurity, AI and social media governance.
• Lead systems integration initiatives across HR, Finance, Programmes and Grants functions.
• Oversee organisational equipment and asset management across a remote global workforce.
• Support organisational risk management and continuous improvement activities

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience within the non profit and/or international charity environment.
• Management-level experience across operational and IT functions.
• Strong IT knowledge and technical understanding of modern business systems and infrastructure.
• Experience overseeing technical support and IT operations.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity risks, controls and best practice.
• Ability to work effectively across different countries, cultures and time zones.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Confidence building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen systems and processes.

Why join?

• Fully remote role with flexibility to work across international teams.
• Opportunity to shape a newly created position following organisational transformation.
• Broad remit spanning both Operations and IT leadership.
• Lead systems integration and digital improvement projects across the organisation.
• Influence cybersecurity, governance and business continuity strategy.
• International role supporting colleagues across more than 23 countries.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on organisational effectiveness and resilience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Employment Details: 

• Location: Haringey (N17), London, UK. (This is an In-Person role with optional one day working remotely) 
• Job Title:  Director of Operations 
• Reporting to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees 
• Line Manages: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
• Employment Type: Full-Time (40hrs Per Week)
• Start date: October 2026 (Ideally, or later if you have a notice period) 

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days (Exclusive of Bank Holiday)
• 1 x WFH/flexi working as per policy
• CPD Budget: £1000
• Group Life Insurance
• Discount on Food (Specific Restaurants)
• Free Brunch every Thursday
• Company Well-being Events
• Pension Contribution

Summary of the role:
The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at Sister System, responsible for strengthening the people, culture, systems and organisational foundations that enable our mission to thrive. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the postholder will play a central role in delivering our current strategic priorities and shaping the next chapter of Sister System as we develop our future strategy beyond September 2027. 

This is a significant opportunity to help shape a growing, values-led organisation founded on co-curation, sisterhood, race & gender equity and the belief that girls and young women should be active architects of the services, systems and opportunities designed for them. With oversight of financial management, people and culture, compliance, risk and organisational infrastructure, the Director of Operations will lead on empowering & ensuring that our internal culture and ways of working reflect the same care, accountability, ambition and empowerment that sit at the heart of our model. 

The role will be instrumental in translating our founding vision into strong, sustainable practice, ensuring Sister System is equipped to grow its impact while remaining deeply connected to the voices, experiences and leadership of the girls and young women we exist to serve. 

Our Charity:
Sister System exists to ensure that care-affected girls and young women are not defined by the systems they have experienced, but are supported to recognise their strengths, shape their futures and access the same opportunities as their peers. 

Our culturally competent, co-curated model works alongside girls and young women aged 13–24 through a long-term journey of support, progression and leadership. Across three interconnected stages, we provide trusted relationships, mentoring, therapeutic support, education, leadership development and pathways into employment. Our approach recognises that meaningful change takes time, consistency and a community that continues to believe in her. 

Founded with girls and young women, not simply for them, Sister System places their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of everything we do. Through our growing hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding our reach while also influencing the wider systems, services and institutions that shape their lives. 

Our ambition is not only to improve individual outcomes, but to demonstrate a better way of working with care-affected girls and young women—one that is relational, culturally responsive, asset-based and built around what they tell us they need to thrive. 

As Sister System enters its next phase of growth and prepares to shape its future strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the people, culture, systems and infrastructure that will enable our organisation—and the girls and young women alongside us—to achieve even more. 

Our Vision: 
A world where empowered girls reach their potential through equitable opportunities.

Our Mission: 
To bridge the gap between care-affected girls and young women within mainstream society by working alongside them to ensure they have the same opportunities that everyone else has – at home, school, work and within our communities. 

Our Values: 

• COLLABORATIVE 
  We co-curate programmes with our Sis-Stars. We seek powerful partnerships. 
• EVIDENCE-BASED 
  We build trust and respect within our sector. 
• MASTERFUL 
  We aim for excellence as standard and share our learning. 
• SOLUTION-FOCUSED 
  We innovate to overcome challenges with a long-term goal in mind. 
• TENACIOUS 
  We are not afraid to take a stand and push for change. 

 
Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership and Implementation 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to translate Sister System’s strategy, theory of change, operational model and financial plans into clear organisational priorities and coordinated action. 
• Play a central role in shaping Sister System’s next strategy ahead of the September 2027 refresh, ensuring it reflects our founding commitment to co-curation, the voices of girls and young women, our evolving three-stage model and our future growth ambitions. 
• Lead the development of proportionate planning, monitoring and review processes that enable the Senior Leadership Team to track progress, reflect on performance, identify barriers and remain accountable for delivery. 
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic goals and KPIs, ensuring that risks, dependencies and areas requiring leadership attention are clearly identified and addressed. 
• Support senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into realistic plans, with clear ownership, timescales and measurable outcomes. 
• Ensure that learning from delivery, impact data, staff experience and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement. 
• Cultivate a strong shared sense of purpose across Sister System, helping colleagues understand how their roles contribute to our mission, values and long-term ambitions. 

Financial Strategy and Audit 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape, implement and regularly evaluate Sister System’s financial strategy, ensuring it supports our mission, strategic ambitions and long-term sustainability. 
• Provide clear, financial recommendations to the CEO, helping the organisation navigate the balance between delivering high-quality, meaningful impact for girls and young women, achieving value for money and maintaining financial resilience. 
• Translate Sister System’s strategic priorities, delivery model and growth ambitions into realistic financial plans, forecasts and scenarios that support timely and well-informed decision-making. 
• Lead financial scenario planning and ensure that the CEO and Board have a clear understanding of the financial implications, risks and trade-offs associated with key organisational decisions. 
• Lead and oversee the annual audit process, working effectively with external auditors, the finance team, senior leaders and the Board to ensure a robust, timely and transparent process. 
• Ensure that learning and recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and assurance activity are translated into clear improvements and strengthened organisational practice. 

Financial Management 

• Lead the development, monitoring and management of annual budgets, reforecasts and longer-term financial plans, ensuring resources are aligned with Sister System’s strategic priorities. 
• Hold and actively manage the tension between quality, impact, affordability and value for money, ensuring financial decisions protect the integrity of Sister System’s model and the experience of the girls and young women we serve. 
• Provide the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board with clear, accessible and timely financial information, insight and recommendations to support effective leadership and governance. 
• Produce high-level financial reports and analysis covering budgets, cash flow, reserves, forecasts, strategic KPIs and other relevant performance indicators. 
• Maintain and continuously strengthen proportionate financial systems, controls and processes that reflect Sister System’s size, stage of growth and evolving operating model. 
• Ensure that robust financial and performance-reporting infrastructure is in place, with clear accountability, reliable data and appropriate oversight across the organisation. 
• Support Directors and budget holders to understand their financial responsibilities, manage resources effectively and make informed decisions within agreed parameters. 
• Identify emerging financial risks, pressures and opportunities for greater efficiency, advising the CEO on appropriate actions and ensuring these are monitored and addressed. 
• Oversee high quality bookkeeping practice to ensure reporting is accurate and up to date. 
• Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets for proposals and create timely financial reports for funders and donors 

Culture and Operational Effectiveness 

• Work closely with our People and Culture consultant, CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed a progressive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• Champion a culture of regular, honest and constructive feedback, helping managers and colleagues to hold crucial conversations with clarity, care and accountability. 
• Ensure that Sister System’s internal culture reflects the relational, empowering and values-led approach that sits at the heart of our work with girls and young women. 
• Review existing organisational processes and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, collaboration and efficiency. 
• Develop and embed proportionate ways of working that support Sister System’s current size, evolving operating model and future growth. 

People Planning and Management 

• Lead the development of a clear and forward-looking people plan that ensures Sister System has the right structure, capacity, capabilities and leadership in place to deliver its strategic ambitions. 
• Support managers to build high-performing teams through effective objective-setting, regular feedback, performance management and professional development. 
• Foster an environment in which people are supported to grow, appropriately challenged and held accountable for delivering against agreed expectations. 
• Facilitate professional learning, career development and progression across the organisation, ensuring that opportunities are transparent, equitable and aligned with organisational need. 
• Oversee workforce and succession planning, ensuring that the organisational structure remains appropriate, affordable and responsive to Sister System’s development. 
• Work with the CEO and relevant advisers to ensure fair and appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions. 
• Oversee recruitment and the end-to-end employee experience, from attraction and onboarding through to development, retention and exit. 
• Ensure that people policies, practices and management approaches are legally compliant, consistently applied and reflective of Sister System’s values. 

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure that Sister System meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities as a charity and employer. 
• Lead the development and maintenance of a proportionate organisational risk-management framework that protects Sister System’s people, assets, reputation and ability to deliver its mission. 
• Ensure that key organisational risks are clearly identified, owned, monitored and reported to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 
• Promote a culture in which risk is understood and actively managed without limiting thoughtful innovation, learning or ambition.

Governance, Communications and Facilities 

• Facilitate clear, timely and effective communication and cooperation between the Board of Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 
• Support the development of strong governance systems, ensuring that trustees receive the information, insight and assurance required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. 
• Work closely with trustees through the Finance and Audit committee 
• Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure and digital systems through external providers, ensuring that they remain secure, reliable and appropriate for Sister System’s needs. 
• Oversee the effective operation of Sister System’s physical workspace within a fully managed office environment, working with building management and relevant external providers where required. 
• Ensure that Sister System provides a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for girls and young women, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners across its hub, spoke locations and external activities. 
• Ensure that appropriate health and safety systems, procedures and responsibilities are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed. 

Person Specification 
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and values-led operational leader to join Sister System’s Senior Leadership Team. You will combine sound judgement and strong organisational skills with a warm, collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women. 

You do not need to be a specialist in every area of the role. You will, however, need the confidence and experience to lead across a broad operational portfolio, work effectively with professional advisers and external providers, and provide clear, practical advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 

Essential Experience and Knowledge 

• Significant experience in a senior operations, finance, people, governance or organisational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similarly values-led organisation. 
• Experience of translating organisational strategy into clear priorities, plans, systems and measurable outcomes. 
• Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, with the ability to balance quality, impact, affordability and value for money. 
• Experience of supervising or coordinating an external audit process, working effectively with auditors, finance colleagues and the Board. 
• Experience of people planning, performance management and supporting managers to build capable, accountable and high-performing teams. 
• Experience of developing or improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working during a period of growth or change. 
• A sound understanding of charity governance, organisational risk, compliance and the responsibilities of senior leaders and trustees. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a CEO, senior leadership colleagues, trustees, consultants and external professional advisers. 
• A strong understanding of equity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and the ability to embed these principles within organisational culture and decision-making. 

Skills and Leadership Approach 

• An approachable, emotionally intelligent and credible leader who can build trust, motivate others and develop effective working relationships across an organisation. 
• The ability to lead with both care and accountability, supporting open feedback and helping colleagues to hold constructive and sometimes crucial conversations. 
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to understand the wider organisational picture while maintaining oversight of important operational detail. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial, people or operational information clearly and accessibly. 
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and maintain momentum. 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge, identify risks and offer clear recommendations to the CEO and Board. 
• A practical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to move from discussion and planning into coordinated action. 
• The ability to handle sensitive, confidential and personal information professionally and in accordance with Sister System’s policies, data-protection responsibilities and GDPR. 
• Energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for strengthening an ambitious organisation as it prepares to shape and deliver its next strategy. 

Values and Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to Sister System’s mission and to improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of care-affected girls and young women. 
• The ability to model and champion Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• A commitment to co-curation and to ensuring that the voices, experiences and leadership of girls and young women inform organisational planning and decision-making. 
• A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and personal and professional development. 

Desirable 

• Lived experience of the care system, or a strong professional understanding of the experiences of care-affected girls and young women. 
• Experience of working within a founder-led organisation or alongside a founder CEO. 
• Experience of supporting an organisation through growth, restructuring or the development of a new strategy. 
• Knowledge of culturally competent, trauma-informed or relational approaches to working with young people. 
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, finance, human resources, governance or organisational leadership. 
• Experience working with social care and educational service providers (statutory and third sector). 
• Knowledge of the Charity SORP, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and other third-sector financial regulation. 

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to two satisfactory reference checks and DBS enhanced disclosure.

How to apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Breathe by 31st August 2026. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

Values alignment 
Sister System's model is built on co-curation (working with girls and young women, not simply for them) and on being Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. Which of these values do you feel most aligned with, and which do you find hardest to live up to in practice?
 
People & Culture
Sister System is a founder-led organisation, underpinned by race and gender equity and a culturally competent, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and young women. Tell us about a time you strengthened internal culture of this nature within a team. What resistance did you meet, and what was different a year later?

Finance 
A key element of the role is monitoring income against budget for current and future years. Charity income can provide additional complexities, particularly with different types of grants. Please explain your understanding of these complexities, and how they impact on recording and reporting, including examples from your own experience if relevant. 

Timeline
Deadline for applications: End of day Monday 31st August 2026 
First round interviews: w/c 7th September 
Second round interviews: w/c 14th September
Decisions made: by 22nd September 

Thank you for your interest in joining Sister System in our mission to inspire and empower young women. 

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

We're looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to join our Quality and Service Improvement team. This role is responsible for leading the successful delivery of operational projects from inception through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve their intended outcomes.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced project professional to play a core role in delivering meaningful operational development. Working within a collaborative and purpose-driven team, you'll lead key projects that help improve quality, effectiveness and impact across the organisation

Contract terms:

• £41,416 per annum, plus benefits
• Fixed term contract until end of May 2028
• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

What you'll be doing:

You'll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, volunteer leaders, subject matter experts and external suppliers, bringing people together to deliver multifaceted, cross-functional projects that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.

As part of the Quality and Service Improvement team, you'll help embed strong project management practices, provide clear governance and reporting, and ensure stakeholders remain engaged and informed throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading operational projects from planning through to successful delivery.
• Developing and managing project plans, budgets, risks and dependencies.
• Coordinating colleagues, volunteer leaders and external partners to achieve project outcomes.
• Monitoring progress, resolving issues and providing clear reporting to stakeholders and governance groups.
• Ensuring projects meet agreed objectives, quality standards and deliver lasting improvements.

What you’ll bring:

• Experience delivering complex projects from start to finish.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, e.g. Agile and Waterfall.
• The ability to manage risks, budgets and competing priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• A project management qualification (desirable)
• Experience working within a volunteer-led environment (desirable)

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: midnight Tuesday 11th August 2026

Online Interviews: w/c 24th August

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.