Operations director jobs in Manchester

At Citizens Advice Manchester, our clients are at the heart of everything we do.

We're a forward-thinking, ambitious organisation delivering high-quality, multi-channel advice to some of Manchester's most vulnerable communities. If you're a collaborative, values-driven leader who wants to make a real difference, this is an opportunity to shape the future of our frontline services.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, you'll lead operational excellence across the organisation - driving strategic performance, service quality, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, high-performing culture. You'll oversee quality assurance, safeguarding, complaints, incident management, and operational performance while developing and empowering our Operational Managers to deliver outstanding services.

We're looking for an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of leading frontline or public-facing services. You'll be data-driven, commercially aware, and confident using performance insight to improve services, manage risk, and influence decision-making. You'll bring experience of quality and compliance frameworks, strong stakeholder management skills, and a genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Experience within the advice or not-for-profit sector is desirable, alongside a strong commitment to the values and principles of the Citizens Advice service.

Joining CAM offers an opportunity to directly influence the quality of support provided to our clients. We value all our people and can offer a supportive, responsible culture within a charity setting that is committed to social justice.

The role attracts an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including: 

• Flexible 37.5 hour (hybrid) working week in a City Centre location 
• Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Cycle to Work Scheme 
• Corporate Cash Plan (Medicash) and Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 telephone support service for you and your immediate family
• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year (in addition to bank holidays) and rising with long service to a maximum of 30

The Job Pack containing full information about the role and our service can be downloaded from our website. 

We're looking for a Strategic Operations Manager to lead RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens, taking full day-to-day responsibility for the branch and reporting directly to our board of trustees.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we take steps to secure the future of our branch. 

Our current team is small but dedicated, with an established Management Team who oversee our kennel and cattery facility, a foster network and rehoming programme, a dedicated staff animal care team and volunteer programme, and income generation.

This work can be emotionally demanding, both for the team and for anyone leading it, and we're looking for someone who can support people through that while keeping the branch moving towards its goals.

We want to hear from people who are ready to take on full operational responsibility for a charity at an important point in its development, and who can bring both the financial and people skills to help us get there.

The full role profile is attached to this listing, with a complete breakdown of responsibilities and the person specification. In summary, we're looking for someone with:

• A track record of leading and managing teams through change, with experience of income generation, budget management and financial reporting
• Line management experience, including performance review and development, and the confidence to handle difficult conversations with care and consistency
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly, ideally backed by experience in animal welfare, the charity sector, a federated charity structure, and/or reporting to a board of trustees
• An empathetic, decisive and commercially minded approach to leadership, with the resilience to support a team through emotionally demanding work

We welcome applications from candidates looking to take a step up in their career, where the right attitude and clear potential are evident.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter setting out the skills, experience and behaviours that make you a strong fit for this role, and answer a short set of eligibility questions as part of your application.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview which will include a short presentation based on a brief provided in advance.
We anticipate interviews will take place WC 31st August and/or WC 7th September 2026. Please indicate in your application if you do not have availability during these weeks. 

What We Offer

• Excellent remuneration package
• Full uniform and job-related equipment
• 28 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Full time or four days per week considered
• Up to one day per week working from home
• A supportive and engaged board with clear delegation and decision-making parameters
• A talented and committed team ready for strong leadership
• Genuine scope to shape the direction of the organisation at a pivotal moment
• A meaningful mission with real impact across Warrington, Halton and St Helens

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August