Service development manager jobs

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for an Interim Deputy Director of External Affairs to join our team on a 9 month FTC.

While this role covers all our External Affairs functions, you'll be particularly expected to have knowledge and expertise in providing leadership in policy-influencing and campaigns. You'll provide leadership of AaA's External Affairs strategy to ensure the needs of autistic children and their families are high on the political and media agenda.

You'll have an externally-facing role in policy influencing, representing AaA in coalitions with relevant government departments among parliamentarians, as well as increasing AaA's profile through an effective communications strategy.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Substantial experience, knowledge and understanding of the policy landscape, including political and legislative processes, and local government structures and processes
• Extensive experience of developing and delivering strategic, integrated communications programmes
• Demonstrable leadership of successful policy-influencing activity, including stakeholder engagement and above/below the line influencing strategies
• Proven experience in strategy development

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Elrha is a global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation. We are looking for a Senior Innovation Manager (Scale) to join our Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF) team on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026. 

In this role you will ensure high-quality, impactful innovation delivery while positioning Elrha as a global leader in humanitarian innovation. You will be responsible for the provision of strategic technical insights in the design and delivery of focused innovation initiatives and drive the strategic development and integration of innovation methods across our work.

If you have substantial experience in innovation delivery and practice, with a focus on impact, we are keen to hear from you. We welcome applicants with development, social and humanitarian innovation experience.

Your application will need to demonstrate: 

• Substantial experience in innovation delivery and practice roles, including leading the design and delivery of innovation programmes with a focus on impact at scale. 
• Deep technical knowledge of innovation theory and practice, specially including the area of scaling of innovation 
• Proven understanding of the humanitarian and/or development system, including the challenges and key stakeholders within the sector(s) 
• Excellent representation skills, including extensive experience facilitating workshops, speaking at events/meetings, and communicating effectively in a range of formats 
• Track record of published research, guidance and tools on innovation theory and practice (academic and/or grey literature) 
• An interest in the humanitarian or development sectors, ideally demonstrated through academic qualifications and/or paid or voluntary work.

Experience of working with grant making processes and systems would also be an advantage. 

If you want to be part of an organisation that creates positive change in the humanitarian sector, then join us and we'll give you every opportunity to succeed.   

We offer: 

• Remote working as standard – staff can access office bases in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester if required/ appropriate. We expect staff to attend team meetings and away days in person as required. 
• As standard we work 35 hours per week. We are also happy to discuss flexible working patterns and many of our staff work non-standard working hours. 
• Our benefits include minimum 5% employer pension contribution (3% employee contribution), life cover, organisational sick pay, family friendly pay and leave schemes; 26-day basic annual leave entitlement with incremental increase depending on length of service (plus bank holidays), opportunities for learning and development, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and retail discounts platform. 
• Please read through the Information for Candidates document for further information about working at Elrha including information about Our Values, Strategy, Benefits and Salaries. 

Note for applicants: 

• Candidates must have the independent right to work in UK, and be resident in the UK, at the time of appointment as we are unable to support visa sponsorship for this role. 
• Please read through the job description for a detailed list of requirements, and ensure you complete the personal statement to explain how you feel you meet the requirements of the role and why you feel this is next career move for you. Applications without this information will not be shortlisted. 
• Elrha is an independent subsidiary of SCUK and benefits from some SCUK systems and processes. 
• We reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a very high volume of applications. 
• We do not use recruitment agencies. 

Closing date: 11:59am Thursday 8 May 2025 
Interview date: Thursday 22 May 2025 

Make a real difference in the lives of D/deaf & disabled people in Islington.

At Disability Action in Islington (DAII), we are a user-led Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation providing free, independent advice and advocacy. Our work is rooted in the social model of disability and focused on empowering people to overcome barriers, access their rights, and live independently.

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Advice Worker to join our small, committed team. You’ll support disabled residents with advice and advocacy on key issues such as welfare benefits, housing, health, and social care—helping people navigate complex systems and secure the support they’re entitled to.

What you'll do

• Provide one-to-one advice and casework on a range of social welfare issues
• Support clients with applications, reviews, and appeals
• Advocate on their behalf with agencies such as the DWP, housing providers, and the council
• Keep clear case records and contribute to service improvement
• Work closely with the Advice Services Coordinator and wider team

What you'll bring

• At least 1 year’s experience in advice, advocacy or support work 
• Knowledge of welfare rights, housing, social care, and health systems
• Excellent communication and case management skills
• A client-centred, trauma-informed, relational and inclusive approach 
• Confidence working with people facing complex and multiple barriers

Why work with us?

• Be part of a values-led, user-led organisation rooted in community
• Deliver life-changing support in a role where your work is truly valued 
• Join a collaborative, supportive team with a strong sense of purpose

About the role

As one of two Regional Programmes Manager, you’ll inspire and lead a team of Senior Programmes Officers and Kinship Family Workers to effectively deliver high quality support services for kinship families across Greater London, the South of England and the Midlands.

You’ll do this by working in close collaboration with local authority teams who have commissioned our services and other funders where appropriate.

You’ll have accountability and ownership for ensuring we deliver impactful services for kinship carers and that we meet targets for our commissioned services. Working collaboratively with our other managers in other services, you’ll ensure we’re delivering high impact programmes.

You’ll ensure your team have real clarity and direction on their role and responsibilities - encouraging curiosity, learning and solutions-focused thinking. As a leader in the organisation, you are a key model for the team.

Your team will deliver the following programmes:

• Kinship Connected – in-person one-to-one support and support groups in the community
• Kinship Reach – remote one-to-one support and virtual support groups
• Kinship Ready – online workshops to prepare new and prospective special guardians for their role, as well as wraparound one-to-one support (in one local authority)

You will also manage a new role of Grants Officer - London, funded by the Aviva Foundation.

As one of our deputy safeguarding leads, you’ll be part of our key safeguarding structure.  This means you’ll take ownership to make sure our people feel confident and well supported to demonstrate best practice and making sure safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of programmes, supporting mostly home-based Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers to ensure high quality, consistent and impactful programme delivery.

• Meet performance targets as directed.

• Create and keep developing processes and systems which support consistency across all programmes, ensuring good quality documentation and manualisation on Notion.so

• Develop quality assurance frameworks with other service managers and directors.

• Support your team to establish and deliver in-person and virtual peer support groups regionally and generate engagement with kinship carers.

• Line management and supervision of Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers as required.

• Actively encourage personal development and support staff to deliver key targets and outcomes and ensure high levels of wellbeing.

• Work with the Director of Services and Digital, Head of Programmes and the Business Development team to develop proposals and present to local authorities to secure commissions.

• Manage the delivery of commissioned contracts through collaborative relationships with local authorities, ensuring targets are met.

• Manage the programmes and services within budget, in accordance with Kinship’s financial procedures and ensure the reporting of progress in line with funder requirements.

• Work actively and positively with other managers within Kinship to ensure sharing of best practice, problem solving, relevant connections and consistency of delivery across England and Wales.

• Act as a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship

Essential requirements include:

• Substantial experience in managing a regional service or programme with high quality outputs (national experience desirable but not essential).
• Substantial experience of managing, developing and evaluating effective and innovative services for families experiencing crisis and experience in reaching ‘hidden communities’ and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of leading and managing continuous improvement in changing contexts.
• Experience of governance and managing risk on high profile service delivery.
• Experience of ensuring that services are designed and led with user needs at the heart, ensuring that the voices of our kinship carers inform ongoing design and development of our programmes.
• High quality digital and data literacy and using technology to help us to be better in our processes. You’ll have to own Salesforce and be a massive champion for the team. You will be accountable for ensuring they use it well.
• Substantial experience of leading high-performing service teams including managing wellbeing, development and performance.

How to apply

In place of a cover letter, you will be asked to answer the following five questions, alongside providing your CV. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words.

1. Tell us why you’re interested in working for Kinship in this role and what experience you bring that would make you successful? This is an opportunity to tell us about you, your experience and your values.
2. Please give an example where you have managed a successful regional programme or service (this could also be national). Please include scale, key performance indicators and outcome. What made it a success?
3. What makes you a great team manager? Give one example of how you have supported teams and individuals to flourish and one example when you have had to step in to address behaviour or performance issues. (This is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for supporting others to develop and deliver to a high standard. You can share evidence of how your approach has worked and how you’ve tackled challenges and difficult conversations along the way).
4. Quality assurance and consistency is key to making sure our programmes deliver impact for our kinship carers. This includes ensuring your team are following processes, using our case management system effectively and have the tolls to do their role. Please describe how you would approach this at Kinship using a previous example.
5. In this role you will be a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship. This is a key role, the lives of kinship carers are incredibly complex.  Give one example of a safeguarding situation that required your response in a previous role. Explain what your rationale and thought process was. How did you hold appropriate boundaries and progress actions to effectively safeguard vulnerable children and adults?

Key Dates

• Application deadline:      Friday 9th May, 10pm
• First interview: Online – Tuesday 6 May
• Second interview: In person (Vauxhall, London) – Tuesday 13 May (travel expenses covered if required)

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.

We are made by and for our community of kinship carers. Like family, relationships run deep. And we hear their experiences; for too long they have been isolated without the help they need.

We support, advise and inform kinship carers. Connecting them so they feel empowered. Because a child needs the love and warmth of a thriving family.

We develop research, campaigns and policy solutions. Creating positive change across society. Because for kinship families, love alone is not enough.

Through our work we harness frustrations to fuel passion for change. And tough experiences to inspire ideas that transform lives.

And as we see momentum building, we keep using evidence to demonstrate the value of kinship care. Helping kinship carers navigate challenging circumstances. Believing in a child’s potential.

Join us. Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

Do you have the vision, expertise and person-centred values to be able to make a real difference to the lives of people with mental health support needs in the North Tyneside region? We have an exciting role for a proactive mental health recovery practitioner with leadership skills at our supported living service.

You will have relevant experience of working with people with mental health needs within a person centred, recovery focused framework and will demonstrate knowledge of mental health needs/conditions, recovery principles and helpful interventions. You will have skills in promoting independence, tenancy sustainment and positive risk management.

You will work with service users, their families, housing and other agencies to assess needs and to plan a successful transition into the service, creating the foundations for greater independence and personal fulfillment. You will ensure that individuals are enabled to make progress in their personal recovery journey and to attain goals relating to their mental health & wellbeing, independence, maintenance of their tenancy, quality of life and community connections. This will be achieved through co-producing outcome-based support plans which build on strengths and assets and promote meaningful occupation, resilience and capacity for self-management.

You will promote a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and ensure that staff are skilled in promoting recovery and positive engagement, with relationships based on respect and unconditional positive regard. You will ensure that that there is a strong commitment to equality and diversity. You will be committed to community asset-based approaches and be able to collaborate creatively with community partners and lead on partnership working with statutory mental health services and voluntary agencies.

You will ensure that our services are delivered effectively in accordance with assessed needs, contract requirements, service specification quality standards, and desired outcomes. 

• This is a leadership role at the service and involves line management and deployment of the staff team
• You will represent the organisation and promote the service to referrers and potential service users
• This is a role where you will be at the service, overseeing and co-ordinating all aspects of service delivery
• You will liaise with and develop a positive relationship with the housing provider, be responsible for regular reporting and compliance for all aspects of property management
• Assessment, support planning and positive risk management, monthly key working sessions tailored to the individual to deliver and oversee
• Mentoring, supervising and supporting staff including staff development and training
• Organising person-centred reviews 
• Enabling pathways to independence and move on as appropriate
• Building positive partnerships with all stakeholders

Vacancy Reference Number: 71901

Applications for this role must be submitted via the Creative Support website using the above vacancy reference number

Full training is provided, as is the opportunity to work towards QCF Diploma in Health and Social Care. Benefits of working with Creative Support include a probationary bonus, pension contributions, 33 days Annual Leave and company paid enhanced DBS.

We are a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organization - Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Gold award.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, we do not provide feedback for unsuccessful applications. We can only accept applications from candidates who are located in and eligible to work within the UK.

Location: Port Edgar, Edinburgh

Contract: full time, 11 week fixed term contract, starting no later than 15 June 2025

Salary: £22,391 per annum, pro rata

Closing Date: 19 May 2025

Interview: Interviews to be held virtually 30th May 2025

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for an OTW Project Assistant who will support the delivery of the On The Water project at one of our boating stations in Edinburgh. The project provides young people from outside Sea Cadets, age 9-14, the opportunity to get on the water, learn new skills and build confidence through boating activity. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, inspiring, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people with a attention to detail and real enthusiasm for the project.

Project delivery at Port Edgar Boat Station takes place between 30th July 2025 and 1st August 2025 when the young people will be attending boating sessions. During this busy time the Project Assistant will be based at the boat station each day to complete registration, manage group change overs, track project targets, encourage survey completion and fill booking gaps. Prior to delivery at Crosby, the role will be focused on supporting the booking process and engaging in community outreach. Once delivery is complete, the Project Assistant role will then predominantly be supporting the evaluation and data collection as well as supporting participants to join their local Sea Cadet unit.

The On The Water project is running at two further sites in London and Birmingham for an extended delivery period. The post holder for Crosby will also support delivery at the other 2 sites outside of their own delivery period where needed. This may be virtual administration support or require travel where expenses are paid.

Key Responsibilities

• The welcoming and registration of participants for the On The Water project
• Collecting and uploading daily statistics and figures that show how the project is progressing
• Making new and repeat bookings
• Talking to participants and their parents/carers about the opportunities within Sea Cadets
• Managing a waiting list and reducing drop-outs
• Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of participants alongside the Boat Station staff
• Ensure that participants complete surveys to share their experience of the project and encourage adults to feedback on their young people’s experience
• Attend any meetings as required by the project
• Assist with the evaluation of the On The Water project

Requirements

• Previous experience of working with volunteers

• Experience in a customer facing role
• Experience working with young people
• Experience working with diverse community groups or working in outreach
• Experience of tracking targets and managing data
• Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
• Flexible and enthusiastic
• Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK
• Satisfactory DBS

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack.

Benefits

• Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
• Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
• Private medical insurance
• Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
• National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

Are you knowledgeable and passionate about community and health? Could you recruit, lead and support a team of community volunteers to run fun and healthy living initiatives? Do you have the ability to take the unexpected in your stride? Then why not join us at SMART?

We are looking for someone that recognises the importance of good wellbeing for all, is capable of dealing with a wide scope of managerial areas, and can work with our local communty as our Public Health-funded Community Champions Manager.

SMART is a unique Chelsea-based charity, serving the local community in a supportive and flexible environment. We offer 28 days annual leave (plus paid bank holidays), a pension program, competitive salary, and additional benefits.
   
Think you'd be a good fit? Just click the Apply button, and send us an up-to-date CV, and a 2-page covering letter telling us why.

The closing date to apply is 15th May at 23:30, with interviews taking place on 23rd May. 

Culham St Gabriel’s Trust is an endowed charitable foundation whose vision is for a broad-based, critically reflective religion and worldviews education contributing to a well-informed, respectful and open society. The Trust is committed to providing teachers of religion and worldviews and other professionals with the connections, challenges and professional development they need. 

As our Digital Operations Manager you will be an experienced professional who is passionate about digital strategy and transformation. You will have knowledge of the charity, education or religion and worldviews sector. You will be a collaborative team player who thrives in an often-changing context, having an innovative and adaptable approach to your work.

You will join a small, friendly staff team. Our values lie at the heart of everything we do and are summed up in the principles of empowering others and collaborating purposefully. We are a remote working organisation, meeting regularly online for team meetings, and in-person at least once a month. Occasional travel to other in-person meetings on Trust business may be required as part of this role. 

It is necessary that you have a right to work in the UK.

We encourage you to have a short informal conversation about this role before you decide whether to apply. 

Reports to: Chief Executive

Key Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution, salary sacrifice scheme offered, optional private health insurance, employer supported volunteering scheme.

Holiday Entitlement: 25 days per annum, bank holidays and four discretionary days pro rata 

Position: Manager, Advice and Advocacy

Reporting to: CEO

Location: St Vedast Street, Norwich, with operational responsibilities in East Anglia. Hybrid working considered.

Salary: Starting at £29,936.51 during probation, rising to £32,539.69 upon successful completion, with potential to reach £35,142.86 with additional responsibilities per annum (Band 5).

Hours: Full-time, 08:30 – 16:30, Monday to Friday

About Us:

Equal Lives has been a leading advocate for Disability rights in Norfolk for nearly 30 years. We are committed to empowering Disabled individuals through expert Advice and Advocacy services.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic leader to join our team and oversee our newly integrated Advice and Advocacy services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing teams within the third sector, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Disabled individuals, and a strategic mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support our Advice and Advocacy teams through a transformative period, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services that meet the diverse needs of our community.
• Drive strategic initiatives to dismantle barriers and promote Disability rights across East Anglia.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience in leadership roles within the third sector, preferably in Disability rights or advocacy.
• Knowledgeable about the barriers and challenges faced by Disabled individuals.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to navigate change and drive innovation.
• Commitment to inclusivity and promoting the rights of Disabled people.

Why Join Us?

Equal Lives is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all voices are heard and valued. We offer a supportive environment where your leadership skills can make a real difference in advancing Disability rights.

Join our team as a Communications Manager where you will be the voice of MSI UK!

Our Digital, Marketing and Communications team is expanding! We are looking for a passionate and pro-choice communications manager to join our team and support people accessing reproductive healthcare services in the UK.

�� Location: Hybrid (expectation to travel for team days/as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary:

• Starting from £42,213.23 - £46,434.55 for base locations outside of London, dependant on experience and location
• Starting from £46,434.55 - £51,078.01 for base locations inside of London, dependent on experience and location

Role Overview:
As our Communications Manager, you will take the lead on internal and external communication activities, leading brand awareness strategic projects. You will work with departments across the organisation to share our work to improve access to reproductive healthcare and rights.

If you have a good understanding of issues affecting access to reproductive healthcare in the UK and are passionate about supporting people to access essential abortion, vasectomy and contraception care, we want to hear from you!

What can we offer you?

• ��‍��‍��‍�� Competitive family friendly benefits to support your family and working life
• �� Market leading Aviva pension provider up to 5% employer contribution
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage internal and external communications activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to foster collaboration and ensure consistent messaging.
• Plan and execute successful communications strategies and plans.
• Act as a brand guardian, working closely with departments and external agencies on key publications (e.g., Safeguarding Report, Quality Accounts).
• Use initiative to drive communication projects forward and define communication strategies.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven track record in communications management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in developing and executing communication strategies.

Centre for Mental Health is an established independent mental health research charity which for forty years has taken the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.

You will lead a team developing mental health research, economic analysis and policy ideas, as we equip services and decision makers to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health disparities.

Join us in our work driving forward sustainable policy change, tackling inequalities and working tirelessly for social justice and good mental health for all.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-led, mission-driven team and take a central role in shaping and growing our operations. You’ll be part of something meaningful - creating impact through environmental reuse, retail innovation, and inclusive employment - all within a supportive, values-based culture.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our Abingdon site, ensuring that our Wood Shop, workshop, and facilities turn a profit and run smoothly, safely, and in line with our business plan. You will manage a multi-skilled team across customer service, warehousing, and woodworking, and play a key part in delivering on OWR’s strategic goals - from retail growth to workshop projects to community initiatives.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and play an integral role in leading OWR’s operational performance, culture, and sustainability.
 

Key Responsibilities

· Ensure a positive customer experience for everyone accessing OWR services at our Wood Shop, online and over the phone.

· Lead and oversee our Wood Shop and workshop operations, managing retail activity and supporting staff with purchasing and merchandising.

· Develop and maintain business systems to ensure high standards of service, safety, and sustainability across the site.

· Take ownership of Health & Safety policies, procedures, and compliance across the Abingdon site and satellite facilities.

· Provide visible and motivational leadership to operational teams - including customer service, warehouse, and woodwork - promoting team development and high performance.

· Coordinate with the marketing function to grow profitable retail and commercial sales.

· Support and develop workshop-based manufacturing and bespoke wood projects, ensuring delivery, quality, and customer satisfaction.

· Manage facilities at Suffolk Way, and off-site strorage, including building maintenance, utilities, and supplier contracts (supported by the Business Administrator).

· Actively participate in senior team meetings and contribute to strategic planning.

· Work with the Wood to Work team to offer meaningful work experience for job seekers, apprentices, and school volunteers.

About You

We’re looking for a hands-on, confident, and people-focused leader who thrives in dynamic environments and believes in combining operational excellence with social impact. You’ll have strong commercial and systems-based thinking and be motivated by purpose as much as performance.

Essential skills and experience:

· Significant experience in retail, warehouse or production operations

· Proven team leadership and staff development skills to support a positive organisational culture

· Strong understanding of Health & Safety - NEBOSH or similar qualification preferred

· Confident with stock control, EPOS/till systems, and financial reporting

· Good IT, numeracy, and written communication skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to support and guide a diverse team

Desirable:

· A background or passion for timber, carpentry, or sustainable materials

· Experience in social enterprise, charity, or inclusive employment

· Line management experience including management of HR processes

How to Apply
 

If this opportunity excites you and you believe you have the skills, experience, and passion to lead Oxford Wood Recycling’s operations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.

Description

Location: Birmingham

Contract: full time, 11 week fixed term contract, starting no later than 7 July 2025

Salary: £22,391 per annum, pro rata

Closing Date: 19 May 2025

Interview: Interviews to be held virtually 30 May 2025

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for an OTW Project Assistant who will support the delivery of the On The Water project at one of our boating stations in Birmingham. The project provides young people from outside Sea Cadets, age 9-14, the opportunity to get on the water, learn new skills and build confidence through boating activity. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, inspiring, organized, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people with a attention to detail and real enthusiasm for the project.

Project delivery takes place between 29 July 2024 and 30 August 2025 when the young people will be attending boating sessions. During this busy time the Project Assistant will be based at the boat station each day to complete registration, manage group change overs, track project targets, encourage survey completion and fill booking gaps. Prior to delivery the role will be focused on supporting the booking process and engaging in community outreach. Once delivery is complete, the Project Assistant role will then predominantly be supporting the evaluation and data collection as well as supporting participants to join their local Sea Cadet unit.

Key Responsibilities

• The welcoming and registration of participants for the On The Water project
• Collecting and uploading daily statistics and figures that show how the project is progressing
• Making new and repeat bookings
• Talking to participants and their parents/carers about the opportunities within Sea Cadets
• Managing a waiting list and reducing drop-outs
• Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of participants alongside the Boat Station staff
• Ensure that participants complete surveys to share their experience of the project and encourage adults to feedback on their young people’s experience
• Attend any meetings as required by the project
• Assist with the evaluation of the On The Water project

Requirements

• Previous experience of working with volunteers

• Experience in a customer facing role
• Experience working with young people
• Experience working with diverse community groups or working in outreach
• Experience of tracking targets and managing data
• Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
• Flexible and enthusiastic
• Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK
• Satisfactory DBS

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack.

Benefits

• Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
• Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
• Private medical insurance
• Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
• National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

General Manager – Charity

Two established and award-winning charitable trusts, pivotal in promoting and supporting volunteering within rural West Northamptonshire communities, are seeking a dynamic and results oriented General Manager. These organisations are merging to form a single charitable trust effectively combining over three decades of dedicated service. 

Integral to the regional voluntary sector infrastructure, the unified entity delivers a comprehensive portfolio of community action services and projects. These initiatives support local voluntary and community groups while empowering individuals to cultivate interests, actively engage within their local community and enhance their overall personal well-being.

The General Manager will oversee existing operations, lead the team towards operational excellence, champion core values, and drive fundraising efforts. We seek a visionary leader with a demonstrable commitment to advancing services for rural West Northamptonshire residents and a pragmatic understanding of the sector.

This is an exceptional opportunity to build upon established successes, and pioneer innovative approaches to support and shape the organisation's vision for the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the daily operational management of the organisation, ensuring regular and comprehensive reporting of operational progress and impact

• Lead and support line managers in their day-to-day activities, fostering seamless integration across the organisation’s diverse projects and services.

• Drive and diversify fundraising activities to secure new revenue streams that underpin organisational growth and enhance impact.

About you

Skills and Experience:

The successful candidate will possess a strong working knowledge of the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and exhibit considerable enthusiasm for its growth and development within the region. Specifically, the individual will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a similar management role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.

• Proven experience in people management lifecycle to demonstrate understanding the importance of a positive and inclusive working environment

• Experience in securing and managing funding, including development and ongoing relationship management

• Familiarity with relevant statutory standards and requirements (e.g., CQC, local authority regulations, HSE guidelines).

• Excellent people management, project coordination, and communication skills.

• with a proven ability to inspire and motivate teams.

• A strong commitment to collaboration and effective teamworking with staff, volunteers, and supporters.

• Proficiency in technology and digital tools to support operational efficiency.

• Skilled in conflict resolution and negotiation.

• Ability to foster innovation and growth within the organisation

• The vision to identify and cultivate new funding streams and fundraising opportunities.

Knowledge

• Understanding of the non-profit sector, including regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of current trends and challenges affecting charities and community organisations.

• Awareness of local community needs and dynamics.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for the charity’s mission, vision, and values of the organisation.

• High levels of integrity and ethical standards.

• Adaptability and resilience when navigating challenges.

• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an inclusive mindset.

• Innovative and proactive approach, with a willingness to embrace change

Qualifications:

• A strong general education is essential, with further specialist qualifications being advantageous.

What we offer

A competitive salary, based on experience.

This is a full-time (37 hours per week), with occasional evening or weekend commitments. However, we encourage flexible working and would be open to discussion around this.

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