Office and Operations Lead

This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing and managing the core operational functions of finance, HR and health and safety across the organisation. You will be responsible for leading on all aspects of these areas ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, supporting our people and maintaining effective financial management.

This role is vital to ensure the organisation remains compliant, operationally effective and a safe and supportive workplace for all employees. You will be responsible for all day-to-day activities that enable us to reach our vision for the city, and work closely with senior management to support wider organisational strategic goals.

Please note: A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Main duties:

Oversee financial operations, including accounts payable accounts receivable, bank reconciliation and petty cash

Support the preparation of financial management reports, accounts and statements

Handle Payroll administration, pension schemes, and GiftAid claims, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.

Oversee grant and funding reporting in line with funding requirements

Develop and monitor the annual budget with leadership input, and review expenditure with department Leads

Line manage the one team member

Provide core administration functions for the building, including answering phone and email queries

Work with external accountants and auditors as required

Oversee financial and contractual aspects of OTF s properties, including utilities, tenancy agreements, and maintenance contracts.

Maintain and update the health and safety policies and processes

Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice across the organisation, promoting a positive safety culture.

Provide training and guidance on health and safety issues, including first aid, manual handling and fire safety

Carry out workplace risk assessments and implement control measures

Act as the main point of contact for audits and inspections and investigating accidents when they arise

Maintain and update HR policies and processes in line with current legislation

Manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations processes.

Ensure compliance with HR and financial regulations.

Oversee and manage sickness, absences and annual leave ensuring compliance with policies.

Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement workforce planning strategies and staff wellbeing initiatives.

Lead Bible studies, prayer meetings for staff, volunteers and at external events as required

Be an active member of the Off the Fence leadership team

Key attributes and experience required for the role:

Proven experience in HR, Finance and/or Health and Safety roles (Minimum 3 years in a supervisory/management role)

Strong knowledge of UK employment law in practice, H&S legislation and financial processes

Strong alignment with the vision of Off the Fence, and a commitment to our organisational focus

Excellent organisational and time management skills

High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality

Ability to interpret policies, legislation and data effectively

Proficient in Microsoft Office, HR and finance systems such as QuickBooks and Bright HR (or equivalent)

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to work with staff at all levels

Formal professional qualification in HR, H&S or finance

A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Vision and values

Off The Fence reaches out to break the cycle of poverty in Brighton & Hove, ensuring that no one is left behind. We believe in resisting poverty, empowering people, and restoring hope, and we work toward a future where social and spiritual poverty no longer exists.

By 1997, Off The Fence became a registered charity, allowing us to expand and tackle poverty in a deeper way, through compassion, excellence, unity, integrity, and a Christ-like approach to supporting the most vulnerable.

Poverty is complex it s not just about finances, but about housing, mental health, education, and belonging. To address these needs, Off The Fence now provides three core programmes, each offering a different form of practical and emotional support.

As poverty in Brighton & Hove has increased, so has our commitment. At the heart of our work is a belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.

As a Christian organisation we seek to live and work by our values:

Christ-like: we desire the best for others (Col 1:27, 1 John 3:16)

Excellence: we aim for outstanding quality (1 Cor 12:31, Phil 4:8)

Unity: we achieve more together (Ps 133, Eph 4:3)

Compassion: we care for those who are suffering (Col 3:12, Matt 9:35)

Integrity: we do what is right (Prov 10:9, Titus 2:7-8)

Working at Off the Fence

We are a small but highly dedicated team, passionate about seeing transformation across Brighton and Hove. Off the Fence employees are entitled to:

- 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with extra days added for long service

- Up to 5 days of mission leave (pro rata)

- 7% employer pension contributions

Notes for applicants

If you re applying for this role, we ask that you submit your CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter please outline how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role, as well as explaining why you want to be a part of Off the Fence.