OPERATIONS MANAGER

Join the team shaping Kilburn s future!
South Kilburn Trust is seeking a dynamic, personable Operations Manager to activate and run two exciting new community spaces: a beautiful Victorian school transformed into affordable workspace, and a new environmentally conscious event hall in the heart of Kilburn.

You ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating places where people connect, celebrate, learn and grow whether at a community wedding, a business skills event, or in day-to-day use of our studio spaces.

We're looking for someone with heart and hustle someone who can manage buildings, programme events, build networks and relationships, and promote spaces that reflect Kilburn s rich past and its bold future.

Reporting to: CEO

Benefits: 25 days annual leave and bank holidays. Company Pension Scheme. Flexible working .

Location: South Kilburn, London (mostly in-person)
Expected Start Date: September 2025

About South Kilburn Trust

South Kilburn Trust (SKT) is a Community Development Trust working to improve the lives of residents in an area of London that is undergoing a long-term physical regeneration. It is the role of the Trust to identify the needs of local people and to advocate for them. The trust is assuming management of two key local assets: 78 Granville Road, a new affordable workspace comprising of studios for local start-ups, freelancers and social impact businesses, fixed desks for hire, with an event space ideal for enterprise events, networking, and community training and a new high-spec environmentally conscious event hall all in the heart of Kilburn.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To lead the operational delivery, activation, and ongoing management of two new public-facing community assets: an affordable workspace and a smart, environmentally sustainable event space. You will balance access, quality, and sustainability by ensuring these spaces meet the needs of Kilburn s dynamic and diverse community, while also generating revenue to support their long-term viability.

Key Responsibilities:

Space Setup and Launch

• Oversee handover and mobilisation of the affordable workspace and event hall as they are phased in between Sep Jan 2025
• Liaise with Brent Council, contractors, and partners during transition and setup

Facilities and Operations Management

• Ensure buildings are safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and sustainably run. Manage contractors responsible for building maintenance and upkeep.
• Manage lettings, bookings, and contracts for both spaces including catering kitchen
• Monitor budgets and report on commercial activity

Workspace Activation

• Programme and deliver enterprise-focused activities in the affordable workspace
• Build a local network of entrepreneurs and facilitate community connections
• Manage and pre-let additional studio spaces opening Dec 2025

Venue Promotion & Community Engagement

• Market the event hall as both a community asset and revenue-generating venue
• Balance community events (weddings, cultural events) with corporate hires (Mon Thurs)
• Ensure access and pricing remain fair, inclusive, and community-first

Strategy & Future Planning

• Contribute to visioning and strategic planning for long-term space management
• Help define the opportunity for an external operator post-2027 practical completion
• Support organisational learning and develop internal policies and procedures

Person Specification

Essential

Experience activating community or commercial spaces

Skilled in facilities and building management, and familiarity with CRM and booking systems.

Highly organised, able to manage projects end-to-end.

Confident engaging diverse community and commercial users

Proactive, personable and entrepreneurial

Comfortable working flexibly and responsively, including evening and weekend work.

Desirable

Knowledge of place-based regeneration or placemaking

Familiar with Victorian buildings or eco-design systems

Previous work in affordable workspace, social enterprise or hospitality.

Event promotion or grassroots marketing experience

Network in North-West London or cultural sector

Passion for arts, culture, and local heritage

SKT is committed to safer recruitment practices, and this role is subject to successful completion of references, DBS check and a six-month probation.