Head of Operations

Job Title: Head of Operations
Location: Nottingham (hybrid working considered)
Salary: Starting salary £40,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Contract: Permanent

Role Purpose
The Head of Operations will be a key member of the leadership team, supporting the CEO to deliver the charity s strategic ambitions and ensure operational and organisational excellence. You will provide senior oversight of governance, compliance, quality and impact, facilities management, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and staff development. You will lead by example, embedding strong values, high standards, and a culture of care, accountability, and inclusion, ensuring that the charity s people, systems, and structures enable us to deliver outstanding experiences for the children and families we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Work closely with the CEO to translate the charity s strategic objectives into clear operational priorities, annual plans, and measurable outcomes.
• Provide senior leadership across all operational areas, ensuring efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement in delivery and support functions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, providing insight, challenge, and strategic support to inform key decisions.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives that enhance collaboration, strengthen impact, and promote innovation in how the charity operates.
• Deputise for the CEO as required, representing the charity with professionalism and integrity at internal and external meetings.
• Budget Management and effective delegation

Governance, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure effective governance systems are in place to support transparent, compliant, and ethical operations.
• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of policies, ensuring they are current, accessible, and aligned with best practice and statutory requirements.
• Manage the charity s risk register and ensure robust processes are in place for monitoring, reporting, and mitigating organisational risks.
• Support the CEO and Board of Trustees in meeting their regulatory duties under charity law, data protection, health and safety, and safeguarding legislation.

Quality, Impact and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and embed a charity-wide impact and evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and reach of our work.
• Work with programme teams to collect, analyse, and present data that demonstrates the difference our wishes make to children and families.
• Lead on internal reporting and contribute to external reporting for supporters, partners, and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of reflection and learning, where insight and evidence drive improvement and innovation.
• Ensure quality assurance processes are in place and regularly reviewed to maintain high standards in service delivery and support functions.

Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Serve as the charity s Designated Safeguarding Lead (or in a senior safeguarding capacity), ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of our culture and practice.
• Oversee the implementation, review, and training of safeguarding policies and procedures across all regions and activities.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, and trustees understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are supported to uphold them.
• Champion EDI by embedding inclusive values and practices across all areas of work, from recruitment and training to programme design and delivery.
• Lead initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and belonging, ensuring our charity reflects and respects the communities we serve.

Facilities and Resources Management

• Lead the management of the charity s premises, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and compliant environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Oversee maintenance schedules, and health and safety procedures to ensure best value and operational reliability.
• Support the implementation of sustainability initiatives, reducing the charity s environmental footprint through efficient resource management.
• Ensure all operational processes, systems, and IT infrastructure support effective communication and data integrity across the organisation.

People and Organisational Development

• Support the CEO to embed a positive and people-focused culture that prioritises wellbeing, development, and performance.
• Support line managers in creating clear objectives, strong team engagement, and opportunities for growth and progression.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, performance management, and learning and development frameworks to build a capable, motivated workforce.
• Implement initiatives to strengthen leadership capability, staff resilience, and cross-team collaboration.
• Promote a values-led culture of inclusion, recognition, and mutual respect, where every individual feels empowered and valued.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in a senior management, operations, governance, or organisational development role within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of charity governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Experience developing and embedding impact measurement and evaluation systems.
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams, fostering professional growth, and driving organisational culture change.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice in children s or vulnerable persons settings.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to translate principles into practice.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to manage complex priorities and deliver results.
• Managing restricted and unrestricted funding and budgets.

Desirable

• Experience within a children s charity or health-related setting.
• Familiarity with Charity Commission reporting, GDPR, and ISO, Fundraising regulator style quality frameworks.
• Experience managing facilities, health and safety compliance, and contractors.