Director of Production and the Estate

The Poppy Factory is the country’s leading employment charity for veterans with health conditions or impairments. We work with businesses across the country to provide bespoke opportunities and employment support for hundreds of disabled veterans of all ages and from all Services, helping them to restore financial independence through sustainable and rewarding work.  The factory in Richmond also employs disabled veterans and dependants to produce poppies and wreaths for the Royal Family and for The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal and we organise and host the nation’s annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey

We are now recruiting for a new Director of Production and the Estate to manage a full spectrum of activities and operate across strategic, operational and tactical boundaries.  Activities range from the organisation and delivery of a national-level commemorative event to the gentler and emotionally intelligent leadership of our disabled and vulnerable veteran workforce. 

The post holds responsibility for multiple functions including liaison with the Royal Households, the production of Remembrance products for The Royal British Legion, the management of the Estate currently comprising 67 residential flats and three office premises, as well as acting as a key member of the senior management team, helping to determine and deliver future strategy and governance.  Total budget responsibility for the post is c£3.1m. 

This is an extraordinary and unique position, requiring an individual of the highest calibre.  Full details of experience, knowledge and skills needed are outlined in the person specification.  Candidates must be able to demonstrate exceptional management and leadership expertise including experience of strategic management as a member of senior leadership team and leadership of change management programmes.    Personal attributes required include hands-on leadership, integrity, a can-do attitude and a high degree of empathy with the wounded, injured and sick veteran community, whom we serve.    

It is essential the post holder has experience of HM forces, health or welfare sectors, a service background with quartermaster experience would be desirable.   

The post is available from September 2019 with a handover period from June 2019.

Benefits

• The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer.  We provide competitive terms and conditions of employment including:
• Live-in accommodation in Richmond upon Thames  is available for this role
• A generous Company Pension scheme
• Company-paid life assurance
• Funding available for training and development as appropriate
• Reservists’ leave