Head of Operations

Job title: Head of Operations

Salary: £45,855 - £52,988

Location: Hybrid between home and our exhibition locations in London (Your attendance in the office will vary flexibly around 2-4 days per month, depending on business need. We cannot offer fixed days at home. You are responsible for your own commuting costs).

Contract: Permanent, Full time.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Reporting to: CEO

Direct reports: Finance & Operations Manager

Download the full Job Description and Person Specification

Role summary

As Head of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Ben Kinsella Trust has the strong operational foundations needed to maximise its impact and support continued growth. Reporting to the CEO and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across the charity's operations, governance, finance, HR and IT, ensuring the organisation operates efficiently, remains compliant and has the systems and infrastructure required to deliver its mission.
You will lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems, policies and processes, driving operational excellence and enabling colleagues to focus on delivering high-quality programmes, campaigns and services. Working closely with the CEO, Finance Manager, trustees and external partners, you will oversee governance, risk management, financial planning, people and culture, and digital infrastructure; ensuring the charity is well-managed, resilient and equipped for future growth.
We're looking for a proactive, organised and collaborative leader who enjoys improving how organisations work and can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. Your leadership will help ensure the Ben Kinsella Trust remains a well-governed, financially sustainable and high-performing organisation, enabling us to honour Ben's legacy and prevent knife crime through education and campaigning.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of operational systems, processes and policies to ensure the charity operates efficiently, consistently and in line with best practice.


• Oversee organisational project management, ensuring strategic projects are effectively planned, monitored and delivered on time and within budget.


• Develop and maintain effective systems for organisational planning, reporting and information flow, ensuring senior leaders and trustees have access to timely and accurate information.


• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through process redesign, automation and the effective use of technology and digital systems.


• Provide operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring resources, systems and infrastructure effectively support programme delivery and organisational growth.

Governance

• Lead the charity's governance framework, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements, statutory obligations and internal policies.

• Maintain the organisation's policy framework, ensuring policies are regularly reviewed, updated and effectively implemented across the charity.


• Lead organisational risk management, maintaining the risk register and supporting senior leaders and trustees to identify, monitor and mitigate strategic and operational risks.


• Ensure appropriate compliance with data protection, safeguarding, health and safety, insurance and other regulatory requirements.

Finance

• Lead the charity's financial management, working closely with the CEO and Finance Manager to develop budgets, forecasts and management accounts.


• Monitor organisational income and expenditure, providing financial analysis and recommendations to support effective decision-making.


• Oversee financial controls, procurement processes and delegated authorities, ensuring robust stewardship of the charity's resources.


• Support the preparation of statutory accounts, annual budgets, audits and financial reporting for the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.


• Develop financial systems and reporting processes that improve visibility, accountability and organisational planning.

HR & IT

• Lead the development of the charity's people infrastructure, ensuring effective HR policies, systems and processes to support employee wellbeing, performance and compliance.


• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and learning and development processes, working with managers to build a high-performing and inclusive culture.


• Ensure the charity's HR systems and employee records are maintained accurately and comply with employment legislation and GDPR requirements.


• Lead the organisation's IT strategy and digital infrastructure, ensuring staff have secure, reliable and effective technology to support their work.


• Oversee cyber security, business continuity, system procurement and relationships with external IT providers, driving continual improvement in digital capability.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in an operations, business management or senior management role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector.


• Experience of leading one or more business support functions, including governance, finance, HR, IT or organisational development.


• Proven experience of developing and improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working to increase efficiency and effectiveness.


• Experience of supporting Boards and senior leadership teams, including preparing high-quality reports, managing governance processes and coordinating decision-making.


• Experience of managing organisational projects and implementing change across multiple teams.


• Experience of managing budgets, monitoring financial performance and supporting organisational financial planning.


• Experience of managing external service providers or consultants, such as HR, IT, legal or finance providers.

Skills and Knowledge

• Good understanding of charity governance, Charity Commission requirements and the responsibilities of trustees and senior leadership teams.


• Knowledge of organisational compliance requirements, including data protection (UK GDPR), information governance, health and safety and risk management.


• Good understanding of financial management principles, budgeting and financial reporting within a charitable organisation.


• Good understanding of UK employment legislation, HR best practice and organisational policy development.


• Good understanding of cyber security principles and information security best practice, ensuring organisational systems, data and digital infrastructure remain secure, resilient and compliant.


• Organised with project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects and meet competing deadlines.


• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify operational risks, evaluate challenges and implement practical solutions.


• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to prepare clear reports, policies and papers for senior leaders and trustees.


• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, trustees and external stakeholders, influencing and collaborating effectively at all levels.


• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 and confident using a range of digital systems (such as Beacon CRM, Xero and Asana) to improve organisational efficiency.


• Confident using cloud-based systems and able to quickly learn and adapt to new digital tools and platforms.


• A proactive, solution-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards of governance, operational excellence and organisational effectiveness.

Values

• Ambitious - driven to achieve meaningful, lasting change, with a focus on delivering high-quality work, continuous improvement and sustainable impact.


• Collaborative - builds positive relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, working together to achieve shared goals and influence positive change.


• Empowering - believes in the potential of young people and communities, supporting others to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to succeed.


• Dynamic - adaptable, proactive and open to new ideas, embracing change and seeking innovative, evidence-informed ways to improve our work.


• Inclusive - values diversity and actively creates an environment where everyone feels respected, represented and able to contribute.


• Authentic - acts with honesty, empathy and integrity, respecting lived experience and ensuring all voices are heard with care and compassion.


• Responsible - takes ownership of decisions and actions, delivering on commitments while acting ethically, transparently and with accountability.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and Cover Letter (no more than 2 sides of A4).

When you’re ready to apply, please use the ‘Apply’ button; we’re not able to accept emailed CVs or supporting statements.  

For a chat about the role before applying, please call 0208 044 3535 and ask for Patrick.

We are accepting applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than advertised.

Applications close: Monday 3rd August @ 9:30am.

For recruiters

This role is not currently open to recruitment agencies. We work with a small number of trusted recruitment partners where agency support is required and will contact these suppliers directly if appropriate. We kindly ask that agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy.