Purpose of role Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will have the primary responsibility for providing strategic leadership of the operations function within Upbeat Communities. This will involve: Providing strategic leadership of HR across the organisation, ensuring people systems, recruitment, development, wellbeing, and compliance are aligned with organisational values and future growth. Leading on the development and implementation of organisation-wide systems and processes that enable effective delivery of the charity’s mission. Overseeing IT, data management, governance, risk, health & safety, and premises, embedding best practice and compliance. Driving continuous improvement, ensuring operations are efficient, sustainable, and responsive to organisational needs. Leading, supporting, and supervising the operations team to deliver excellence across all areas of responsibility. Contributing to organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team, ensuring operations underpin long-term sustainability. Main duties and responsibilities: Leadership Provides strategic leadership across the organisation, working jointly with the Chief Executive and trustees to embed the charity’s ethos and values. Leads on performance, quality assurance, risk management, and impact evaluation across programmes and social enterprises. Inspires and develops managers, providing coaching, supervision, and professional development to build strong, resilient teams. Champions wellbeing, fostering a culture of care and supporting HR best practice across delivery teams. Plays an active role as part of the senior leadership team, shaping organisational development, mentoring colleagues in leadership principles, and supporting the Chief Executive in preparing board and sub-committee papers. Strategy & Development Provides strategic leadership of HR across the organisation, ensuring people systems, recruitment, development, wellbeing, and compliance are aligned with organisational values and future growth. Leads on the continuous improvement of operational functions, embedding efficiency, compliance, and innovation across HR, IT, data, governance, and risk. Supports the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, budgeting, and business planning. Contributes to the development of strategic management capacity within the leadership team, mentoring colleagues to strengthen organisational effectiveness. Reviews contracts and service agreements to ensure best value and alignment with organisational priorities. Business Management & Operations Provides leadership for organisational systems and processes, ensuring IT, data management, governance, health & safety, and premises are robust and effective. Oversees organisational administration and internal operations, embedding policies and procedures that strengthen efficiency and compliance. Ensures premises and facilities provide safe, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose working environments for staff and volunteers. Champions environmental sustainability, embedding policies and practices that reduce organisational impact. Human Resources Leads the development and implementation of the organisation-wide HR strategy. Oversees recruitment, induction, and development processes, ensuring fairness, compliance, and alignment with organisational values. Leads workforce planning, ensuring the organisation is appropriately resourced for growth and sustainability. Manages staff training and development programmes, ensuring opportunities for learning and progression are embedded across the organisation. Works with external HR advisors and consultants to ensure compliance with employment law and best practice. Embeds equality, diversity, and inclusion across HR processes and practice. Provides inspiring leadership for staff and contractors across operations embedding coaching, supervision, and regular appraisal to build resilient and high-performing teams. Finance Works closely with the Finance team to ensure effective financial management systems and procedures across the organisation. Oversees operational financial processes including purchasing and contract management, ensuring transparency and compliance. Ensures strong governance, overseeing organisational policies, GDPR compliance, and risk management frameworks. Supports the Chief Executive and trustees by providing timely information, advice, and analysis to enable good governance and decision-making. Networking & Partnerships Builds and maintains strong relationships with external advisors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring operational resilience and compliance. Represents operations functions in wider organisational networks, promoting best practice and sharing expertise with partners. Contributes to cross-organisational initiatives, strengthening integration between delivery, enterprise, and operations teams. Safeguarding & Risk Management Leads safeguarding culture across operations, ensuring policies, training, and practice protect staff, volunteers, and service users. Oversees risk management processes, ensuring operational risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively. Oversees compliance with DBS and safeguarding standards for all staff and volunteers. Person Specification: Foundational Values Excels in emotional intelligence, fostering deep connections and mentoring others in emotional awareness. Embodies compassion in action, inspiring others to create a culture of care and community impact. Drives a culture of learning and excellence, mentoring others and integrating innovative ideas into practice. Leads with empowerment, creating opportunities and mentoring others to take ownership of their actions. Core Competencies Excels in workload management, maintains calm under pressure, and mentors others in effective task prioritisation. Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, leveraging them for complex tasks and mentoring others. Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to refugee and asylum seeker needs, actively supporting their wellbeing and empowerment. Thrives in dynamic settings, leads through change, and mentors others in adaptability and task management. Excels in problem-solving, making confident decisions and inspiring proactive approaches in others. Excels in interpersonal skills, fostering deep connections, and mentoring others in communication and collaboration. Embodies integrity, consistently aligning actions with organisational values and mentoring others in ethical behaviour. Champions cultural inclusion, driving initiatives that promote diversity and fostering a culture of respect. Leadership Competencies Demonstrates expert leadership, inspires organisational change, and mentors others in leadership principles. Leads large-scale innovation initiatives, inspires creative thinking, and pioneers new methods or solutions. Excels in complex negotiations, manages high-stakes discussions, and mentors others in negotiation techniques. Leads initiatives for personal and team development, sharing expertise and fostering a culture of learning. Inspires ambition in others, aligns goals with strategic priorities, and achieves exceptional outcomes. Strategically manages stakeholder networks, leads engagements at senior levels, and mentors others in relationship management. Leads financial strategy, aligns resources with organisational goals, and mentors others in financial management. Excels in strategic leadership, influences organisational direction, and innovates in planning processes. Leads complex risk management initiatives, advises on organisational risk, and mentors others. Excels in people leadership, inspires high performance, and mentors managers in team development. Strategically develops and leverages an extensive network, influencing key partnerships, and mentoring others in building professional relationships. Role Specific Competencies Leads HR strategy and continuous improvement, designing and implementing people systems aligned to organisational values, growth, and staff wellbeing. Oversees IT strategy, infrastructure, and cyber security, ensuring systems are robust, secure, and responsive to organisational needs. Provides leadership for data management and reporting, embedding dashboards and insights to inform decision-making and governance. Ensures strong operational governance across risk, health & safety, contracts, and compliance with charity law and GDPR. Provides strategic oversight of premises and facilities, ensuring environments are safe, sustainable, and aligned with organisational needs. What we’ll offer you in return We care about the wellbeing and everyday needs of our team. Here’s what you’ll have access to: Your birthday off – enjoy a paid day off to celebrate. 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time roles) – plenty of time to rest and recharge. Free virtual GP appointments – quick, convenient medical advice when you need it. Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support for personal or work-related challenges. Childcare savings – access salary sacrifice options through Mintago and Yellownest. Cycle to Work scheme – save money while staying active and sustainable. Retail discounts – make your money go further with exclusive offers via Mintago. Financial wellbeing support – access webinars, pension guidance, and free consultations with a financial adviser through Mintago. Wellbeing support – access regular wellbeing initiatives and resources. Training and development opportunities – we invest in your growth through courses, workshops, and coaching. Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract Contract length: 12 months Pay: £41,159.00-£50,077.00 per year Expected hours: 30 per week Benefits: Additional leave Company pension Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme Sick pay Work from home Work Location: Hybrid remote in Derbyshire DE1 2PA