Communities 1st supports individuals, local communities, charities and community groups in the districts of St Albans, Hertsmere and Welwyn Hatfield. We help people and organisations to connect, grow, and make a real difference. We promote volunteer participation, and provide support services for older people and those with vulnerabilities to promote good health and wellbeing within the community. Our mission is to work with people across all sectors to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of local people through support, knowledge, voice, infrastructure and innovation.
Main places of work: Ver House, Park Estate, Frogmore, AL2 2WH plus various community locations across Hertfordshire.
To apply, please send an email to recruitment@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649900.
Role Description
This is a senior role focused on developing and expanding Communities 1st’s enterprise activity, ensuring services are innovative, inclusive, and financially sustainable. You will have direct oversight of current enterprise services and play a pivotal role in helping other teams to develop traded offers and take a more enterprising approach to their work.
Purpose of the Job
To lead and develop a growing portfolio of social enterprise services that generate income, increase social value, and support our charitable mission. The role focuses on both direct service management and cross-team collaboration to stimulate innovation, scale, and sustainability across our wider work.
General Responsibilities
* Lead day‑to‑day operations and strategic development of all community‑focussed services.
* Identify and implement opportunities to grow and diversify income across multiple service areas.
* Support other teams to explore and develop enterprise elements aligned to their goals and communities.
* Ensure all enterprise services are inclusive, well‑managed, and aligned with organisational values and impact objectives.
Leadership & Line Management
* Lead and support a multidisciplinary team delivering community enterprise services, including facilities, traded services, and community‑based projects.
* Provide coaching, supervision, and performance management to direct reports.
* Foster a high‑performing, inclusive, and values‑led team culture.
Enterprise Strategy & Development
* Develop and evolve business plans and service models that balance social mission.
* Drive innovation and service improvement across enterprise areas, identifying opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased impact.
* Support other departments (e.g. Creative, Wellbeing, Volunteering) to explore and implement income‑generating opportunities such as events, workshops, and training.
* Promote enterprise services and offers to target markets including local businesses, schools, and community organisations.
Finance & Operational Management
* Oversee budgets, purchasing, pricing, and income tracking in line with finance policies and delegated authority.
* Ensure effective systems for stock, asset, and facilities management are in place.
* Use performance data to inform decision‑making and improve quality, efficiency, and impact.
Supported Volunteering and Employment
* Work with the Wellbeing, Employment & Skills team to offer inclusive volunteering and work placement opportunities within enterprise services.
* Support volunteers and participants to develop confidence, skills, and pathways to employment or further involvement.
* Ensure person‑centred, inclusive practice is embedded across enterprise operations.
Marketing, Sales & Stakeholder Engagement
* Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to raise the profile of enterprise offers and increase reach and take‑up.
* Build relationships with external stakeholders including businesses, schools, and community partners.
* Develop productive working relationships with suppliers, delivery partners, and venues to support joint initiatives and operational effectiveness.
Quality
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and learning.
* Lead the implementation of standard operating procedures and embed quality standards.
Qualifications
* Experience in social enterprise development, business planning, and financial management.
* Skills in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and capacity development.
* Experience in operational delivery, including budget management, stock control, and performance monitoring.
* Business development and marketing skills to grow products/services.
* Familiarity with corporate, school, or public sector commissioning models.
* Understanding of inclusive volunteering or supported employment pathways.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Previous experience in the nonprofit or community development sector is an advantage.
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