We are a suicide prevention charity dedicated to supporting our local communities mental health and wellbeing needs.
Our staff and volunteers take a Trauma Informed & Responsive approach to supporting our community, by using Time, Space and Compassion to create a safe space and environment for all of our members.
Job Purpose
The Head of Business Support is a senior operational leadership role within The Anchor and will play a key role in strengthening the organisation’s infrastructure, governance, sustainability and operational performance as the charity continues to grow. The postholder will lead and oversee the operational backbone of the organisation, ensuring robust systems are in place across finance, governance, reporting, facilities, administration, compliance and organisational development. Working closely with the CEO and Director of Services, the successful candidate will help shape and maintain the professional infrastructure required to support a complex, fast‑paced and trauma‑responsive organisation delivering suicide prevention, wellbeing and relational support services across Inverclyde and beyond. This is not a standard administration role. It is a senior leadership position requiring operational oversight, professional judgement, accountability, relationship management and the ability to support strategic organisational growth. The role will also play an important part in helping The Anchor transition from founder‑led systems into a more sustainable organisational structure while protecting the charity’s relational culture and grassroots identity.
Key Responsibilities
* Senior Leadership & Organisational Development
* Act as a senior member of The Anchor leadership structure.
* Provide operational leadership across all business support functions.
* Work alongside the CEO and Director of Services to strengthen organisational systems, sustainability and performance.
* Contribute to strategic planning, operational development and organisational decision‑making.
* Lead on embedding professional systems, structures and accountability across the organisation.
* Support continuous organisational improvement and infrastructure development.
* Identify operational risks and implement solutions proactively.
* Support the organisation through future growth, expansion and change processes.
Qualifications, Training & Experience
* Educated to HNC/HND level or above, or equivalent senior operational experience.
* Significant experience within operational management, business support, governance, finance or organisational leadership roles.
* Experience operating at a senior or management level within a complex organisation.
* Experience overseeing organisational systems, compliance processes and operational infrastructure.
* Experience supporting finance systems, bookkeeping processes and reporting structures.
* Strong understanding of governance, accountability and professional standards.
* Experience coordinating data, reporting and monitoring systems.
* Strong IT and digital skills, including CRM systems and Microsoft Office platforms.
* Excellent organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to manage competing priorities within fast‑paced environments.
* Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships internally and externally.
* Degree level qualification in Business Management, Operations, HR, Finance, Public Administration or related field.
* Experience within the third sector, health, education or community sectors.
* Understanding of charity governance, funding compliance and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience supporting funding bids, grants management or contract monitoring.
* Training or qualifications in HR, governance, GDPR, safeguarding or leadership.
* Experience managing staff, volunteers or operational teams.
* Experience supporting organisational growth, restructuring or change management.
* Understanding of trauma‑informed and relational practice approaches.
* Experience within emotionally demanding or high‑risk service environments.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel where required.
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