Join FWAG SouthWest and help deliver the transformation of farming, food and nature.
We believe that tomorrow’s farming is in our nature and our work aims to turn that vision into practical outcomes with farmers and partners across the South West.
FWAG SouthWest is looking for a Head of Operations to help lead our organisation through its next phase. This is a senior leadership role with real influence over how we deliver our work, support our team and respond to the changing environment for farming and the environment. Working Hybrid from any of our offices across the South West, 37.5 hours per week, but applications from those looking for 4 days (30 hours) per week will also be considered.
About us
FWAG SouthWest is an environmental charity working with farmers and land managers to deliver practical change on the ground.
We combine an understanding of farming businesses with environmental expertise to support better outcomes for nature, climate and food production. Our work brings people together: farmers, communities and partners to deliver change at a local and landscape scale.
As farming responds to new policy, markets and environmental pressures, our role is to help shape and deliver solutions that work, supporting resilient farm businesses alongside climate resilient landscapes and nature recovery.
The role
As Head of Operations, you will lead delivery across the South West, working through a network of county teams and specialists.
Your focus will be on strengthening our ability to deliver. Supporting team leaders to grow capacity, manage workload and deliver high quality work in increasingly complex projects. You will work alongside teams to remove barriers, improve systems and step into delivery where needed helping to ensure work progresses and opportunities are achieved.
Working closely with the CEO and senior team, you will help translate strategy into delivery and ensure we remain effective, responsive and financially sustainable.
You will also play a key role in how we respond to change across the sector, supporting teams to navigate new policy, funding and partnership opportunities.
About you
We are looking for an experienced leader who is motivated by enabling others to deliver.
You don’t need to have experience in the environmental sector. We are open to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who can bring strong leadership, a collaborative approach, professional skills and share our values.
What matters is your ability to:
· Support and develop people to increase their capacity and confidence
· Work alongside teams to solve problems and keep delivery moving
· Manage complex programmes and competing priorities
· Put in place practical systems and structures that support delivery
· Build strong relationships across a regional organisation
An interest in farming, land management or the natural environment is important, detailed sector knowledge is desirable.
Download the full job description here: Head of Operations – South West
Why join us
This is an opportunity to play a key role in a charity with a strong reputation and clear purpose.
You will:
· Help shape how we deliver across the South West
· Lead and support a skilled and committed team
· Work on issues that matter for the future of farming, climate and nature
· Be part of an organisation rooted in practical action and trusted relationships
Further information
· Regular travel across the South West will be required·
· Flexible working, including occasional evenings
· Full driving licence and access to a vehicle essential
· You can find out more about our vision in our Charity Strategy.
How to apply
Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd June, 9am
Interview date: Thursday 7th July (venue local to Wellington, Somerset)
Please provide a CV and covering letter, detailing your suitability for the role, ensuring the information that you provide clearly correlates to the requirements of the job.
Please send your application to HR@fwagsw.org.uk by the closing date.
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by email only. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, it is unlikely you have been shortlisted for interview on this occasion. Due to the volume of applications we normally receive, we are usually only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.
We are not able to reimburse costs for attending interviews.