Job Description
The Berkshire and Hampshire Borders (BHB) Methodist Circuit is a network of twenty-five churches across western Berkshire and northern Hampshire, united by a vision to proclaim God's love as a justice-seeking community. Our mission is to be a growing, inclusive, and evangelistic church where faith deepens and communities are transformed.
As Operations Manager, you'll be the backbone supporting our work. Working with the Leadership Team, you'll coordinate the operational infrastructure that keeps twenty-five autonomous churches running — from property and finance to safeguarding and compliance — empowering churches and outreach staff to deliver high-quality support to church members and vulnerable people.
The Role You'll provide operational guidance and support to the Circuit Leadership Team and Circuit Meeting (Trustees), attending meetings and preparing reports on governance matters. You'll manage the Circuit Finance Officer, ensuring sound accounting practices, financial controls, and reporting. Across property, you'll oversee 19 houses — coordinating quinquennial inspections, maintenance plans, manse preparation for incoming ministers, externally managed letting of surplus properties, and professional appointments for sales and purchases. You'll also support energy and telecoms contract negotiations.
In safeguarding, you'll co-lead the Circuit Safeguarding Team, coordinate training, and maintain records of DBS checks. For health and safety, you'll guide churches on policies, risk assessments, and fire safety, with professional support as needed. On EDI, you'll maintain awareness of Methodist policy, coordinate training, and promote inclusive practice. You'll line manage the Administration Finance Officer and Administration Officer.
Key Details Permanent role, £45,000–£55,000, 37.5 hours per week based in Reading, Berkshire with occasional evening or weekend working and travel across the area. 33 days annual leave including public holidays, contributory pension, reasonable expenses reimbursed plus a training funded. Closing date: Friday 17 June. Interviews: early July.
This Job Is For You If… You have experience in an operational, administrative, or management role coordinating processes, policies, and systems. You've supported multiple stakeholders — staff, volunteers, or committees and have familiarity with safeguarding, health and safety, or compliance. You're organised, an excellent communicator, and can work with sensitivity within a faith-based organisation. You hold a full driving licence with access to a reliable vehicle and are willing to travel. Desirably, you have a relevant qualification, experience with financial administration or property management, and understanding of Methodist Church structures.
Development You'll have significant training opportunities, including a substantial overlap with the outgoing postholder for thorough knowledge transfer.
Appointment is subject to Enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references, right to work in the UK, and a three-month probationary period. We encourage applications from all sections of the community — you don't need to meet every criterion to apply.