Overview
Area Operations Manager role at Canal & River Trust. Hybrid working between home and local office with a reporting base of Newark Hub. Travel across the East Midlands South regional canal network.
Responsibilities
* Lead a team of 11 colleagues (Team Leader, Volunteering Leaders, Operatives) and numerous volunteers to manage day-to-day operations and safety management across the South patch of the East Midlands, including Foxton, Watford and Stoke Bruerne.
* Be the main contact for a wide range of stakeholders (users, visitors, colleagues, volunteers, customers, community representatives) to gather feedback and address service-related and operational issues.
* Develop and implement a prioritised improvement programme to increase visitor participation and satisfaction, aligned with the Trust’s strategic objectives.
* Collaborate with area and Trust-wide teams to plan works, wellbeing activities, engagement, and promotions; coordinate priorities with other teams to ensure programming considers current and future visitors.
* Manage minor projects (typically grant-funded up to £20k), ensuring outcomes, budget compliance, reporting, and standards are met.
* Grow and diversify volunteering contributions to care for waterways through an engaging programme of opportunities.
* Line-manage, coach and mentor paid staff and volunteers; plan work schedules and rosters; oversee daily operation of the network area to provide a 7-day service; oversee maintenance works to high quality, on time and on budget; respond to reactive tasks as needed.
* Coordinate with contracting partners for contracted activities and undertake specialist tasks as required (e.g., Diving Contract Administration).
* Identify opportunities for efficiencies and achieve annual budget targets.
* Participate in planning and delivery of a 24/7 on-call response to ensure safety and satisfaction of visitors and neighbours; ensure rota resources are available.
* Ensure equipment, vehicles and buildings meet required standards for availability and cost-effectiveness.
About you
You will need excellent communication and influencing skills, proven experience in leading successful teams and managing volunteers, and substantial experience delivering programmes that turn strategic vision into reality. Safety management experience is essential; NEBOSH or SMSTS certification is beneficial or you can be working towards one. A full valid driving licence is essential for mobility across your area.
Knowledge, experience & skills
* Ability to translate strategic vision into on-time, on-budget programmes of work.
* Customer-focused approach delivering operational management for a visitor/infrastructure network.
* Proven leadership of teams and ability to maintain motivation and engagement.
* Strong interpersonal, leadership and communication skills.
* Experience in safety management with some knowledge of Construction (Design & Management) regulations.
* Experience in delivering processes, cost control, and managing budgets.
* Experience working with, growing support from and managing volunteers.
* Good experience in contract management.
Behaviours
* Demonstrate the Trust’s values and promote diversity and inclusion.
* Lead by example and ensure safety for colleagues, volunteers, customers; follow Health & Safety policy; investigate incidents; prepare risk assessments and method statements.
* Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and promote safe environments for children, young people and adults at risk.
Qualifications
* NEBOSH or SMSTS certificate advantageous.
* Full and valid driving licence.
What we offer
Base salary: £40,838 per year. Benefits include Car Cash Allowance (£425 per month), pension, and other employee benefits with flexible working arrangements where possible. 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays (27 days after 3 years), additional benefits such as discounts, counselling, learning tools, and volunteering leave.
If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk
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