Head of Operations
Job Description
Reports to: CEO
Location: Hybrid – office based (Gloucester) with some remote working
Hours: Full-time (flexible working considered) The role can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and we welcome hybrid working arrangements to support flexibility and work–life balance.
About Heart Heroes
Heart Heroes supports children living with congenital heart disease and their families across the Southwest and South Wales. We provide events, activities, and emotional support to ensure families feel less isolated and more connected.
The Head of Operations will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of Heart Heroes. You will oversee daily operations, manage people and resources, and ensure strong governance is in place. A central responsibility will be securing funding through clear, empathetic, and persuasive bids—helping us grow and continue delivering life-changing support to families. This is a hands-on leadership role, turning strategy into action and working alongside staff, volunteers, and trustees to achieve the very best outcomes for our community.
This role offers significant opportunity for growth, with the potential to develop alongside the charity as it continues to expand its reach and impact.
Purpose of the Role
You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity, ensuring smooth delivery of services, strong governance, and effective use of resources. A key part of this role will be writing empathetic, compelling bids and funding applications—helping to secure vital resources that allow Heart Heroes to continue supporting families.
This role is central to turning strategy into action—supporting staff, volunteers, and trustees to deliver the best possible outcomes for Heart Heroes families.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
* Lead, manage, and support staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
* Oversee recruitment, induction, and HR processes, ensuring staff and volunteers feel valued and supported.
* Deputise for the CEO when required.
Operations & Delivery
* Manage the charity's day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
* Oversee programme delivery, ensuring activities, events, and services meet the needs of families.
* Monitor and evaluate impact, ensuring services remain relevant and high quality.
Finance & Governance
* Work with the Treasurer and finance team to oversee budgets, financial planning, and reporting.
* Ensure compliance with charity law, safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection.
* Maintain strong operational policies and procedures.
Fundraising, Bid Writing & Partnerships
* Write clear, persuasive, and empathetic bids for grants and funding opportunities.
* Support the CEO in delivering fundraising strategies, including grant applications, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, supporters, and external partners.
* Ensure fundraising efforts reflect the voices and experiences of families we support.
Strategy & Development
* Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans.
* Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved service delivery.
* Report regularly to the CEO and to the Board of Trustees on progress, challenges and solutions.
Person Specification
Essential
* Proven experience in operations or senior management (charity or transferable sector).
* Strong leadership and people management skills.
* Excellent organisational and problem-solving ability.
* Demonstrable experience in funding applications or bid writing.
* Understanding of finance, budgets, and charity governance.
* Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to empathise with and advocate for children and families facing challenges.
* Passion for making a difference to children and families.
Desirable
* Experience within the charity/voluntary sector.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and charity compliance.
* Track record in fundraising or partnership development.
What We Offer
* A rewarding role with real impact on children and families.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Supportive, values-driven team culture.
* Opportunity to shape and grow a thriving charity.
* The role can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and we welcome hybrid working arrangements to support flexibility and work–life balance
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a covering letter by email to
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 37 per week
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gloucester GL4 0DJ