Overview
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Advance Charity is seeking a Senior Operations Contracts Lead (East of England). The role covers Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent with hybrid work options and regular travel to multiple locations and sites.
Role details
Senior Operations Contracts Lead (East of England)
Salary: £38,000 - £48,000
Location: Based across multiple locations with the flexibility to work from home up to two days per week. Role based at Chelmsford, Maidstone or Canterbury with regular travel to the other locations. A minimum of three days per week in face-to-face, in-person contact (e.g., in Women’s Centres, Estates or external visits) and a monthly visit toHead Office in Hammersmith. Visits may also be required to HMP Peterborough and HMP Bronzefield.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term contract until March 2027
Equalities note: This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Applicant verification: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About Us: Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We empower women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives and to contribute to the community. We work in local communities and women’s centres, and partner with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, empower and respect, collaborate, innovate, and be accountable.
About the role
As an experienced senior manager with a proven track record of leadership in providing services to women in contact with the criminal justice system and in working with partners and funders, you will manage criminal justice projects, develop and expand services and partnerships, and manage criminal justice managers and other staff as required. You will work with the management team to ensure services operate within budget, comply with financial regulations, and meet funding and Advance requirements.
About You
To be successful as the Senior Operations Contracts Lead you will need the following experience and skills:
* Thorough understanding of and knowledge of issues relating to women in the criminal justice system
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding adults and children principles, child abuse, child protection issues and safeguarding
* Strong knowledge of organisational systems and frameworks, line management and project management
* Significant experience in strategic planning and operational management at a service manager level, including delivering services at senior management level
* Experience of working with women and/or service users with complex needs, particularly within the criminal justice system, in custody and/or community
* Experience of developing relationships with funders/commissioners and achieving outcomes
* Experience implementing quality assurance frameworks, monitoring, evaluating and measuring impact
* Strong influencing skills, communication and presentation abilities with a proactive, solution-focused approach
* Strong negotiating skills and ability to build relationships and partnerships, manage ambiguity, resolve conflict, and achieve outcomes
* Ability to think and plan strategically to develop practical and creative solutions while maintaining diplomacy and professionalism
How to apply
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Applications via the Advance careers page with a cover letter will be considered.
Closing date: Sunday 10 May 2026
Interviews: 26 and 28 May 2026
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you – Employee Benefits
* A 35-hour working week
* 35 days holiday (30 days plus public holidays, pro rata for part time) plus additional holidays for International Women’s Day and religious observance
* Perkbox employee discount platform
* Pension scheme
* Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Employee eye-care scheme
* Clinical supervision for frontline staff
* Refer a Friend Scheme – £250 for each referral who passes probation
* Organisation-wide away days
* One-week paid carers’ leave
* Career development pathways
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability or special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and we will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from underrepresented groups. All employees are offered equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero tolerance of harm. We follow safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, including pre-employment checks (references, DBS checks, identity checks) and mandatory safeguarding training to empower staff to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
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