Head of Operations

Head of Operations (Charitable) | Southend | Up to £55,000 | 35 Hours per Week Role Purpose The Head of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic & operational leadership across the Company's executive functions. Reporting to the Executive Director & working closely with the Director of External Services, you will lead operational teams, oversee governance, budgets & resources, and ensure the effective delivery of services supporting the Company's charitable objectives, membership, professional standards, conferences, events & member communications. You will work closely with Trustees, senior leaders & external stakeholders to drive organisational performance & strategic priorities. Key Responsibilities • Lead the Company's operational functions, ensuring effective planning, resource management, budget control & continuous service improvement. • Support the Executive Director & Senior Leadership Team in delivering strategic objectives. • Oversee governance for the Council, Executive Board & committees, ensuring effective meeting management, compliance & policy development. • Manage governance processes including elections, Trustee records, audits, complaints, data protection & information governance. • Line manage the Membership Manager, Governance Team, Conferences & Events Team, and Editorial Executive. • Oversee membership services, professional registrations, conferences, events & member communications. • Act as Secretary to the Professional Standards Board. • Build strong relationships with Trustees, volunteers, committees & external partners. • Lead, motivate & develop teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. What you'll need Essential • Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience. • Significant senior operations or business management experience. • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams. • Experience within a charity, membership organisation, public sector or not-for-profit environment. • Experience supporting Boards, committees & senior stakeholders. • Knowledge of governance, committee administration, budgets, projects & organisational change. • Strong communication, organisational & leadership skills. • Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office & CRM systems. • High levels of professionalism, integrity, discretion & sound judgement. • Understanding of charity governance, policy development, data protection & organisational accountability. Desirable • Experience within a professional membership body, regulatory organisation or charity. • Experience working with volunteers. • Experience managing conferences, events or stakeholder engagement activities. • Knowledge of Charity Commission regulation & governance best practice. What's in it for you? • £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience. • 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday (Hybrid) - 3 days working from home & 2 days office based. • 9% company pension contribution. • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. • Christmas shutdown from Christmas Eve until the beginning of January, in addition to your annual leave entitlement.