Head Of Operations

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Title: Head of Operations at KEEN London
Role type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 35 hours PW
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 pa dependent on experience
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Location: N4 but hybrid arrangements welcomed.

Closing date: midnight 17th March

Our Vision?
Every child has a chance to enjoy sports and activities, and none are left behind due to disability. 

Our Mission?
To improve physical activity, social interaction and quality of life for children with disabilities in the London area.

Whatever we do, we ensure that all our activities meet the following aims:

• Inclusive – we welcome children with a wide range of needs and backgrounds and celebrate the diversity within our community
• Accessible – the tailored support provided at our sessions ensures that all children can safely access the activities on offer 
• Engaging – we run a wide variety of activities to suit different interests and personality types, ensuring that our children always have something new and exciting to learn
• Supportive of personal development – our activities help children to get active, make new friends, and develop their communication, confidence and social skills
• Fun! – at KEEN we believe that all children deserve to have fun and we make sure that fun is at the heart of all our activities

21 years of doing what we love
KEEN London has been delivering free 1:1 supported services to children with additional needs and disabilities, across London, for over 21 years. Children from our service have gone on to further education, to access other clubs and groups and achieve things their families did not believe would be possible, had it not been for the support of KEEN London to grow their confidence and skills.  

We are looking for candidates who share KEEN London’s values i.e. inclusive; compassionate and supportive; committed to high standards; trustworthy; respectful; accountable and fun. 

We are proud of the difference we make in the lives of children and young people so if you would like to be a part of this, we’d love to hear from you.

What’s the opportunity? 
Reporting into Board level, the purpose of this role is to lead the day-to-day operations of the charity. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for providing sound, motivating leadership and creating a work atmosphere where our dedicated, talented team can thrive. You will be responsible for leading on delivering the charity's services, which includes managing and overseeing projects, policies and procedures within the organisation. 

The role will work alongside the trustees, staff team and Finance Manager in ensuring strong financial management of all projects.  The post-holder will take a flexible approach, using your initiative to look at and influence operational development and future strategies for KEEN London. 

This role will also involve evaluating our organisation’s processes and ensuring they are efficient and accessible, as well as ensuring we meet our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). You will work closely with the trustees and staff team in developing positive partnerships.

You will enjoy working as part of a busy, collaborative and motivated team and be able to adapt well to changing priorities. You’ll work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing regular updates on KEEN’s activities and outcomes. 

Person specification
Essential Criteria 

• Proven track record in an operational, managerial role within the third sector, reporting to executive or board level.
• A strong leader and people manager, with proven experience mentoring a staff and volunteer team, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities, and driving towards excellent outcomes
• Experience leading the delivery of high-quality services for charity beneficiaries
• Ability to collaborate with the Board of Trustees to define organisational goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency.
• Experience in change management, problem solving and innovation. 
• Proven experience supporting an organisation to successfully apply for funding and managing multiple grants (the charity has a dedicated Fundraising Manager)
• Proven ability to effectively manage projects, ensuring key objectives, plans and activities are successfully delivered.
• Proven ability to create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are celebrated, and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best. 
• An excellent eye for detail. Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst using initiative to make sound decisions. 
• Ability to solve problems quickly and decisively.
• Ability to be flexible and be involved in areas outside of expertise if required
• A willingness to continue training and professional development to support objectives
• Ability to plan and manage budgets and contribute to decisions on the allocation of resources.
• Excellent IT skills

Desirable Criteria

• Good understanding of HR matters and appropriate processes that need to be considered when managing a team of people 
• Knowing the voluntary sector, grants, monitoring or willingness to learn at pace will be an asset. 
• Experience of working for a children’s charity.

General

• Willingness to undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

   

Personal qualities

• Comfortable representing the charity with all stakeholders including beneficiaries and their families, trustees, funders, and other community groups.
• Able to build and manage positive relationships with stakeholders at the appropriate level
• Friendly approachable person with good organisational skills, enthusiasm, and energy
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently and working with others when required.
• Flexible approach to work and be hands-on to get the task done
• Excellent levels of discretion and judgement and experience of dealing with sensitive information
• Recognise and value all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Be an excellent role model for staff, children and young people

This post is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and Right to work in the UK. The job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Head of Operations. It is not wholly comprehensive and may be reviewed as required.

Benefits
Company Pension
Employee Assistance Programme
22 days annual leave, in addition to bank holidays
Birthday Leave
Subsidised social events
Subsidised eye tests and glasses
​Employee Loan Scheme
Disability Confident Employer
Season Ticket Loans
Closure of office between Christmas & New Year period (typically 3 days, not taken from annual leave entitlement)
Flexible working options
Training and development to support your learning and growth
Free tea and coffee in the office! 

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter.

Initial screening interviews week commencing 25th March.
2nd interviews week commencing 1st or 8th April