Head Of Operations - Maternity Cover

Contract: Fixed term Maternity Cover July 2024-May 2025  

Hours: 0.8 FTE (4 days per week)   

Salary: £46,400 (£58,000 FTE)  

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer  

Works with: Head of Marketing, Head of Business Incubation and Head of Development 

Manages: Studio Manager (Deptford), Studio Manager (Bloomsbury), Events and Venue Coordinator, Event Manager (freelance), Youth & Community Producer (freelance)  

Cockpit is looking for an exceptional candidate for the role of Head of Operations. This is a fixed term Maternity Cover running July 2024 – May 2025, working 4 days per week.

Cockpit is a centre of excellence in craft and home to over 182 of the world’s finest makers. Established in 1986, Cockpit is a registered charity and an award-winning social enterprise. Cockpit provides business support and dedicated studio space to enable makers to make the most of their talent. With an international reputation for excellence, Cockpit is proud to have launched the careers of many of the leading names in contemporary craft.  

As a key member of the leadership team, the Head of Operations (HOO) plays a vital role in the development and delivery of Cockpit’s strategic plan, working closely with the Chief Executive. The HOO will ensure operational excellence, site optimisation in Bloomsbury and Deptford and lead on property strategy. The role encompasses oversight of the maker community, management of IT systems, leading on HR and responsibility for health and safety compliance. 

This role would suit an entrepreneurial self-starter with demonstrable experience in property and building management, project management, budget and fiscal control, HR and team management. Knowledge of planning, business and charity financing, leasehold and landlord-tenant legislation is desirable.  The role requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to exert influence and maintain critical relationships. It requires a keen focus on delivery and detail as well as the ability to retain big picture perspectives. Exemplary communication skills and the ability to manage multiple.