Job Description
This is a senior role focused on developing and expanding Communities 1st s enterprise activity, ensuring services are innovative, inclusive, and financially sustainable. You will have direct oversight of current enterprise services and play a pivotal role in helping other teams to develop traded offers and take a more enterprising approach to their work.
You will:
- Lead the delivery, growth, and improvement of our existing social enterprise services including community centres, facility hire, and handyperson services.
- Drive development of new income-generating opportunities in collaboration with other teams such as our Coffee Cart, corporate and school workshop offers, and creative venue-based initiatives.
Purpose of the Job:
To lead and develop a growing portfolio of social enterprise services that generate income, increase social value, and support our charitable mission. The role focuses on both direct service management and cross-team collaboration to stimulate innovation, scale, and sustainability across our wider work.
General Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day operations and strategic development of all community-focussed enterprise services.
- Identify and implement opportunities to grow and diversify income across multiple service areas.
- Support other teams to explore and develop enterprise elements aligned to their goals and communities.
- Ensure all enterprise services are inclusive, well-managed, and aligned with organisational values and impact objectives
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Line Management
- Lead and support a multidisciplinary team delivering community enterprise services, including facilities, traded services, and community-based projects.
- Provide coaching, supervision, and performance management to direct reports.
- Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led team culture.
Enterprise Strategy & Development
- Develop and evolve business plans and service models that balance social mission and financial sustainability.
- Drive innovation and service improvement across enterprise areas, identifying opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased impact.
- Support other departments (e.g. Creative, Wellbeing, Volunteering) to explore and implement income-generating opportunities such as events, workshops, and training.
- Promote enterprise services and offers to target markets including local businesses, schools, and community organisations.
Finance & Operational Management
- Oversee budgets, purchasing, pricing, and income tracking in line with finance policies and delegated authority.
- Ensure effective systems for stock, asset, and facilities management are in place.
- Use performance data to inform decision-making and improve quality, efficiency, and impact.
Supported Volunteering and Employment
- Work with the Wellbeing, Employment & Skills team to offer inclusive volunteering and work placement opportunities within enterprise services.
- Support volunteers and participants to develop confidence, skills, and pathways to employment or further involvement.
- Ensure person-centred, inclusive practice is embedded across enterprise operations.
Marketing, Sales & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to raise the profile of enterprise offers and increase reach and take-up.
- Build relationships with external stakeholders including businesses, schools, and community partners.
- Develop productive working relationships with suppliers, delivery partners, and venues to support joint initiatives and operational effectiveness.
Quality
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and learning.
- Lead the implementation of standard operating procedures and embed quality assurance processes across enterprise activities.
