Job Description
The Head of Operations is responsible for the leadership of Befriend a Child s services, ensuring high-quality and impactful delivery across all programmes for children, young people and families.
This role leads service development, operational performance, safeguarding, impact measurement and team management, working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team to drive organisational growth and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Service Leadership and Development
Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Befriend a Child programmes
Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of services to ensure they meet the evolving needs of children and families
Work with the CEO to identify gaps in provision and initiatives to expand or enhance services in line with the charity s strategic objectives
Build and maintain strong relationships with delivery partners, funders and key stakeholders
Programme Delivery and Oversight
Lead the operational delivery of all programmes including befriending, mentoring, youth clubs, group activities and family support
Oversee the day-to-day service delivery of all programmes, ensuring they are safe, effective, compliant and beneficiary-focused
Ensure robust systems are in place for referral management, matching, risk assessment and safeguarding
Monitor service performance, caseloads and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and quality outcomes
Oversee the recruitment, training, engagement and ongoing support of volunteers, ensuring effective volunteer practices across all programmes
Deliver volunteer training as required
Work closely with partner agencies to strengthen referral pathways and partnership working
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Befriend a Child, providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding issues and ensuring that strong safeguarding practices remain central to all services
Lead the development, review and implementation of operational policies and procedures
Lead the setting and management of Operations team targets and budgets
Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation
Lead the design and implementation of impact measurement frameworks
Ensure effective collection, analysis and reporting of service data to demonstrate outcomes and inform strategic decision-making
Produce high-quality reports for funders and stakeholders
Ensure monitoring and reporting aligns with internal and external requirements
Use insights and evidence to drive continuous service improvements and learning
Team Leadership and Management
Lead, develop and inspire the Operations team, fostering a culture of motivation, accountability and high-performance
Line manage and support direct reports through regular supervision, performance management and development planning
Ensure staff have the skills and resources needed to deliver excellent services
Promote staff and volunteer wellbeing and create a supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment
Organisational Leadership and Collaboration
Contribute actively to the development of the charity s strategic vision and objectives
Play a key role in organisational decision-making and strategic planning as part of the Senior Management Team
Prepare operational and impact reports for the Senior Management Team and the Board on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis
Attend Befriend a Child Board meetings quarterly to present the Operations report
Represent Befriend a Child at events, conferences, and meetings to advocate for our work
Act as the lead contact for named funders, supporting relationship management, grant applications and reporting requirements
Additional Responsibilities
Promote Befriend a Child s vision, mission and values and be an ambassador of the charity
Support the delivery of activities for beneficiaries and volunteers, including occasional evening and weekend work
Ensure compliance with all Befriend a Child policies, procedures and professional standards
Support fundraising activities and attend events as required
Undertake any additional duties consistent with the senior nature of the role
This is an outline job description designed to give an overview of the responsibilities of the role. We expect the job holder will work flexibly, responding to organisational need and changes as they occur.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Required Knowledge / Experience
Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
Significant experience of working with children, young people and families
Proven experience of leading and managing teams, including staff supervision and development
Demonstrable experience of managing multiple projects or services, ensuring delivery to time, budget and quality
Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and legislation, with experience acting as or supporting a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Experience of budget management and financial accountability
Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships within community, voluntary, education, and statutory organisations
Knowledge of the local policy and funding landscape for children, young people and family services
Experience of grant applications and reporting from statutory, trust or commissioned sources
Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation frameworks in community or youth settings
Required Skills
Proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to produce quality reports for a variety of internal and external audiences
Excellent planning skills and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines across a range of activities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent Befriend a Child externally and work collaboratively across the sector
Strong team working skills including sharing ideas, providing and receiving support, maintaining positive relationships and able to communicate positively with the Befriend a Child community
Able to take a flexible approach to work, including flexible and out of hours working in response to beneficiary service needs
IT and data management skills
WORKING AT BEFRIEND A CHILD
At Befriend a Child, we are committed to creating a working environment where our team feel valued, supported and able to thrive, both professionally and personally. We provide opportunities to develop and progress, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Befriend a Child is situated in the centre of Aberdeen in Bon-Accord Square, with its own private staff car park.
Employee Benefits
Salary
£40,000 - £45,000
Hours of Work
37.5 hours a week (7.5 hours a day including a paid lunch break), plus
occasional evening and weekend work.
Location
Aberdeen based. Hybrid working is available.
Annual Leave
35 days annual leave including bank holidays and 4 days over the Christmas period. This increases by one day every two years to a maximum of 39 days.
Pension Scheme
After a qualifying period of 3 months, employees are auto enrolled into our pension scheme with Royal London. The scheme has a combined contribution of 9% (5% employee contribution and 4% employer contribution).
Medicash Health Plan
Medicash Level 1 plan which includes cashback for health appointments and has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Flexible Working
Flexible working is available upon request
Training and Development
Befriend a Child recognises the importance of developing our team. We offer structured induction support and encourage staff to undertake training to develop their skills and interests at work
