Director of Operations

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Operations & Organisational Effectiveness is responsible for leading Ubele's operational infrastructure and ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes, people, governance and resources required to operate effectively and sustainably.

As a member of the management board, the postholder will work closely with the current CEO and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen organisational effectiveness, improve operational performance and create the conditions for successful programme delivery and long-term organisational resilience.

The role will provide leadership across operations, governance, finance oversight, people management, compliance, organisational planning and business improvement, ensuring that Ubele's operational foundations support its mission, values and ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational leadership and organisational effectiveness
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems, processes and operational practices.
• Drive organisational effectiveness through improved planning, coordination, accountability and performance management.
• Ensure effective operational planning and resource allocation across the organisation.
• Establish and embed clear operational frameworks, policies and procedures
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen delivery and enhanceorganisational performance.
• Lead organisational improvement initiatives and support the implementation ofchange programmes where required.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.

People, culture and performance

• Provide leadership for organisational people practices, ensuring effective workforce planning, employee engagement and performance management.
• Support managers to develop high-performing and inclusive teams.
• Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment practices are effectively implemented.
• Lead organisational approaches to performance management, learning and professional development.
• Contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture that reflects Ubele's values and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Support organisational wellbeing and employee engagement initiatives.

Finance, risk and governance

• Work closely with the Finance Lead and CEO to ensure robust financial management, planning and reporting arrangements are in place.
• Support the development and monitoring of organisational budgets and financial controls.
• Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and support high-quality reporting to the Board.
• Lead the development and maintenance of organisational risk management frameworks.
• Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Ensure organisational policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance reviews.

Programme operations and organisational delivery

• Support effective organisational planning and delivery across programmes, projects and services.
• Develop systems and processes that enable effective programme management, monitoring and reporting.
• Ensure organisational resources are aligned to operational priorities and delivery requirements.
• Oversee organisational performance reporting and management information systems.
• Support cross-organisational collaboration and effective communication between teams.
• Ensure grant, contract and reporting obligations are effectively monitored and fulfilled.

Assets, infrastructure and compliance

• Provide operational oversight of Ubele's facilities, assets and organisational infrastructure, including supporting Wolves Lane leadership and other operational resources.
• Ensure effective management of suppliers, contractors and operational service providers.
• Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and organisational compliance arrangements.
• Ensure business continuity and organisational resilience plans are maintained and regularly reviewed.
• Maintain appropriate systems and controls to support safe, compliant and effective operations.

External relationships and organisational representation

• Develop effective relationships with operational partners, suppliers, funders and stakeholders as required.
• Contribute operational insight and expertise to partnership discussions and organisational initiatives.
• Represent Ubele on operational, governance and organisational matters where appropriate.
• Support the CEO and management board through the provision of high-quality operational information, analysis and recommendations.

Person Specification

Skills

• Operational leadership skills, with the ability to drive organisational effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• People management and leadership skills, including the ability to develop and support teams.
• Ability to analyse information and use data to support decision-making and performance improvement.
• Financial and commercial awareness.
• Communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, Board members, partners, funders and external stakeholders.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions to organisational challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Report writing, presentation and analytical skills.

Experience

• Experience in a senior operational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise, CIC, public sector or similarly complex organisation.
• Experience leading organisational operations, systems, processes and business improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing organisational change and embedding new ways of working.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience overseeing organisational budgets, financial controls and resource planning.
• Experience supporting governance arrangements and working with Boards and Senior Leadership Teams.
• Experience developing and implementing organisational policies, procedures and operational frameworks.
• Experience overseeing risk management, compliance and organisational assurance processes.
• Experience managing contracts, suppliers and operational resources.
• Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects and services within a complex organisational environment.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting and performance reporting.
• Knowledge of employment legislation and people management practices.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisational compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of organisational development and continuous improvement approaches.
• Understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing charities, CICs and social enterprises.
• Understanding of equity, inclusion and community-centred approaches to organisational leadership.
• Understanding of the social, economic and structural issues affecting African Diaspora communities and community-led organisations.
• Knowledge of grant-funded and contract-funded operating environments.

This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionally demanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience is essential.

A DBS check may be required depending on Ubele’s programmes.

This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.