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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and support the NSA's mission for sheep farmers.
- Company: Join the National Sheep Association, a charity dedicated to supporting UK sheep farmers since 1892.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home-based work and contribute to meaningful agricultural initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the sheep farming community.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial analysis, HR, and compliance is essential; passion for agriculture is a must.
- Other info: Apply by 14th May for a chance to shape the future of UK sheep farming.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
National Sheep Association (NSA) is a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to representing and supporting sheep farmers across the United Kingdom. Established in 1892, the NSA's mission is to safeguard the interests and future of UK sheep farmers by promoting best practices in sheep farming and highlighting the sector's contributions to the economy, environment, and society. As a registered charity, its objectives include encouraging and improving sheep breeding, management, and promotion, aiming to advance education, health, heritage, science, environmental protection, and animal welfare for public benefit.
About the role
An Operations Director is being sought to join the NSA Senior Management Team and direct the professional, effective and consistent delivery of everyday operational functions of NSA. This is a senior position within the NSA team, reporting into the NSA Chief Executive, and involves regularly updating the NSA Trustee Directors and being involved in major financial, staffing and delivery decisions. It is a challenging and hugely varied role that brings a great deal of responsibility and involvement in multiple areas of exciting and important NSA activity.
Responsibilities
- Governance: Working with the NSA Trustee Directors and supporting them to ensure NSA runs professionally and within frameworks set by Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Finances: Setting budgets and analysing financial information to ensure good use of NSA resources throughout the organisation. This will include a working understanding of the NSA investments and property portfolio.
- Staffing: Looking after all NSA employees with correct HR procedures and appropriate wellbeing measures, while having some direct line management responsibilities. Also managing officeholders, paid annual honorarium, and self-employed contractors.
- Compliance: Ensuring NSA meets various regulations around data protection, employment law, health and safety, and other requirements.
- Site Management: Managing NSA Head Office (including IT for office and home-based staff) and the NSA Sheep Centre (including tenants) at Malvern, Worcestershire. Having oversight of NSA activities, including communications, corporate sales, membership recruitment/retention/administration, research projects, events, activities and campaigns work, to connect and maximise workstreams to the benefit of NSA members and the association as a whole.
Skills Required:
- Financial analysis
- HR and employment law
- Line management of staff
- Contract negotiation and management
- Communication of complex information (e.g., finances) to colleagues and directors
- Knowledge of working in a charity and experience of reporting to a Board of trustees/directors would be useful.
- Commitment to UK agriculture and appreciation of the role NSA serves within the livestock sector are essential.
Working locations: Home-Based
How to apply
To apply for this role, please email a covering letter, CV, and application form to Joanne Briggs, NSA Operations Director, before 12 noon on Wednesday 14th May. First round interviews will be on Tuesday, 20th May at the NSA Head Office.
Operations Director employer: Association of Association Executives
Contact Detail:
Association of Association Executives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Sheep Association's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sheep farmers and the broader agricultural community will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural and charity sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet individuals connected to the NSA, as personal connections can often lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in financial analysis and HR management in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and staff, as these are crucial aspects of the Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends and challenges in the UK sheep farming industry. Being knowledgeable about the sector will not only impress the interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the NSA's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Operations Director position at the National Sheep Association. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also explain why you are passionate about supporting UK sheep farmers. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your financial analysis skills, HR knowledge, and commitment to agriculture.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight relevant experience in governance, compliance, and site management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that showcase your leadership and operational skills.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to include all required documents: your covering letter, CV, and application form. Double-check that you have addressed them to Joanne Briggs and submitted everything before the deadline of 12 noon on Wednesday, 14th May.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Association Executives
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the National Sheep Association's mission and objectives. Familiarise yourself with their role in supporting sheep farmers and how they contribute to the UK agriculture sector. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the organisation.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
As an Operations Director, you'll be expected to handle budgets and financial analysis. Brush up on your financial skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've ensured effective use of resources.
✨Highlight Your HR Experience
Given the staffing responsibilities of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with HR procedures and employee wellbeing measures. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and supported staff development in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the regulations surrounding data protection, employment law, and health and safety that are relevant to the charity sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach these challenges at the NSA.
