At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Employability, Health and Wellbeing services to improve lives.
- Company: Catch22, a charity with a business mindset focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to equality and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping impactful services.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose - we call these our '3Ps'. We achieve this in two ways. First we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity, and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.
As Operational Director you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Catch22’s Employability, Health and Wellbeing services, with clear accountability for safe, high-quality and sustainable delivery that improves outcomes for people and their communities through high-quality advice, guidance and support.
You will translate strategic ambition into high-performing services, balancing impact, safeguarding, quality, compliance, financial sustainability, and growth. Safeguarding, risk management, and assurance will be embedded as core operational priorities, with clear oversight, escalation, and accountability.
Our Operations Directors are accountable for the overall performance, quality, safeguarding and sustainability of our Employability, Health and Wellbeing services for both adults and young people. You will provide clear strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio, ensuring services deliver agreed outcomes, meet contractual and statutory requirements, and maintain strong commissioner confidence.
You will lead the development and delivery of operating models aligned to organisational priorities, commissioner expectations and system reform. You will translate strategy into clear priorities, delivery plans and decisions, maintaining a strong line of sight from ambition to impact.
You are the accountable portfolio-level decision-maker, providing pace, consistency and delivery confidence across services. This includes full accountability for financial sustainability, budget delivery and value for money, alongside robust governance, assurance and risk management.
You will champion a strong, evidence-led approach to impact measurement, using data, insight and feedback to demonstrate outcomes, strengthen assurance and drive continuous improvement. Safeguarding, safety, wellbeing and compliance are core operational priorities.
You will identify and progress opportunities to grow, expand and evolve this portfolio of provision in response to commissioner need, policy change and evidence of impact, while acting as a visible senior leader and ambassador for Catch22 with commissioners, partners and external stakeholders.
Working collaboratively with other Business Leaders, services and partners, you will strengthen how services operate as part of a connected system, ensuring learning, insight and good practice are shared and applied consistently. You will operate within a matrix model, combining direct portfolio accountability with shared leadership to strengthen delivery assurance and commissioner confidence.
Closing Date: This advert will close for applications at midnight on 2nd August, with interviews planned for between 13th-19th August. We aim to review applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the volume of interest we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful this time.
At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.
Catch22 is committed to rigorous safeguarding and safer recruitment practices; ensuring that every individual within the organisation has been safely and appropriately checked.
Catch22 is proud to have “Banned the Box”. This means that we do not ask for candidates to disclose criminal convictions at the application stage. Instead, we invite disclosures at interview stage, and encourage them at the offer stage.
Director of Operations - Employability, Health and Wellbeing in London employer: Catch22
Catch22 is an exceptional employer that prioritises the empowerment of individuals facing employment barriers through innovative training programmes. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and development, complemented by generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave and pension contributions. Join us in Park Central, where your passion for making a difference can thrive in a collaborative and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations - Employability, Health and Wellbeing in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Catch22.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Catch22.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Catch22.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Catch22. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - Employability, Health and Wellbeing in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Catch22. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Operations - Employability, Health and Wellbeing, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catch22
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Catch22. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
