At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide Support Services in Large Single Parishes, ensuring effective delivery and sustainability.
- Company: Dynamic diocese with a focus on community engagement and support.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Fixed term role until November 2027 with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Fixed term until November 2027 and is mostly based in St James' House with frequent meetings in locations across the diocese, including evening meetings with volunteers. Occasional weekend meetings will be required. Some work from home by agreement, with most diocese staff working from home on Fridays.
Job Summary
Purpose of the role: To lead and guide the establishment and sustainability of Support Services within Large Single Parishes (LSPs), working alongside an Operations Development Project Officer. The role focuses on building relationships, facilitating decision-making, and supporting Support Services Managers, while ensuring that the overall programme progresses effectively and consistently across the diocese.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead the Support Services delivery function
- Provide direction, prioritisation, and oversight for the work of the Support Services function
- Line manage Operations Development Project Officer, providing support, clarity, and development
- Line manage Churchwardens Support Officer, Digital Systems Officer and other relevant roles as required
- Manage outsourced work and contractor relationships
- Ensure delivery across all LSPs remains on track and aligned to programme priorities
Local Engagement & Decision-Making
- Lead engagement with church leaders and local teams to:
- Understand administrative needs in the local context
- Facilitate decisions on Support Services models
- Enable the change team to move from discussion to clear, agreed approaches
Guidance to Support Services Managers
- Act as the primary relationship lead for Support Services Managers once appointed
- Provide support and constructive challenge to help managers build confidence and capability in leading their administrative services
Handling Complexity & Risk
- Support the most complex or sensitive situations (e.g. disagreement, lack of clarity, leadership challenges)
- Work with diocesan project team where escalation or additional support is required
Oversight of Quality & Sustainability
- Maintain oversight of whether Support Services are:
- Functioning effectively, covering key operational areas
- Moving towards sustainability - including establishing peer network
- Provide assurance to the Senior Project Manager on progress and readiness for close out
Other responsibilities will include:
- Supporting programme reporting and escalation
- Leading on continuous improvement of the approach
Operations Development Lead employer: Church of England
Walker Christ Church offers a unique opportunity for a full-time Vicar to engage deeply with a compassionate congregation dedicated to community service and spiritual growth. Located in the vibrant area of Walker, this role provides a supportive environment with experienced colleagues across multiple parishes, fostering collaboration and innovation in mission work. The church prioritises personal development and encourages initiatives that connect with diverse local communities, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Development Lead
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Church of England. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Church of England.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Church of England.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Church of England and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Church of England will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Church of England.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Church of England.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Church of England. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
