RMA – The Royal Marines Charity – Senior Operations Manager in London

This is a new, Scotland-based role reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The purpose of the role is to develop and improve the RMA-TRMC (the Charity’s) concept of operations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and prescribed population areas of northern England (collectively known as the region). The incumbent will develop the strategic intent of the charity with guidance from the CEO and deputise for him and the SLT in the region where necessary. They should be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of the Charity, its operations, the wider military charity sector, how veterans’ affairs are managed in the region and enable the adoption of better practice where necessary. The role involves strategic planning, relationship management, and operational oversight to ensure the charity’s mission is effectively carried out in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaison and Advocacy: Act as the primary liaison between the charity and the Veterans Commissioner (Scotland), RBL Group, SSAFA, and other military third sector organisations. Advocate on behalf of Royal Marines veterans’ affairs in the region, ensuring their needs and concerns are represented and addressed. Develop and maintain strong relationships with philanthropic High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), working closely with the Director of Fundraising and Communications and the Development Director to drive income growth. Support major events as needed, actively participating, guiding, and advising to maximise engagement, strengthen connections, and secure long-term support.
• Membership Activities: Lead all membership activities in the region in collaboration with the Membership Director, ensuring effective communication and support for RMA-TRMC branches. Provide a link between the serving Corps and the charity, offering help and assistance when necessary. Serve as the primary point of contact for Royal Marines veterans and their families in the region, providing guidance and support through existing RMA-TRMC channels and pillars.
• Operational Management: Develop and improve the charity’s concept of operations in the region, aligning with the strategic intent set by the CEO. Deputise for the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in the region when necessary, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making. Manage, guide, and advise the Fundraising Manager and Transition Support Officer (North), ensuring their activities align with the charity’s goals and objectives.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Communication and PR: Ensure regional activities are communicated throughout RMA-TRMC and shared across all media channels and PR opportunities, enhancing the charity’s visibility and impact. Work with the community fundraising team to support regional fundraising events, ensuring they are well-organised and successful.

Skills and Experience:

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with beneficiaries, benefactors, partners, and other stakeholders. Demonstrate empathy and manage conflicts effectively, ensuring a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Organisational and Planning Skills: Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to meet deadlines without close supervision. Knowledge of data protection and database record keeping, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Financial and Budget Management: Financial budget monitoring experience, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with the charity’s financial goals.
• Flexibility and Travel: Willingness to travel region-wide for meetings and conferences when required, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the role.

Qualities:

• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and sound judgement in all interactions.
• Independent thinker with the ability to act for the charity at a senior level in the region.
• Attention to detail and the ability to drive issues to successful conclusions.
• Organised with the ability to prioritise and fulfil numerous tasks.
• Effective negotiating and influencing skills.
• Ability to develop, motivate, and manage individuals and groups of supporters.
• Passionate about the cause with a strong desire to help others.
• Comfortable working in a military environment.
• Highly flexible with working hours to support wider charity activities.
• Conscientious, flexible, and adaptable nature to integrate and contribute with a small team at distance.

Performance Metrics: Success in this role will be measured by the ability to meet fundraising targets, improve member engagement, and enhance the charity’s operations in the region.

Diversity and Inclusion: RMA-TRMC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Additional Information: The role holder will maintain and further develop strong relationships with philanthropic High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) in the region and assist, where appropriate, with major events, participating, guiding, and advising as necessary. The role holder will also lead or support all RMA membership activity in the region in direct liaison with the Membership Ops Director (OPCON), visiting and supporting RMA-TRMC branches in conjunction with the Membership Team. They will provide a complementary signposting function to those Royal Marines past and present that need charitable support in the region, by directing them to current support networks and staff through existing RMA-TRMC channels and pillars. The role holder will be diplomatic and approachable with a strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing. They will be a confident self-starter, at ease in a military environment and able to adapt as the Charity continues to evolve. They will lead on liaison with other military charities in the region. They will also require problem-solving skills and excellent judgement combined with a meticulous and disciplined approach to work with proven organisational and programme development skills. They must be able to prioritise a varied and busy workload, delivering to deadlines and acting without daily supervision. The role holder should be willing to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours in the conduct of their duties and travel to the charity offices in Devon when necessary.

Benefits: 30 Days Annual leave, plus bank holidays, Non-Contributory Pension Scheme, Gym Access, Workplace pension and life assurance after qualifying period, Employee assistance scheme, Personal development scheme, Access to charity healthcare scheme (at cost) after qualifying period.

Salary: On Application

If you are a confident self-starter with a passion for supporting veterans and their families, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served.

How to Apply: To arrange an informal conversation about the role email Si Wright Chief Operation Officer ats.wright@rma-trmc.org. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Wendy Sheen w.sheen@rma-trmc.org. Closing date Friday 11 April 2025.

For further information or to express interest, please get in touch with the Employment & Education team via this email address or on 023 9298 1920.