At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO in managing operations, events, and strategic delivery for the Craft Bakers Association.
- Company: Join a dynamic association focused on community engagement and commercial growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to lead impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of the baking industry while supporting independent businesses.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, project management, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Operations Manager
The role would be a clear second-in-command to the CEO, with responsibility for translating strategy into delivery, partner management, events and internal operations.
It would also remove some of the day-to-day delivery burden from the CEO.
This draws from the existing Head of Operations role and CEO responsibilities while aligning to the strategic priorities for 2026–2029, particularly community engagement, Business Day, partnerships, training, governance and commercial growth.
Reports to: CEO
Frequent travel to meetings, events, member visits and occassional overnight stays required.
1. Role Purpose
The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the Chief Executive Officer in the day to day management and strategic delivery of the Craft Bakers Assocation (CBA)
The postholder will project manage and co-ordinate delivery of the CBA Strategic Focus Areas, ensuring objectives are translated into measurable actions, delivered on time and alighted with organisational priorities.
The role will lead to operational planning, partner relationships, member engagement activity and flagship events, including Business Day.
The Operations Manager will act as the first line of management for the Ware office team.
The role will work closely with the CEO, Chairman, Board and external partners to support the continued growh, relevance and sustainability of the Association.
- 2. Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Delivery and Project Management
Lead the operational delivery and project management of the CBA Strategic Focus Areas and associated workstreams
Monitor progress against agreed objectives and provide regular updates to the CEO, Chairman and Board.
Coordinate cross-functional strategic projects working with board members and team.
Support CEO engagement with regulators, MPs, industry groups and sector partners.
Act as a key representative of the CBA at meetings, exhibitions and industry events as agreed with the CEO.
Business Day & Events Management
Lead the operational planning and delivery of the CBA Business Day and associated events.
Coordinate project plans, budgets, suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and logistics.
• Ensure the successful delivery of
- AGM
- Industry exhibition
- Insight/masterclass sessions
- Awards activity
- Networking and evening functions
Work with the CEO and committees to ensure events support membership engagement, commercial growth and strategic objectives.
Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lean delivery.
- Team Leadership & Operations
- Act as first line manager for the Ware-based team.
- Coordinate workloads, priorities and performance across the office team.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and support employee development.
- Escalate operational issues, performance concerns or resource requirements to the CEO.
- Support HR administration including holiday, sickness and return-to-work processes.
- Member Engagement & Communications
Support the CEO in ensuring members receive a high-quality service and clear communication on CBA activity.
Governance & Reporting
Support preparation for Board meetings, committees and governance activity.
Coordinate papers, reporting and action tracking.
Ensure accurate minutes, actions and follow-up activity are completed.
- Operational & Financial Support
- Work alongside the CEO on business planning and organisational priorities.
- Key Working Relationships
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chairman and Board Directors
- Ware Office Team
- Members and Industry Partners
- External agencies and consultants
- Government and sector stakeholders
Essential
- Proven experience in operations, project management, partnerships or membership organisations.
- Strong organisational and programme management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience of delivering events or conferences.
- Ability to lead and motivate teams.
- Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities for growth.
- Strong IT capability including Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.
- High attention to detail and ability to work independently.
Desirable
- Experience working within trade associations, membership bodies or not-for-profit organisations.
- Experience of sponsorship, partnership or commercial income generation.
- Understanding of the food, baking or manufacturing sectors.
- Knowledge of governance and board reporting.
- Personal Attributes
- Highly organised and proactive.
- Positive, professional and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and relationship driven.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-moving environment.
- Comfortable balancing strategy and hands-on delivery.
- Passionate about supporting independent businesses and industry communities.
- Additional Information
The postholder will be required to travel throughout the UK and undertake occasional overnight stays.
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Operations Manager employer: Craft Bakers Association
The Craft Bakers Association (CBA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, CBA provides training opportunities and encourages professional growth while fostering a supportive culture that values each team member's contributions. Located in a vibrant community, employees enjoy the unique advantage of engaging with industry leaders and participating in events that enhance their skills and networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager at Craft Bakers Association!
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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Craft Bakers Association or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager position!
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Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Craft Bakers Association who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager role at Craft Bakers Association!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Craft Bakers Association. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Bakers Association
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Craft Bakers Association. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
