Programme Manager – FromeBase

20 hours per week | £17.85 per hour | 12-month contract Frome, Somerset

Love building things from scratch? Comfortable rolling up your sleeves and making things happen?

Edventure Frome CIC is looking for a hands-on Programme/Store Manager to develop FromeBase - a new community-run DIY materials reuse store. You'll be helping turn an empty space into a busy, useful, well-loved community asset.

About Edventure

Edventure Frome CIC is a grassroots community incubator supporting people in rural market towns to turn ideas into action and build practical solutions to local challenges. We are the heart of circular economy in Frome. We specialise in community learning, social enterprise development and activating underused assets for public good.

About FromeBase

FromeBase is a new initiative by Edventure: to create a community-run DIY store. We collect high-quality surplus materials from construction firms, tradespeople and local residents, and sell them on at affordable prices (often half the price). It's about reducing waste, supporting low-cost making and repair, and helping local people grow practical skills. This role exists to build FromeBase from the ground up and take it from a prototype to a functioning, well-used community asset, including working with the Share Shop as a key partner in the space.

The Role

You will lead the development, set-up and early operation of FromeBase. This is a practical, delivery-focused role for someone comfortable creating something new, testing ideas quickly, and learning by doing. You will work closely with Edventure's team and wider network, but you will be expected to take real ownership of the project and be a confident self-starter to make things happen on the ground including:

• Finding and working with suppliers and partners
• Building a customer base (B2C and B2B)
• Driving sales
• Setting up and manning the store
• Developing and piloting practical workshops
• Coordinating day-to-day activity

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the practical development of FromeBase from concept to operation
• Help shape the physical layout and flow of the space.
• Establish systems for stock intake, pricing, display, and sales.
• Support compliance with basic health & safety and operational requirements (with organisational support).

• Identify and build relationships with local suppliers, trades, businesses, and organisations donating or selling surplus materials.
• Develop partnerships with community groups, charities and local enterprises who can use or contribute to FromeBase.
• Maintain regular communication with partners to ensure a steady, appropriate flow of materials.

• Build and grow a customer base and sales revenue, including:

• Local residents (B2C)
• Community organisations and charities (B2B)
• Local trades and makers (B2B)

• Design and pilot a small programme of practical workshops (e.g. basic DIY, repair, upcycling, retrofit skills).
• Work with freelance tutors, volunteers, or partner organisations to deliver sessions. Ensure workshops are accessible, well-attended, and aligned with community needs.

• Support the recruitment, induction, and coordination of volunteers if appropriate.
• Create a positive, inclusive and practical environment.
• Oversee day-to-day operations during your working hours, including opening/closing, stock management and basic problem-solving.

• Track progress, learning, and challenges during the first year of operation.
• Contribute to light-touch reporting for Edventure, funders and partners.
• Help shape recommendations for the long-term sustainability and future growth of FromeBase.

Who We're Looking For

This role will suit someone who enjoys building things from scratch, is comfortable with uncertainty, and likes combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You are likely to have:

• Experience in project management, social enterprise, community enterprise, retail, reuse or similar practical settings.
• Confidence building partnerships and relationships from the ground up.
• A practical, can-do approach - comfortable rolling up your sleeves and running a space.
• Experience selling products or services, or developing a customer base.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise independently.
• An interest in reuse, sustainability, DIY, making or the circular economy.
• Previous experience running a shop - we value transferable skills and mindset over sector-specific experience.
• Formal qualifications are less important than mindset, experience, and attitude.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to build something tangible that benefits the town, reduces waste and supports practical skills - while working with a supportive, creative community organisation.

How to Apply

Please apply by email either with a CV, letter of introduction or a video CV to. The closing date for applications is March 2nd.

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: In person, in Frome