Digital and Operations Lead in Manchester

Purpose of the Role
This Digital and Operational Lead will lead the development and day-to-day delivery of eoa’s digital systems, operational infrastructure, and working environment (office and WFH). The role will ensure the smooth running of core business systems and services, embedding a data-driven, member-focused approach and supporting the delivery of our ambitious sector growth strategy.

Role Summary
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Manchester (hybrid). You will be expected to attend the office at least twice per month, and more often where needed.
Salary: £35,000
Pension: Up to 7% employer pension match (from year 1 anniversary)
Annual Leave: 30 days leave + bank holidays
Reports to: Membership & Operations Director
Management of: N/A

Key Responsibilities

• Systems, Technology, and Intelligence
  Lead the delivery, development, and optimisation of our digital infrastructure, including implementation of AI, liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure business-critical systems are maintained, secure, and future-proofed.
• Drive creation and delivery of seamless, engaging digital experiences that support member acquisition and retention, and generate measurable ROI.
• Ensure high digital adoption among staff and members while championing the use of iMIS (the eoa’s AMS) as a single source of truth.
• Ensure high-quality data management practices and support teams in using data for business insight and decision-making.
• Lead on all office and work from home functions including service provision, maintenance, insurances, H&S, and contracts with suppliers and landlord representatives.
• Support delivery of our people and culture strategy.
• Oversee our people processes including recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, staff contracts, holiday and absence records.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure regular reviews of safety and operational processes.

Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes

• Confident using and maintaining digital platforms and systems (e.g. CRM, AMS, online communities, IT tools).
• Skilled in using digital tools, and interest in implementing AI, to improve operational efficiency and UX.
• Data-literate, with experience supporting colleagues to use systems for data-led decision-making.
• Experience in change management or embedding new systems or processes across an organisation.
• Confident in supplier and stakeholder coordination to deliver on agreed service levels.
• Experience in operations, office coordination, or systems support within a membership body, charity, association, or SME.
• Knowledge of people and culture practices in small teams.
• Knowledge of health and safety compliance in an office setting.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with an ability to prioritise and deliver against competing deadlines.
• Knowledge or interest of employee ownership and experience working in a purpose-led organisation.

What Constitutes Success in This Role?
Success in this role will mean delivering high-performing digital systems that enhance member experience, strengthen engagement, and enable growth through smarter use of data. Strong supplier relationships and effective cost management will demonstrate tangible impact. Day-to-day operations will run smoothly, with efficient support for hybrid working and the seamless delivery of core operational services.

Key outcomes for the role

• Outcome: The eoa office and WFH environment is well-managed, safe, and compliant with all relevant legislation and standards.
  Measure: All compliance checks (e.g. risk and DSE assessments) completed on time and documented, with no compliance breaches.
• Outcome: High-performing and future proof digital infrastructure. All core systems are integrated, meet user needs, are stable and secure.
  Measure: Resolution of critical issues within agreed SLAs; positive feedback from staff and key users in staff and member satisfaction surveys.
• Outcome: Member experience streamlined, engaging and user-friendly digital interactions with the eoa.
  Measure: Member satisfaction with digital services has an NPS of 40 in annual member survey; measurable improvement in digital engagement metrics.
• Outcome: New system functionality, updates or digital solutions are introduced on time, on budget, and with high adoption by staff and members.
  Measure: 100%+ internal adoption rate for new systems or features; post-implementation review shows on-time delivery and positive ROI or user feedback.
• Outcome: eoa uses accurate, timely data from a single source of truth to inform decisions and improve member services.
  Measure: All teams actively using iMIS data to report on KPIs or inform decision-making; data quality score (e.g. % of complete member profiles) reaches 85%.
• Outcome: Contracts with digital and operational suppliers deliver value, performance and are aligned with organisational priorities.
  Measure: Supplier contracts are delivering on time and budget, with at least 90% supplier performance rated satisfactory or above.

How to apply
To apply, please submit:
A two-page CV
And one of either:
Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 2 March 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews will be in Manchester w.c. 9 March 2026.

The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.