Project Operations Manager

Project Operations Manager

Full-Time 37000 £ / year Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful projects supporting expectant mothers affected by domestic abuse.
  • Company: Free to Fly, a charity dedicated to breaking cycles of abuse.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of women and children.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and understanding of domestic abuse.

Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity? Find out below.

Brand-new operations and project role with Free to Fly, supporting expectant mothers affected by domestic abuse to build safe, independent futures.

Location: Hybrid – Hope Centre, Portsmouth, plus networking and field work.

Free to Fly exists to break cycles of abuse for future generations by raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting mums-to-be on their journey to safety and independence. Through compassionate, person-centred practical and emotional support, the charity helps expectant mothers bring their children safely into the world and build stable, positive futures. Free to Fly is rooted in strong partnerships, community engagement and a deep respect for the dignity of every survivor.

Why work for Free to Fly?

  • Flexible hours and hybrid working to suit your schedule
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (FTE)
  • Opportunity for growth as the organisation expands
  • Support for your professional development and relevant training
  • The opportunity to build something that makes a real impact

The Project Operations Manager is a brand-new role, created to shape and drive the charity’s next phase of growth and impact. This is a wonderful opportunity to build and lead something meaningful from the ground up, playing a central role in how the organisation expands its reach and supports more women.

We’re looking for a practical, solutions-focused individual who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys turning ideas into reality. More than anything, this role calls for a genuine passion for the cause and a strong understanding of domestic abuse and trauma-informed practice, ideally gained through direct experience in a relevant service. You’ll bring the confidence to take initiative, the ability to build trusted relationships, and the drive to create systems, partnerships and ways of working that make a real and lasting difference.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Lead design and delivery of funded projects, including a scalable volunteer support model
  • Establish project plans, systems, processes, safeguarding standards and operational frameworks
  • Recruit, train and support volunteers to deliver safe, high-quality services
  • Build referral partnerships across churches, health, community and support organisations
  • Track impact, manage budgets, and ensure effective reporting to funders and Trustees

As the role involves regular travel for partnership meetings and delivery activity, you’ll need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

For further details please have a look at the candidate pack. For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement. Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. This role is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.

Project Operations Manager employer: Free to Fly

Free to Fly is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of expectant mothers affected by domestic abuse. With a flexible working environment, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow alongside the organisation as it expands its reach. Located in Portsmouth, this hybrid role offers the unique opportunity to lead innovative projects that directly contribute to building safe and independent futures for women, all while fostering a supportive and compassionate work culture.

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Contact Details:

Free to Fly Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Operations Manager

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Free to Fly.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Free to Fly.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Free to Fly.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Free to Fly. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Operations Manager

Project Management
Leadership Skills
Relationship Building
Volunteer Recruitment and Training
Budget Management
Impact Tracking
Safeguarding Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Free to Fly. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Project Operations Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Free to Fly

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Free to Fly. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!