Operations and Project Manager

Fresh Youth MK is a community‑focused charity that provides one‑to‑one mentoring and empowerment sessions for young people aged under 25 in Milton Keynes, particularly those living in highly deprived communities. Working closely with local businesses, schools, charities, and government bodies, the organisation builds a strong network of coaches and mentors, focusing on aspiring young adults. Volunteers play a central role in identifying support needs and delivering mentoring and empowerment programmes to beneficiaries. Fresh Youth MK collaborates with schools and colleges, alongside the local authority, to support young people with their educational, career, skills development, and business aspirations. By connecting young people to real‑world opportunities and life skills, the charity aims to improve social mobility and help build a pipeline of diverse talent into the world of work.

Reports to: Director of Programmes

Hours: Full‑time. (Some evenings and weekends required, with time off in lieu).

Salary: £28,000 per annum

Location: Milton Keynes, office‑based (with visits to communities across Milton Keynes).

Line Management: 2 administrative staff

Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term with possible extension.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a passionate, gifted and highly organised Operations and Project Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operations and project delivery across our charities. This is a founding, cross‑organisational role that combines operational leadership with hands‑on project management, holding together the smooth running of ministry alongside the delivery of a flagship community youth project. The post holder will coordinate schedules, liaise with team leaders, volunteers and partner organisations, manage administrative systems, and ensure consistent, professional communication across every area of our work. They will also lead the operational build and delivery of community‑facing projects, including staffing, venue logistics, safeguarding and partner relationships, growing a delivery team capable of reaching a significant number of young people and families over time. The Operations and Project Manager is responsible for compiling reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes, and preparing essential information for leadership, trustees and funders. This is a role for someone equally comfortable running and building a new project from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight
  • Manage and coordinate the master calendar for all services, events, meetings, sessions and key activities.
  • Oversee readiness for services, events, youth sessions, outreach and community programmes.
  • Ensure smooth Sunday service operations through coordination with relevant teams (tech, hospitality, etc.).
  • Open and close premises and community venues, and secure storage and equipment spaces.
  • Manage equipment logistics for programme delivery, including asset‑tagged devices and mobile session kit.
• Programme and Project Delivery
  • Lead the operational delivery of projects in Milton Keynes, community sessions across multiple venues, coordinating scheduling and contingency planning.
  • Manage venue agreements (MOUs) with schools and community partners hosting sessions.
  • Support implementation of new projects, pilot initiatives and organisational development plans.
  • Manage logistics and timelines for events such as conferences, community outreaches, training days and in‑house special events.
  • Act as the point of contact for external vendors and partners.
• Team and Volunteer Liaison
  • Liaise with team leaders, delivery staff and volunteers to align plans and priorities.
  • Support team leaders and project leads with logistics, communications and resource planning.
  • Line manage delivery staff as the team grows, including regular one‑to‑ones with volunteer mentors.
  • Coordinate ongoing training and CPD, including safeguarding refreshers.
  • Follow up on action points from leaders' meetings and track project and activity deadlines.
• Communication and Administration
  • Maintain clear and organised systems for internal communication and documentation.
  • Coordinate the preparation and distribution of schedules, meeting notes, weekly notices and team updates.
  • Ensure consistent and professional internal and external communication across every part of the ministry's work.
• Partner and Stakeholder Management
  • Build and steward active relationships with statutory and community partners, including schools, local authority contacts, police, health and youth justice services as relevant.
  • Manage referral routes, data sharing agreements and joint review meetings with partner organisations.
• KPI Monitoring, Impact and Strategic Reporting
  • Track and analyse key metrics including attendance, engagement, volunteer involvement and programme outcomes.
  • Maintain registration databases, attendance records and periodic wellbeing or impact surveys.
  • Produce regular dashboards and strategic impact reports.
  • Prepare detailed information packs, agendas and reports for leadership, trustees and funders, including contributing to funder reporting and supporting independent evaluations.
• Compliance, Safeguarding and Risk Management
  • Ensure safeguarding, data protection (GDPR), and health and safety policies are up to date and followed across all activities and venues.
  • Maintain accurate and compliant records.
  • Support the oversight of DBS checks, safeguarding training and risk assessments.
  • Ensure every session and activity runs within safeguarding policy, escalating concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without hesitation, and helping build a safeguarding‑first culture across staff and volunteers.

Personal Characteristics and Competencies

• Organised and Detail‑Oriented: Capable of overseeing complex schedules, systems and reports across multiple simultaneous work streams.
• Relational and Team‑Focused: Builds strong working relationships with leaders, staff, volunteers and external partners.
• Proactive and Solution‑Oriented: Takes initiative, foresees issues and drives progress on new and existing projects.
• Discreet and Trustworthy: Handles sensitive information, including safeguarding matters, with integrity and discretion.
• Tech‑Savvy: Confident with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, and CRM platforms (e.g. ChurchSuite).
• Flexible and Calm Under Pressure: Adapts well to changing demands and high‑pressure environments, particularly across evenings and Saturdays.
• Safeguarding‑Minded: Demonstrates a genuine safeguarding‑first mindset that is cultural rather than purely procedural.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in operations, project management or administration, preferably in a youth work or non‑profit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across teams, departments or programmes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
• Understanding of church and community youth work culture is an advantage.
• Enhanced DBS clearance before any direct contact with children or young people, or willingness to obtain one.
• Safeguarding training at Level 2 minimum before start date, with commitment to Level 3 within the probationary period.
• Understanding of Milton Keynes local community context.
• Experience with charity management systems.
• Experience managing multi‑site or multi‑venue community programme delivery.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures within a youth work or education setting.

Training will be provided on CRM systems, along with opportunities for professional development and leadership training.

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Time off in lieu for evening and weekend working. Ongoing training and leadership development opportunities.

To Apply

Please submit your application by uploading your cover letter and CV via the link provided.