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- Tasks: Lead a team to support individuals facing homelessness and improve service delivery.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to transforming lives in Waltham Forest.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help people rebuild their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness or related fields, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work within a values-driven organisation.
The predicted salary is between 39500 - 41500 £ per year.
Be a part of transforming lives of people confronting homelessness in Waltham Forest.
Location: Walthamstow, London E17
Salary: £39,500 - £41,500
Hours: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Temporary – 12 months
Why This Role Matters
Every day, people in our borough face the reality of homelessness. Every person facing homelessness needs practical support, stability and someone who believes their situation can change. This role is central to making that change happen.
As Operations Manager, you will help ensure that our services run effectively and compassionately, enabling people experiencing homelessness to access the support they need to rebuild their lives. You will manage a small, committed team, strengthen how our services operate, and help shape the way we respond to homelessness locally.
About Us
FCENS is a small and ambitious charity working alongside local partners, volunteers and people with lived experience of homelessness to deliver meaningful change in the community in Waltham Forest. Our Vision is that no-one needs to be homeless in Waltham Forest and everyone has a place to go. Our Mission is to support single homeless adults in Waltham Forest towards transforming their lives.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to oversee the effective day-to-day running of the charity’s services and internal operations. Reporting to the Director, you will ensure that services are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. You will also play an important role in strengthening operational systems and processes, helping the charity improve and grow its impact.
You will manage a small operational team including caseworkers, lived experience coaches, an administrator and an evening worker, supporting them to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed and person-centred support to people experiencing homelessness. You’ll also use your strategic thinking skills to help improve service provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the charity’s services.
- Plan and manage the annual night shelter season and the year-round drop-in centre.
- Maintain oversight of case management, outreach activity and data systems.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies.
- Oversee administrative and IT systems, including effective use of the case management system.
- Review operational systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Implement changes that improve efficiency, quality and impact.
- Use data, feedback and lived experience insight to inform service development.
- Line manage operational staff, providing supervision, guidance and performance management.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive and accountable team culture.
- Support staff wellbeing, training and reflective practice.
- Oversee the recruitment, induction and support of volunteers.
- Work closely with the Charity Director to translate strategic aims into operational plans.
- Contribute to organisational planning, policy development and reporting.
- Provide operational insight and updates to the Charity Director and Trustees.
- Work collaboratively with other homelessness organisations and local partners.
- Support the development of positive relationships with local authorities, funders and stakeholders.
- Represent the charity in meetings and forums where appropriate.
About You
We are looking for someone with both strong operational experience in the homelessness sector and a commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness. You will identify with FCENS values, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and lived experience.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in the homelessness sector or a related field such as housing, rough sleeping, outreach or multiple disadvantage.
- Experience managing services or operations within a small team or organisation.
- Experience line managing staff and supporting frontline practitioners.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and good practice in frontline support services.
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
You will also be:
- Positive, resilient and solutions-focused.
- Calm under pressure and confident making decisions.
- Values-driven and committed to improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
- Comfortable working within the charity’s Christian ethos.
Flexible Working
We support flexible hours where operationally viable. Requests for flexible working arrangements and compressed hours will be considered.
Equality, Diversity and Safer Recruitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. As part of our commitment to safeguarding the people we support, this role will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including reference checks and an enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a supporting statement by email to info@forestnightshelter.org.uk outlining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Monday 13th April 2026
Interviews expected week commencing April 27th 2026.
Operations Manager Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter (FCENS) in Walthamstow employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter (FCENS) in Walthamstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the homelessness sector or related fields. Attend local events, join online forums, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FCENS and understanding their mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their values and be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping those experiencing homelessness. During interviews, express your commitment to trauma-informed care and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for both staff and clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the FCENS team and making a real impact in Waltham Forest.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter (FCENS) in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your operational management experience in the homelessness sector, as this will show us you understand what we're all about.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your values align with ours at FCENS. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in managing teams or improving services.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead and support your team. Include examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture or supported staff wellbeing. This will help us understand your approach to management and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at FCENS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of homelessness services, especially in Waltham Forest. Familiarise yourself with FCENS's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a crisis or improving service delivery. Think through potential scenarios in advance and have clear, structured responses ready.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
FCENS works closely with local partners and volunteers. Highlight your experience in partnership working and how you've built positive relationships in previous roles. This will show you're a team player who can enhance their collaborative efforts.