Operations Manager TLNT1_NI in Belfast

Location: Belfast

Belfast School of Theology is located within Stranmillis University College, Belfast. This role is mainly site-based with some flexibility.

Salary: £36,300 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belfast School of Theology

Belfast School of Theology has been providing academic evangelical theological education since 1943. The School is committed to serving the Church globally and training Christian disciples who transform wider society through their life and witness. This is an important opportunity to join BST at a time of development and change, supporting the effective running of the School and helping to strengthen the systems, processes and operational oversight that underpin its mission.

The Role

The Operations Manager will play a central role in the day-to-day and strategic operation of Belfast School of Theology. This is a broad and varied post, focused on ensuring the smooth running of the School's operational, administrative, HR and compliance functions. Working closely with the Principal and CEO, Senior Leadership Team, staff, Governors and external partners, the postholder will help ensure that BST operates effectively, professionally and in line with its Christian ethos and values. This role would suit someone who can combine strong organisational and people management skills with a practical, hands-on approach and the ability to manage a varied workload effectively.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of BST's operational and administrative functions
• Ensuring policies, procedures, records and documentation are maintained, reviewed and applied consistently
• Supporting compliance across key areas including GDPR, health and safety, safeguarding, risk management and statutory requirements
• Helping to maintain strong internal systems, processes and controls
• Assisting with the review and improvement of finance-related systems, procedures and administrative processes
• Acting as a key liaison point with Stranmillis University College in relation to premises and operational matters
• Coordinating supplier relationships, service contracts and insurance arrangements
• Supporting HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, appraisal coordination, staff records, absence monitoring and employee documentation
• Supporting organisational planning, risk management and operational decision-making
• Contributing to a positive, professional and collaborative working culture across the School
• Line management and coordination of a small team of administrative and support staff

The postholder will also assume responsibility as safeguarding lead for the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a highly organised, values-led and proactive individual who can bring structure, judgement and professionalism to a wide-ranging operational role. You will be someone who enjoys working across different areas of an organisation and can move comfortably between operational oversight, governance support, HR coordination, compliance, financial oversight and organisational administration.

You will ideally bring:

• A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline
• A minimum of two to three years experience working in a management role with responsibilities relevant to the post
• Experience supporting senior leaders, Boards, committees or leadership teams in an operational, governance or reporting capacity
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing papers, reports, records, policies, procedures and professional documentation
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
• An understanding of HR administration, compliance, policy, governance, risk or health and safety processes
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems calmly and professionally
• A flexible, collaborative and service-focused approach
• A willingness to support and improve systems, procedures and ways of working as the needs of the School develop

Experience in an educational, charity, church, theological, public sector or values-led organisation would be beneficial but is not essential.

Christian Commitment

Belfast School of Theology is a Christian institution, and the successful candidate will be expected to support and promote the School's Christian ethos, values and mission. There is an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a committed Christian. The successful candidate will be required to sign BST's Statement of Faith and contribute appropriately to the spiritual life and culture of the School.

Benefits & Working Environment

This is an opportunity to join a supportive and caring team in an excellent working environment within Stranmillis University College. Benefits include:

• Pension scheme with employer contribution currently at 6%
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Laptop and equipment provided to support your role
• Confidential counselling service
• A strong Christian ethos
• Supportive and caring leadership team

How to Apply

If you are an experienced operations, governance, administration, HR or finance professional who would value the opportunity to contribute to the mission and day-to-day life of Belfast School of Theology, we would love to hear from you. Simply apply now with your CV to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to discuss your application and guide you through the next steps of the process. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early application is encouraged.