Operations Manager

The Operations Manager plays a central role within Junction Arts, supporting the organisation at a key stage in our development following our move into a dedicated creative hub at 37 Station Road. This role leads the day-to-day running of operations, ensuring systems, processes, and compliance frameworks are effective, efficient, and fit for purpose.

Working closely with the Managing Director, the postholder oversees core operational areas including office systems, HR coordination, and health and safety, while also managing the organisation’s building and facilities. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, strengthening internal processes and supporting organisational growth.

As part of the leadership team, the Operations Manager will help ensure the organisation operates safely, sustainably, and in line with legal and regulatory requirements, enabling Junction Arts to focus on delivering high-quality creative and community programmes.

We are looking for a proactive, highly organised individual who takes ownership of their work and thrives in a varied, fast-paced environment. You will bring a positive, supportive approach, with the ability to encourage and enable colleagues, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

You will be a practical problem-solver with strong attention to detail, able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will build constructive working relationships across the organisation and with external partners. You will demonstrate sound judgement, integrity, and discretion, alongside a flexible and adaptable approach suited to a small team. A genuine enthusiasm for the arts and a commitment to supporting a creative, community-focused organisation are essential, along with a desire to make a tangible impact and help shape the organisation’s future.

Due to the nature of the role, this position is office-based at 37 Station Road and requires a regular on-site presence.

This job description is intended to outline the key duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to change in line with the needs of the organisation. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties which are commensurate with the role.

Principle Tasks and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of Junction Arts, ensuring office systems, administration, and processes run effectively.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to provide practical operational support, help deliver priorities, and improve internal systems and processes.
• Oversee room bookings for both internal tenants and external visitors, supporting income generation for the charity.
• Maintain oversight of administration, finance processes, CRM, and organisational systems, providing hands-on support where required.
• Line-Manage and support the Office Administrator, ensuring work is accurate, timely, and well organised.
• Support governance processes, reporting, and organisational compliance requirements with Charities Commission & Companies House.
• In collaboration with the Managing Director, oversee all financial administration processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Review and sign off invoices, expenses, contacts and financial documentation, ensuring alignment with budgets.
• Coordinate HR administration and support managers with recruitment, onboarding, probation and staff records.
• Lead Health & Safety, risk management, and statutory compliance across the organisation and 37 Station Road.
• Act as the main contact for tenants and shared building matters, supporting positive relationships and prompt resolution of issues.
• Lead on governance processes, including scheduling Board and subcommittee meetings, managing communications, and ensuring timely preparation and submission of papers.

Qualifications:

• A relevant degree, higher education or professional qualification.

Experience:

• At least 4 years’ experience in operations, office, or business support management in a similarly responsible role.
• Experience of financial administration and budget oversight.
• Supporting HR & Health & Safety processes, policy implementation, and people administration.
• Governance, compliance, and organisational policy development.
• Supervising staff and supporting organisational decision-making.

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Good understanding of HR processes, employment practice, Health & Safety, and operational systems management.
• Awareness of legal and regulatory requirements for charities or small organisations.

Skills:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Hold a valid full UK driving licence.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy across systems, processes, and documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.

Personal Attributes:

• A positive, practical attitude with the confidence to take responsibility and support others.
• A passion for the arts and creative practice.
• Proactive and highly organised.
• Flexible and adaptable in a small team environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.