Directorate Operations Manager (maternity cover) in London

Please note, this is a 12 month fixed term contract (maternity leave cover). The salary for this post is £47,043 (for London, including London weighting) or £45,373 (for Cardiff, including regional weighting). This role can be based in our Stratford Office or our Cardiff Office. This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We have big goals over the next few years. We’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. Together we’ll be working to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at the heart of Mind's Social Impact Directorate. We bring together teams across policy, campaigns, research and evaluation, systems insight, equity partnerships, national services, network relations, and communications, including our work in Mind Cymru. Together, we work to drive meaningful change in mental health through insight, influence and delivery. Our work is ambitious and complex, and we’re continually evolving how we plan, connect and deliver that work.

As our Impact Directorate Operations Manager (maternity cover), you’ll sit at the centre of this, working closely with senior leaders and teams across the directorate to ensure our priorities are clear, coordinated and delivered with momentum, while connecting into the wider organisation where needed.

We’re looking for someone who can do more than just keep things running smoothly. Yes, this role is about excellent operational grip, planning and delivery but it’s also about connecting people, energising teams, and helping to create a bold, collaborative culture where great work can thrive.

You’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Turning strategy into action, supporting teams to plan and deliver effectively
• Joining the dots across programmes and teams, bringing clarity and alignment
• Shaping how we work, strengthening systems, processes and ways of collaborating
• Creating the conditions for great work, where people feel connected, supported and able to do their best

This is an influential role with visibility across the directorate and beyond. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in complexity and enjoys making things work better.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Support delivery and performance across the directorate
• Bring clarity and structure to directorate priorities, ensuring alignment with Mind's strategy
• Monitor progress across programmes, tracking milestones, outputs, outcomes and budgets
• Identify risks, challenges and dependencies early, and support teams to address them
• Produce clear, insightful reporting to support senior leadership and governance decision-making

Support effective planning and programme management:

• Work with teams to scope, plan and manage their work, including timelines, resources and dependencies
• Embed practical tools and approaches (e.g. Smartsheet) to improve visibility and coordination
• Help make complex work feel manageable by improving planning, prioritisation and flow

Act as a connector and trusted partner:

• Build strong, trusted relationships across teams, directorates and the wider federation
• Bring people together to align priorities, solve problems and support decision-making
• Act as a trusted partner and sounding board to the Executive Director and directorate senior leadership team, helping maintain focus, momentum and connection

Strengthen governance and continuous improvement:

• Support effective governance processes, including board and committee reporting
• Ensure performance, risks and impact are clearly understood and communicated
• Use data, insight and learning to improve how the directorate plans and delivers its work
• Identify opportunities to strengthen systems, processes and ways of working

Shape ways of working and culture:

• Promote collaborative, inclusive and connected ways of working
• Help create a dynamic, open and supportive environment where people can do their best work
• Support teams through change with clarity, empathy and momentum
• Champion continuous improvement and a solutions-focused mindset

About you

You’re someone who thrives in complex environments and enjoys bringing order, energy and connection to them. You’ll likely bring:

• Strong experience supporting delivery of complex programmes or portfolios
• Excellent project or programme management capability
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence at all levels, including senior leaders
• Confidence working across boundaries, connecting people, teams and ideas
• Strong judgement, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
• A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and inclusive ways of working

Most importantly, you’ll care about how work gets done, not just what gets done.

Mind's equity statement

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.