At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team supporting volunteers and garden owners while managing essential operations.
- Company: Join the National Garden Scheme, a charity dedicated to connecting communities through gardens.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible hours, and a warm, supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a busy, hands-on role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a role that values kindness and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience with databases and excellent communication skills are essential.
At the National Garden Scheme, a central office with a team of 13 is the hub for a wide range of activity involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of garden owners and a large audience of beneficiary charities, suppliers, supporters and partners, as well as members of the public who want to visit gardens and engage with the charity.
The Head of Operations leads and manages County Support, a team of four who deliver the resources, information and support needed by our volunteer county organising teams who support the garden owners. The Head of Operations is key in ensuring that the volunteers feel valued and supported.
The right candidate will have experience of database management, ideally Microsoft Dynamics, so that they can update, interrogate and maintain our database and online portal through which garden owners register and manage their garden data. We are currently updating our IT system and there will be a need for change management to ensure that staff and volunteers are comfortable using the new system. The successful applicant will thrive in a busy, hands-on and varied role and the key requirements are efficiency and excellent communication skills. This is a role for a meticulous, problem-solving people person. The ethos of the organisation is rooted in generosity and kindness and the office is a warm and welcoming place to work.
Key responsibilities:- Manage the county support team
- Lead and manage the county support team
- Manage smooth working relations between the county support team and other staff
- Lead the county support team in their day-to-day activities and relationships with county organising teams, garden owners, visitors and other stakeholders
- Work closely with and manage liaison with county team volunteers
- Work with county organisers to maximise levels of service from head office
- Work with county organisers for smooth recruitment and succession for volunteer roles
- Manage and deliver the annual data gathering and fulfilment operations
- Work with county support and county teams in annual gathering of garden data
- Ensure timely delivery of material to publisher
- Organise and deliver with county support the annual delivery of bulk orders to county teams
- Manage key operational elements for the organisation
- Oversee the insurance of garden openings, including claims
- Support the Chief Executive in the provision of HR to employees and volunteers
- Recruit, induct and train new members of staff as required
- Carry out performance reviews for some members of staff
- Manage welcome days at head office for new volunteers
- Attend national garden shows (e.g. Chelsea) and other events as required.
- Protect and enhance the organisation’s public reputation when speaking on its behalf.
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays), subsequent increases up to 33 days.
- Permanent, full-time role, 35 hours a week – 9am to 5pm with one hour lunch break.
- Confident knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Essential)
- Knowledge and experience of databases, preferably Microsoft Dynamics (Desirable)
- Experience as an office administrator (Desirable)
- Efficiency and reliability (Essential)
- Excellent interpersonal skills (Essential)
- Excellent oral communication skills (Essential)
- Accuracy and attention to detail (Essential)
- Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines (Essential)
- Car owner and driver (Essential)
Head of Operations employer: National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme is an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and welcoming work environment, where generosity and kindness are at the core of our ethos. With a focus on employee growth, we offer 28 days of holiday, increasing to 33 days, alongside a supportive culture that values the contributions of every team member. As the Head of Operations, you will lead a dedicated team while engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to it. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's answering common interview questions or discussing your experience, being articulate and confident will make a great impression. We all know that first impressions count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience with database management and any leadership roles you've had, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting volunteers and how your problem-solving skills can benefit our team. Keep it friendly and engaging!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Garden Scheme
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics and any relevant database management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles, as this will show that you're not just familiar with the software but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about managing a team and supporting volunteers, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved communication. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've made others feel valued and supported.
✨Embrace Change Management
With the organisation updating its IT system, be prepared to talk about your experience with change management. Share specific instances where you've helped teams adapt to new processes or technologies, demonstrating your ability to lead through transitions smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a meticulous problem-solver, come equipped with examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. This could involve anything from operational hiccups to team dynamics—showing that you can think on your feet and find effective solutions will impress the interviewers.
