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- Tasks: Lead daily operations, manage finances, and oversee staffing at NSA.
- Company: Join the National Sheep Association, a key voice for UK sheep farmers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in a small company or charity is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Malvern; apply by 14th May for a chance to interview.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An Operations Director is being sought to join the NSA Senior Management Team and direct the professional, effective and consistent delivery of everyday operational functions of NSA. This is a senior position within the NSA team, reporting into the NSA Chief Executive, and involves regularly updating the NSA Trustee Directors and being involved in major financial, staffing and delivery decisions. It is a challenging and hugely varied role that brings a great deal of responsibility and involvement in multiple areas of exciting and important NSA activity.
These areas centre around:
- Governance: Working with the NSA Trustee Directors and supporting them to ensure NSA runs professionally and within frameworks set by Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Finances: Setting budgets and analysing financial information to ensure good use of NSA resources throughout the organisation. This will include a working understanding of the NSA investments and property portfolio.
- Staffing: Looking after all NSA employees with correct HR procedures and appropriate wellbeing measures, while having some direct line management responsibilities. Also managing officeholders paid annual honorariums and self-employed contractors.
- Compliance: Ensuring NSA meets various regulations around data protection, employment law, health and safety, and other requirements.
- Site management: Managing NSA Head Office (including IT for office and home-based staff) and the NSA Sheep Centre (including tenants) at Malvern, Worcestershire.
- Connectiveness: Having oversight of NSA activities, including communications, corporate sales, membership recruitment/retention/administration, research projects, events, activities and campaigns work, to connect and maximise workstreams to the benefit of NSA members and the association as a whole.
We are looking for someone who will take interest and pride in the whole scope of NSA activity, whose leadership, sense of direction, analysis and meticulous attention to everyday operations will underpin the bigger picture of NSA’s work to provide a voice for UK sheep farmers. They will be passionate and dedicated about leading NSA into the next chapter of development. This position is perfect for someone who has senior management experience in a small company and/or charity, including managing staff and budgets.
Skills in the following areas are required:
- Financial analysis
- HR and employment law
- Line management of staff
- Contract negotiation and management
- Communication of complex information (e.g. finances) to colleagues and directors
- Knowledge of working in a charity and/or experience of reporting to a Board of trustees/directors would be useful.
Commitment to UK agriculture and appreciation of the role NSA serves within the livestock sector is essential. The ability to work full-time from NSA Head Office in Malvern Worcestershire (or at least more than half the week) is also essential.
Interested in joining our team to make a real difference to how NSA serves its members and the UK sheep sector? Apply for this role today, or enquire for more details. To apply for this role, please email a covering letter, CV and application form to Joanne Briggs, NSA Operations Director, at joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk before 12 noon on Wednesday 14th May. Please use the same email address for enquiries and further questions. First round interviews will be on Tuesday 20th May at NSA Head Office.
Operations Director employer: National Sheep Association
Contact Detail:
National Sheep Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NSA's mission and values. Understanding what drives the organisation will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the NSA. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past leadership experiences, particularly in managing finances and staff. Tailoring your anecdotes to reflect the responsibilities outlined in the job description will demonstrate your suitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues in UK agriculture and the livestock sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will show your commitment and passion for the role during your conversations with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure your covering letter specifically addresses the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your senior management experience, particularly in financial analysis and HR, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles that involved managing budgets, staff, and compliance within a charity or small company. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the operations director position.
Highlight Your Passion for Agriculture: Express your commitment to UK agriculture and your understanding of the role NSA plays in the livestock sector. This can be included in both your covering letter and CV to show that you align with the organisation's mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your covering letter and CV for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Operations Director role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Sheep Association
✨Understand the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to research the NSA thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent activities. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, handled budgets, or navigated complex situations. Highlight how your leadership has positively impacted previous organisations.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Given the financial responsibilities of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial analysis and budget management. Brush up on key financial concepts and be prepared to explain how you've used financial data to make informed decisions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
The role requires a solid understanding of compliance issues, including data protection and employment law. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will show that you are well-equipped to handle the regulatory aspects of the position.
