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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 role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in agriculture while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in a small company or charity is essential.
- Other info: Full-time position 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, 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 current operations and governance structures of NSA. Understanding how the organisation functions will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to its success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of NSA or similar organisations. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in financial analysis, HR management, and compliance. Tailoring your examples to the responsibilities outlined in the job description will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues and trends in UK agriculture and the livestock sector. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to the mission of NSA.
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: Express your commitment to UK agriculture and the role of NSA in your application. This will show that you not only have the necessary skills but also a genuine interest in the organisation's mission and values.
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.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Given the importance of financial analysis in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting and financial management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous positions, and be ready to explain complex financial information clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed staff, and implemented HR procedures. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive work environment and ensuring employee wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Understanding compliance is crucial for this position. Brush up on relevant regulations such as data protection and employment law. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach these responsibilities at NSA.
