At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and enhance systems for a growing environmental charity.
- Company: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, dedicated to restoring rivers and engaging communities.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, flexible working, 9% pension contribution, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a real impact on the environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of environmental change while supporting a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife. We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.
As the Trust continues to grow in scale, ambition and complexity, we are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Operations to help strengthen our organisational systems, support our team and enable the effective delivery of our strategic vision.
The Role
- Location: Hybrid working – with regular attendance across BART offices, project sites and meetings within the Bristol Avon catchment.
- Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) Flexible working arrangements considered.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Operations will play a central leadership role within Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, ensuring the organisation operates safely, effectively, efficiently and sustainably as it continues to grow. This is a strategic and hands-on operational role overseeing organisational systems, support governance, HR, compliance, health & safety, programme management support and internal operations. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will help manage the organisations systems and culture needed to support high-quality delivery across a growing environmental charity. The role will suit someone who thrives in dynamic organisations, enjoys problem solving and optimising systems, understanding and making sense of complexity, and is motivated by supporting teams to deliver meaningful impact and achieving the organisations goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Organisational Leadership & Operations
- Lead and oversee day-to-day organisational operations across the Trust
- Develop and improve internal systems, processes and operational procedures
- Support organisational planning and delivery against BART’s strategic objectives
- Work closely with the CEO and senior managers to support organisational growth and resilience
- Contribute to organisational decision-making and leadership culture
- People & HR Management
- Oversee HR systems, policies and procedures
- Support recruitment, onboarding and staff development processes
- Help foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
- Support managers with operational people-management matters
- Coordinate staff wellbeing and professional development initiatives
- Manage a Project Management Office
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with charity, company and employment regulations
- Support the CEO with governance processes, trustee reporting and organisational policies
- Oversee organisational risk management systems
- Ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and compliance frameworks are in place
- Lead on operational health & safety systems and organisational compliance
- Organisational Systems
- Support organisational budgeting and financial monitoring alongside the finance and Senior Leadership team
- Oversee operational procurement and contract management systems
- Support implementation and optimisation of organisational systems, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and IT systems including cyber security
- Improve internal reporting and programme coordination systems
- Programme & Delivery Support
- Support operational coordination across BART programmes and projects
- Help ensure teams are appropriately resourced and supported
- Improve organisational project management systems and workflows
- Support efficient collaboration across delivery teams
- Contribute to organisational development opportunities and partnerships
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in operational management, organisational leadership or business management
- Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance and organisational risk management
- Experience supporting HR and people-management processes
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work strategically while also being comfortable with operational detail
- Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and organisational software systems
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within the environmental, charity or public sector
- Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments
- Experience supporting organisational growth and change management
- Familiarity with CRM systems and operational databases
- Understanding of health & safety systems within field-based organisations
Who We’re Looking For
- Is highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
- Enjoys enabling others to succeed
- Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
- Is calm and adaptable in a growing organisation
- Has strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills
- Wants to help small organisations grow and deliver its goal of restoring rivers, landscapes and communities
Why Join BART?
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s growing rivers trusts at a pivotal stage in its development. You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team delivering meaningful environmental change across the Bristol Avon catchment, while helping build the organisational foundations needed for long-term impact.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas close
- Flexible and hybrid working
- 9% Employer pension contribution
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee wellbeing support
- Opportunity to shape a growing organisation with real environmental impact
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.
How to Apply
Please send: A CV A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to: Simon Hunter Chief Executive Officer Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Email: info@bristolavonriverstrust.org Please include “Head of Operations Application” in the subject line.
Further Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Simon Hunter Chief Executive Officer Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Email: simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org To learn more about our work, visit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Head of Operations in Bristol employer: Pect
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead operations within a passionate team dedicated to environmental restoration and community engagement. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and professional development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation while making a tangible impact on the Bristol Avon catchment. Join us to thrive in a supportive and inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those connected to Bristol Avon Rivers Trust. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Trust, make sure to express your enthusiasm for river restoration and community engagement. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in that align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust’s recent projects and initiatives. This will not only help you understand their work better but also allow you to ask insightful questions during your interview. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of the team at Bristol Avon Rivers Trust. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operational management and organisational leadership, as these are key for us at Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just repeat your CV. Use it to tell us why you're passionate about environmental work and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on examples that demonstrate your ability to improve systems and processes. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, especially in dynamic environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pect
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Bristol Avon Rivers Trust's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on river restoration and community engagement. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved operational systems in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think of scenarios related to governance, compliance, or HR management that you might encounter in this role, and prepare your responses to showcase your strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the Trust's future projects or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
