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 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 flexible working arrangements, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and a focus on professional development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation while making a meaningful impact on the Bristol Avon catchment. Join us in fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and empowers individuals to thrive.
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 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact at BART.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! In your conversations, share examples of how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic environments, just like BART needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the important work we do.
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 align with the Head of Operations role. Highlight your operational management experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about environmental work and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for BART. Be sure to mention specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role is all about operations, make sure to highlight your organisational prowess. Talk about systems you've improved or processes you've streamlined in previous roles. We want to see how you can help us operate more effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pect
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Bristol Avon Rivers Trust's mission and projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives in river restoration and community engagement. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your operational management skills. Highlight how you've improved systems or processes, managed compliance, or supported HR functions. Tailor these examples to reflect the unique challenges faced by environmental charities.
✨Emphasise Team Support and Leadership
As a Head of Operations, your ability to support and lead teams is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive workplace culture and enabled others to succeed. Share stories that illustrate your emotional intelligence and adaptability in dynamic environments.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the Trust's future projects, their approach to organisational growth, or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term vision.
