At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and support teams to ensure effective delivery of water safety initiatives.
- Company: Join the Royal Life Saving Society UK, a charity dedicated to preventing drowning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private healthcare, and discounts on brands.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a vibrant team culture await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities by enhancing water safety and saving lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.
CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)
ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
DIRECTORATE: Corporate Services
LOCATION: RLSS UK HQ, Worcester/Hybrid (3 days per week at HQ)
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer
DIRECT REPORTS: HR Manager, Interim Head of Compliance, Head of Business Systems and IT
SALARY: £48,000 to £52,000 per annum
ABOUT RLSS UK
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the national charity supporting communities of all backgrounds to enjoy water safely and be free from drowning. Our vision is to have ‘Communities free from drowning’ and our strategic framework 2025-2030 details our goals over this period.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Head of Operations will play a central leadership role within RLSS UK, ensuring the charity operates effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate will lead and support the RLSS UK HR, Business Systems and IT, and Compliance departments and provide high quality decision support to senior managers on areas within this portfolio. This is a strategic and hands‑on operational role overseeing key areas of the corporate services directorate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Organisational Leadership & Operations
- Lead and oversee day-to-day organisational operations across the HR, Business Systems and IT, and Compliance functions
- Develop and improve internal systems, processes, and operational procedures
- Support organisational planning and delivery
- Work closely with the CEO and senior managers to support organisational growth and resilience
- Contribute to organisational decision‑making and leadership culture
- Attend Board meetings and committees where required, and any other such Leadership Team functions where necessary
- Build effective relations across departments to support organisational excellence
- Always demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards.
- People & HR Management
- Ensure effective, legally compliant policies and procedures are in place to support the recruitment, development, and retention of a high performing workforce
- Support the development and implementation of HR initiatives that build and underpin equality, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, wellbeing, and employee engagement
- Lead on the development and presentation of recommendations for annual pay and benefits review
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development processes
- Help foster a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing workplace culture
- Support managers with operational people‑management matters
- Compliance
- Ensure that standards, policies, and procedures meet and exceed the regulatory requirements set by our regulatory bodies
- Ensure compliance with RLSS UK regulators
- Oversee organisational risk management systems
- Ensure appropriate insurance, contracts, and compliance frameworks are in place
- Lead on operational health and safety systems and organisational compliance
- Organisational Systems
- Support organisational budgeting and financial monitoring alongside the finance and Senior Leadership teams
- 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 RLSS UK 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
- Other Duties & Responsibilities
- All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up‑to‑date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme
- To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills, and/or Aptitudes
- Significant experience in operational management, organisational leadership or business management
- Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes
- Strong understanding of HR, Compliance and organisational Risk Management, and Business Systems & IT
- Demonstrable 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
- High level of integrity and dependability
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and multi‑tasking skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines, and pick up new information and apply at pace
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and organisational software systems
Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills, and/or Aptitudes
- Experience working within the charity 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 and safety systems
We are looking for someone who:
- 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 a positive, can‑do attitude and demonstrates RLSS UK values
- Has strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills
YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the post
Closing Date – 11.59pm, Thursday 23 July 2026
Interview Date – Thursday 30 July 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)
WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
- Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
- Private Healthcare Plan*
- Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
- Eye Care*
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme*
- Discounts available including high street brands, entertainment, eating out and more
- Free RLSS UK Membership
- Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
- Free on‑site parking when working from HQ
- Company events and socials
*Subject to eligibility criteria
Should you wish to discuss the role, any adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help. RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an Inclusive Worcestershire Leader.
Senior Head of Operations in Worcester employer: RLSS UK
The Royal Life Saving Society UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Worcester, the organisation provides a range of benefits including private healthcare, enhanced sick pay, and generous annual leave, alongside opportunities to engage in meaningful work that contributes to community safety and inclusion. With a commitment to equality and diversity, RLSS UK fosters an environment where every team member can thrive and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head of Operations in Worcester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head of Operations in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of RLSS UK. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
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How to prepare for a job interview at RLSS UK
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✨Brush Up on Management Theories
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