At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the day-to-day running of a site, ensuring a positive experience for trainees.
- Company: Join Sunnyside Rural Trust, a charity dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team that supports adults with learning disabilities through meaningful work.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; strong admin and IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35055 - 42845 £ per year.
We are looking for two Deputy Site Managers to join Sunnyside Rural Trust, one based at Hemel Food Garden in Hemel Hempstead, and one based at The Orchard Nursery in Bedmond, near Kings Langley. Both sites support young people and adults with learning disabilities and other vulnerable needs through meaningful training, horticulture, work experience and social enterprise opportunities. Working closely with the relevant site lead, the Deputy Site Manager will help ensure the smooth and effective day-to-day running of the site. The role combines operational leadership, administration, horticultural and commercial coordination, team support and person-centred support for trainees. The post holder will help create a positive, progressive and inclusive trainee experience, while ensuring the site is safe, well organised and delivers a high-quality service in line with Sunnyside Rural Trust values.
The Two Roles
- Hemel Food Garden - Hemel Hempstead: Hemel Food Garden is a busy, multi-use site. Alongside trainee support and horticultural activity, the Deputy Site Manager will have a strong focus on administration and systems, including stock and pricing information, plant deliveries and transfers, off-site gardening contracts, scheduling, retail operations, and supporting the café and farm shop.
- The Orchard Nursery - Bedmond, near Kings Langley: The Orchard Nursery is a smaller, unique horticultural site. The Deputy Site Manager will support the day-to-day running of the nursery, trainee support, plant production and sales, off-site gardening activity, and the delivery of engaging horticultural activities and small-group courses. The role also involves working positively with the Serge Hill Project and other partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Operational Support
- Support for Adults with Learning Disabilities
- Administration and Systems
- Horticultural and Commercial Operations
- Team Support and Development
- Health, Safety and Site Management
- Partnership and Community Working
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:
- GCSE English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
- Strong administrative, organisational and IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
- Good understanding of supporting adults with learning disabilities or vulnerable groups, including safeguarding and person-centred practice.
- Knowledge of horticulture, plant retail or land-based environments.
- Experience working with adults with learning disabilities or vulnerable people.
- Experience coordinating schedules, rotas or operational systems and responding to customers or enquiries.
- Experience supporting staff or volunteers.
- Ability to work effectively in a busy operational environment and manage competing priorities.
Additional requirement for The Orchard Nursery role:
- A minimum of two years' horticultural experience, with RHS Level 2 qualification or working towards it.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience of horticulture, plant retail, stock management systems or stock transfers.
- Experience supporting off-site contracts or service delivery.
- Experience within the charity, care or social enterprise sector.
- Experience using databases and other operational systems.
Essential Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Excellent organisational, practical and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
- Clear and confident communication with a wide range of people.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and organised.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Compassionate, values-driven and committed to inclusive, person-centred practice.
- Reliable, approachable, positive, solution focused and willing to be hands-on.
- Collaborative and committed to improving opportunities for vulnerable people.
Other Requirements:
- Full UK manual driving licence and willingness to drive work vehicles.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends or evenings where required.
- Ability and willingness to work across different Sunnyside Rural Trust sites where necessary.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The post holder will promote a respectful, inclusive and culturally sensitive approach in all aspects of work, in line with the charity's values and policies.
General: This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties consistent with the nature of the position.
Deputy Site Manager in Birmingham employer: Sunnyside Rural Trust
Sunnyside Rural Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and trainees. With a strong focus on personal development, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities. Located in Hemel Hempstead and Bedmond, our sites offer a unique blend of operational leadership and hands-on horticultural experience, fostering a collaborative culture that values compassion and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Site Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Sunnyside Rural Trust.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Sunnyside Rural Trust.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Sunnyside Rural Trust.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Sunnyside Rural Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Site Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Sunnyside Rural Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Deputy Site Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunnyside Rural Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Sunnyside Rural Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
