At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide Support Services in Large Single Parishes, ensuring effective delivery and engagement.
- Company: Dynamic diocese with a focus on community and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Fixed term role until November 2027 with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong relationship-building skills.
This post is fixed term until November 2027 and is mostly based in St James’ House with frequent meetings in locations across the diocese, including evening meetings with volunteers. Occasional weekend meetings will be required. Some work from home by agreement, with most diocese staff working from home on Fridays.
Job Summary
Purpose of the role: To lead and guide the establishment and sustainability of Support Services within Large Single Parishes (LSPs), working alongside an Operations Development Project Officer. The role focuses on building relationships, facilitating decision-making, and supporting Support Services Managers, while ensuring that the overall programme progresses effectively and consistently across the diocese.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead the Support Services delivery function
- Provide direction, prioritisation, and oversight for the work of the Support Services function
- Line manage Operations Development Project Officer, providing support, clarity, and development
- Line manage Churchwardens Support Officer, Digital Systems Officer and other relevant roles as required
- Manage outsourced work and contractor relationships
- Ensure delivery across all LSPs remains on track and aligned to programme priorities
Local Engagement & Decision-Making
- Lead engagement with church leaders and local teams to:
- Understand administrative needs in the local context
- Facilitate decisions on Support Services models
- Enable the change team to move from discussion to clear, agreed approaches
Guidance to Support Services Managers
- Act as the primary relationship lead for Support Services Managers once appointed
- Provide support and constructive challenge to help managers build confidence and capability in leading their administrative services
Handling Complexity & Risk
- Support the most complex or sensitive situations (e.g. disagreement, lack of clarity, leadership challenges)
- Work with diocesan project team where escalation or additional support is required
Oversight of Quality & Sustainability
- Maintain oversight of whether Support Services are:
- Functioning effectively, covering key operational areas
- Moving towards sustainability – including establishing peer network
- Provide assurance to the Senior Project Manager on progress and readiness for close out
Other Responsibilities Will Include
- Supporting programme reporting and escalation
- Leading on continuous improvement of the approach
Operations Development Lead in Wisbech employer: The Church of England
The Church of England in Liverpool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through diocesan training courses and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. With a strong commitment to nurturing vocations, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various church traditions and contribute to the spiritual development of lay ministry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Development Lead in Wisbech
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✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
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✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Development Lead in Wisbech
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at The Church of England and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like The Church of England will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to The Church of England.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at The Church of England.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at The Church of England. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
