Operations Officer Wales - Maternity Cover

Following the upcoming maternity leave of a valued team member, we’re seeking a proactive and enthusiastic individual to join our Wales team as an Operations Officer on a 12 month fixed term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the operational delivery and development of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), helping more young people to access our life‑changing programmes.

As an Operations Officer, you will manage and support a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs) to ensure the delivery of a high‑quality DofE programme. Most LOs are schools, but you will also work with a diverse range of partners, including colleges, local authorities, charities, pupil referral units, youth groups and young offender institutions. You will work closely with a team of Operations Officers across Wales, each responsible for their own portfolio. The role is field‑based, involving regular travel to meetings and events. When not attending meetings, you will work from home, and applicants must live within or very close to the allocated portfolio area. Reporting to an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for day‑to‑day contact with LOs and for supporting delivery of the Wales Business Plan. You will be a passionate advocate for the DofE, motivated to help achieve our ambition of giving more than one million young people the opportunity to participate in our programmes.

Welsh Language The DofE has been recognised by the Welsh Language Commissioner for our Welsh language provision. Applications from Welsh‑speaking candidates are actively encouraged. Non‑Welsh speakers will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to developing their Welsh language skills.

What we are looking for:

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Licensed Organisations to support high‑quality programme delivery across your portfolio.
• Provide effective day‑to‑day support to LOs, including induction and training for LO staff.
• Develop and implement short‑ and long‑term action plans in collaboration with LOs.
• Use online management tools to budget, forecast and track targets, and ensure effective use of eDofE across the portfolio.
• Attend regular online and face‑to‑face meetings with LOs, including occasional early morning and evening meetings.
• Carry out licence reviews with existing LOs and support the licensing of new organisations.
• Increase participation among young people who experience marginalisation, helping to expand reach and promote inclusivity.
• Support the preparation, monitoring and reporting of externally funded projects and grant applications.
• Attend and support national events, such as Gold Award Events, which may occasionally require overnight stays or weekend travel.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the UK, contributing to project and working groups.
• Support the implementation of the DofE strategy and the Wales Business Plan.
• Strong ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence external partners.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently, while also contributing positively within a team.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong written skills including editing and proofreading materials for different audiences.
• Confident verbal communication skills, including the ability to run effective meetings and deliver presentations face‑to‑face and online.
• A solution‑focused approach, with the confidence to challenge poor practice.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data and act on insights.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. The deadline for applying for this role is: 21st May - Midnight. Interviews will take place on: WC 8th June - in person at a location in Wrexham. If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org.

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave. The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.