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- Tasks: Lead community engagement and develop strategies for growth and sustainability.
- Company: Join a passionate charity focused on community empowerment and social impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a close-knit community while driving organisational growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in charities or community organisations is essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic rural setting with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Based at Loanhead Farm, West Calder. EH55 8LN. Work will take place across a variety of settings, throughout the WATIF Community Development Trust area.
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Hours of employment: Full time. Flexible working hours with some evening and weekend working. Own transport is essential as there is no public transport nearby.
Salary: £36,000 - £40,000.
Overview: The Operational Manager will be responsible for delivering the strategic direction of the Board of Trustees for the Charity. The key priorities will be engagement with the WATIF community, cultivating strategic partnerships along with the development and delivery of a clear learning and development strategy. The strategy must support future organisational growth and unlock revenue generation opportunities, including fundraising, partnerships and social enterprise models. The Operational Manager will provide strong team leadership, operational excellence and community engagement through effective engagement of the WATIF staff team, ensuring the work remains locally rooted and sustainable.
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Proven senior leadership experience in a UK charity, community organisation, or social enterprise
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and partnership skills
- Deep understanding of community-led principles and grassroots engagement
- Strong track record of designing and implementing organisational learning and development strategies
- Demonstrated experience in successful fundraising, income generation or business development
- Experience of leading teams through change, growth or capacity-building processes
- Proven experience of engagement with a diverse and close-knit community in a rural area.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with social enterprise models and/or community business development
- Experience in leading communications with community, partners and funding stakeholders
- Experience of tech enabled learning initiatives. MS 365, Excel, Social Media, Xero
Values and Initiatives:
- Passionate about equity, community empowerment, and inclusive practice
- Ability to inspire, motivate and mobilize teams and community
- Passion for people development and social impact
- Strong emotional intelligence and commitment to wellbeing
- Confidence in working with diverse communities, including those experiencing disadvantage
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Organisational Growth: Lead the development and implementation, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, of a future focused strategy that reflects community needs and organisational ambitions. Identify and pursue new opportunities for sustainable income generation, innovation and community impact. Represent the organisation with key stakeholders, partners, and media, representing its values and vision to build visibility and influence.
- Learning and Development for Organisational and Revenue Generating Growth: Design and implement a charity wide learning and development strategy for future growth and sustainability for the organisations portfolio of services and activities, ensuring team growth, capability and succession planning. Establish programs that upskill staff and support innovative service delivery and operational improvement and efficiency. Identify skills gaps and create internal pathways for staff, volunteers and community leaders to grow.
- Revenue Generation and Fundraising: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including community fundraising, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships and earned income opportunities. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, foundations, sponsors and other funding bodies. Ensure effective operational systems, budget management, compliance and risk oversight. Explore and develop income-generating opportunities, including social enterprise and commissioned services.
- Team Management and Organisational Culture: Inspire, lead and support a skilled and passionate staff team, promoting wellbeing, development and inclusive practice. Foster a collaborative and innovative community driven and values based organisational culture. Ensure that all HR policies, recruitment, performance requirements are current and adhered to. Recruit, coordinate and manage volunteers to the organisation both at Loanhead and throughout the WATIF area.
- Governance and Compliance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, reporting and strategic oversight. Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory and contractual obligations including Charity Commission guidance. Lead on safeguarding, health and safety, risk management, and organisational policy development.
Operational Manager in Lanark employer: WATIF Community Trust
Contact Detail:
WATIF Community Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Manager in Lanark
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend local events, join community groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or partnerships.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for community engagement! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas on how to strengthen community ties. They’ll love hearing your thoughts on grassroots initiatives and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, especially in a community-focused environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Operational Manager role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Manager in Lanark
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operational Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in community engagement, leadership, and fundraising to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about community empowerment and social impact. Share your experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values, as it’ll resonate with us and the Board of Trustees.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WATIF Community Trust
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the WATIF community and its needs. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your commitment to community engagement and how you can contribute to the charity's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in a charity or community setting. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and growth, as this is crucial for the Operational Manager role.
✨Fundraising Focus
Brush up on your fundraising strategies and be prepared to share your successes in generating income. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken in the past, as this will show your potential to unlock revenue generation opportunities for the organisation.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery and ensure you convey your passion for community empowerment.
