Operations Manager

SEFF JOB DESCRIPTION: Operations Manager

Responsibleto:ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Location:Lisnaskea/Fivemiletown or Lisburn (with some travel across business the business area as required).

Hours of work: 37.5hoursperweekuntil31stMarch2028

Salary: (PO7) £56,293 Gross PA + 6% Pension payable monthly in arrears

Purpose of the Role:

The Operations Manager will provide high-level operational and organisational leadership to ensure the smooth running and strategic development of SEFF. The postholder will support the Chief Executive and Board in implementing the organisations strategic plan, ensuring strong governance, compliance, and effective use of resources.

This role will have a particular focus on governance-level Human Resources (HR) leadership, providing direction, oversight, and assurance that HR policies, procedures, and employment practices meet legal, regulatory, and best practice standards. The Operations Manager will serve as the organisational lead for HR governance, staff wellbeing strategy, and people development.

The Operations Manager will also provide line management to SEFFs Senior Management Team (SMT) and ensure effective communication, accountability, and collaboration acrossall departments.

Key working relationships:

Internal contacts:

• SEFFsBoard
• SEFFsCEO
• SeniorManagementTeam
• SEFF Employees
• Individualsandfamilies(clients)
• SEFF Volunteers

External contacts:

• SEFFs Partner groups
• SEFF Contractors

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• OverseetheoperationaldeliveryofSEFFsservices,projects,andadministrative functions to ensure efficiency, consistency, and high-quality outcomes.
• WorkcloselywiththeChiefExecutiveinimplementingstrategicobjectives,performance targets, and organisational priorities.
• Leadonthedevelopment,monitoring,andcontinuousimprovementofinternal systems, processes, and service standards.
• Ensure compliancewithallrelevantpolicies,legislation,andregulatory frameworks including data protection, safeguarding, health & safety, and charity governance.
• Supportbusinesscontinuityandriskmanagementplanningacrosstheorganisation.
• Drive a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence across all teams.

Human Resources Governance and Leadership

• Act as SEFFs lead for HR at a governance and strategic level, ensuring that all employment policies and practices are compliant, fair, and fit for purpose.
• Work in partnership with, and as direct Line Manager for Service Managers and a small number of other team members within SEFF, manageing the day-to-day HR administration and processes (e.g., recruitment logistics, contracts, and staff files).
• Provide direction,guidance,andassurance on HR matters tothe Chief Executive and Board, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with SEFFs values.
• Lead on the strategic development of HR frameworks including workforce planning, staff wellbeing, learning and development, and performance management systems.
• Create and implement a robust programme of training and development across the workforce.
• Advise and support senior managers in handling complex HR issues (e.g., grievance, capability, disciplinary, and absence management).
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of organisational practice.

Leadership and Line Management

• Provide direct line management to members of SEFFs Senior Management Team (SMT), ensuring clarity of roles, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Conduct all line management requirements in line with SEFFs HR policies and procedures, including regular one-to-one supervision, annual appraisals, absence management, performance reviews, and professional development planning.
• Support SMT members to lead their teams effectively, ensuring consistent application of HR best practice across all departments and adherence to organisational values.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and high-performing staff culture built on respect, trust, and open communication.
• Ensure effective internal communication between teams and across departments, promoting collaboration and shared purpose.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of appraisal systems, workforce development, and training plans across all staff groups.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to SMT members, ensuring they are equipped to manage their teams confidently and in accordance with employment legislation and SEFFs internal HR framework.

Governance, Compliance & Policy Development

• Lead responsibility for policy writing, review and controlled document management,directly reporting to the Chief Executive and Management Board for policy change.
• LiaisingwithPeninsulaHRservicestoensureallHRpoliciesareinlinewith legislation changes
• EnsureGDPRcompliance andtrainingacrossalloperations.
• Preparedocumentationandreportsfor:
  • ManagementMeetings
  • AGMandAnnualReport
  • HRSub-CommitteeMeetings
• EnsurerecruitmentandHRdocumentationmeetsauditandfunderrequirements.
• ContributetoSEFFsmonitoringandevaluationsystems.
• Maintain organisational risk registers on Bright Safe CRM.

Financial and Resource Oversight

• SupporttheFinanceManagerandChiefExecutiveinensuringeffectiveuseof resources and budgetary control.
• Monitor operational expenditure and ensure best value in procurement and suppliermanagement.
• Contribute to funding applications, reports, and audits through provision of accurate operational and staffing data.

Strategic Development

• Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to support organisational growthand sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and innovation to enhance impact and efficiency.
• Support external engagement, partnerships, and stakeholder relationships where required.

Reporting and Communication Responsibilities:

• Reportingto-SEFFsChiefExecutiveOfficer
• Responsible for/ Line Manager for – SEFFs Senior Management Team members and a small number of other Team members

Essential Criteria:

Essential:

• Significantexperienceinoperationsmanagementand/orHRleadershipwithina complex organisation.
• CIPDLevel5oraboveinPeopleManagement/HR
• QualifiedtoDegreeLevelorabove
• Strongunderstandingofemploymentlaw,HRgovernance,andbestpracticein people management.
• Demonstrableexperienceinleadingteams,includinglinemanagementofseniorstaff.
• Experienceofpolicydevelopment,compliance,andorganisationalgovernance.
• Excellentleadership,communication,andinterpersonalskills.
• Provenabilitytoplanstrategically,managechange,andsolvecomplexproblems.
• Knowledgeoffinancialmanagementprinciplesandresourceplanning.
• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Desirable Criteria:

Desirable:

• Experienceinthecharity,voluntary,orpublicsector.
• Knowledgeofcharitygovernance,safeguarding,anddataprotectionrequirements.
• Experience in risk management and business continuity planning.

Employee Value Proposition:

• Agenerousannualleaveallowance
• Paidsicknessleave
• AbonusleavedayatChristmas
• Hybridandflexibleworkingopportunities
• Flexibleofficehours
• A staffWellness Framework
• EmployeeAssistanceProgram
• FinancialsupportandinvestmenttowardsCPDtrainingopportunities
• Great workplace culture and team-building events.

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