Head of Central Operations

You’ll love this role if you’re excited about helping the UK’s largest nature conservation workforce be the very best it can be. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact by bringing your expertise in central operations, workplace management, logistics and workforce support to a mission that matters for nature.

We’re looking for an inspiring leader with a strong track record of driving high performance, improving processes, and optimising workplace provision and strategy across multiple locations. You’ll thrive in a values-led, inclusive organisation and be confident collaborating across a dispersed workforce to deliver results.

This role holds the functional overview of our UK Headquarters at The Lodge (Sandy, Bedfordshire) and Logistics in Bedford, and the delivery of UK-wide operational programmes.

This is a hybrid working position using the following working pattern:

• two days per week at RSPB UKHQ in Sandy, Bedfordshire
• one day per week on site at Logistics in Bedford,
• two days working from home. There will also be some infrequent travel and overnight stays to other RSPB sites across the UK.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

Demonstrable and proven experience of:

• delivering operational, workplace and remote workforce optimisation and engagement programmes
• ability to positively influence change, work collaboratively and demonstrate credibility
• experience in creating and implementing effective workplace (offices and workplaces) strategies, including review, provision and utilisation analysis, monitoring and reporting
• experience of operations, estate improvements, maintaining compliance and leading estate development projects
• experience of programme and project management principles and application, including reporting
• leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to develop and support team members towards high performance
• understanding of how equality, diversity and inclusion enables an organisation to be successful
• Experience of working with, managing and incorporating volunteers as part of the team
• IWFM or equivalent qualifications

Ability to:

• delegate effectively, identifying team members’ strengths and weaknesses to assign tasks appropriately and empower autonomy
• make pragmatic, reasoned and practical decisions, recommendations and alternative solutions based on sound analysis and logic
• understand and interpret technical reports, design briefs and works contracts, particularly those relating to building and infrastructure projects
• Commit to the hybrid working pattern

This is a permanent role working 37.5 hours per week and may include (by exception) some out of hours working or call-outs.

Full details of the role, essential criteria and the Guaranteed Interview Scheme we are running with this campaign are included in the Recruitment Pack attached to this advertisement- please make sure you read them comprehensively before applying-

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a full application including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested.

We are using a short application window for this role as we anticipate high interest and wish to give all applications the attention they deserve.

Applications close Sunday, February the 8th, though we reserve the right to extend if required. First interviews will be held on the 19th and 20th of February and second interviews from the 25th of February. Details will be provided to successful applicants in advance.

For further information please contact Bryan Bland at [email protected].

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.