Community Centre Manager

shrewsbury house community association; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in London seeks a Community Centre Manager to oversee operations and ensure effective delivery of services. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, strong financial management skills, and the ability to foster community partnerships. This role involves managing staff, securing funding, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Competitive salary offered with potential for personal growth in a vibrant community setting.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience.
• Understanding of the role of community centres.
• Credible representation of organization with partners and community.
• Experience managing a small team.
• Strong communication skills and written English.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the community centre.
• Secure funding to support strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage staff recruitment and performance.
• Oversee finance, administration, and compliance.
• Develop strategic partnerships with local authorities.

Skills

Leadership and management experience

Financial management and reporting

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of charity law

IT and social media skills

Tools

QuickBooks

Job description

Shrewsbury House Community Association (SHCA)

Job Title: Community Centre Manager
Accountable to: Board of Trustees
Hours: 35 per week (excluding breaks). Core hours Monday–Friday, with evenings and weekends as required.
Base: Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, London SE18 3EG
Salary: £39,130

Purpose of the Role

The Centre Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations, staff and volunteer management, service delivery and organisational development. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the postholder ensures effective governance, compliance, financial management and the delivery of SHCA’s strategic aims as a thriving community hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Management: Position SHCA as a recognised, resilient and inclusive community hub.
• Work with the Board to deliver the business plan, reporting monthly.
• Secure funding to support strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage staff recruitment, training and performance.
• Develop a sustainable financial model for the Garden Café, establishing a separate legal entity and SLA.
• Oversee finance, administration, building maintenance and compliance.
• Advise the Board on Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC and legal requirements.
• Build strategic relationships with Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG), councillors and partners.
• Ensure delivery of SHCA’s SLA with RBG.

Community & Partnerships

• Strengthen SHCA’s visibility and reputation locally.
• Grow income through room hire, private hire and partnerships.
• Oversee an annual calendar of community events.
• Maintain relationships with community groups, funders and stakeholders.
• Embed inclusion and widen participation among under-represented groups.
• Lead communications across newsletters, website, social media and print.
• Develop and support a volunteer programme.
• Oversee café and bar operations, ensuring KPIs are achieved.
• Collaborate with other community centres and cultural/educational bodies.

Finance

• Manage banking, payroll, pensions, invoicing, and debtors (QuickBooks).
• Provide monthly financial reports to the Board.
• Support preparation of annual accounts and liaise with auditors.
• Ensure timely submissions to funders and regulators.
• Negotiate with suppliers, hirers and contractors.

Administration

• Ensure bookings, records, policies and procedures are accurate and up to date.
• Act as registered contact for regulators and Premises Licence Holder.
• Maintain insurances and comply with Historic England requirements for the Grade II listed building.
• Support Board administration and organise the AGM.
• Maintain safeguarding and membership records.
• Provide detailed monthly operational and strategic progress reports.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reserves strengthened to 9 months by Board-approved date.
• Monthly finance and occupancy reports submitted on time.
• Average room occupancy increased to 45% by end of 2027.
• Garden Café SLA monitored and delivering agreed contribution.
• Full compliance with governance, safeguarding, H&S and risk management.
• Positive engagement with RBG and councillors.
• Timely, compliant grant submissions.
• Staff and volunteers effectively recruited, supported and retained.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven leadership and management experience.
• Understanding of the role of community centres.
• Credible representation of SHCA with partners and community.
• Financial management and reporting skills.
• Experience managing a small team.
• Proven ability to meet KPIs and raise standards.
• Strong communication skills and written English.
• Knowledge of charity law, governance and compliance.
• Good IT and social media skills.
• Commitment to equality, flexibility, resilience under pressure.
• Effective delegation and creative problem-solving.

Desirable:

• Experience writing business plans and successful funding bids.
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees.
• Volunteer management experience.
• Knowledge of QuickBooks.
• Experience commissioning contractors and services.
• Skills in marketing, PR and stakeholder engagement.