Director of Operations

COMMUNITY VENTURES (MIDDLESBROUGH) LTD.; Middlesbrough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organisation in Middlesbrough is seeking a Director of Operations to lead its operational framework and ensure strategic alignment for growth. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in the charity or community sectors, and a deep commitment to social impact and community empowerment.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within dynamic organisations.
• Proven expertise in managing complex organisational change.
• Exceptional financial acumen with extensive experience managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and performance measurement.
• Design organisational systems and policies for compliance.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and funders.

Skills

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Team development

Strategic thinking

Job description

Job Title: Director of Operations

Organisation: Community Ventures (Middlesbrough) Ltd (CVL)

Location: Middlesbrough, with regular travel across Tees Valley and occasional national engagements

Reporting to: Senior Executive team

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 depending with experience

Overview

Community Ventures (Middlesbrough) Ltd (CVL) is a dynamic and growing charitable organisation dedicated to transforming lives by providing comprehensive community support and engagement services. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to empower vulnerable individuals, often experiencing complex and chaotic lifestyles, through accessible community centres, peer-led initiatives, and innovative social enterprise programmes.

The Operations Director will lead CVL through an exciting period of significant change and growth, driving organisational evolution, systems development, and capacity-building. This senior-level role will ensure CVL is operationally robust, strategically aligned, and poised to effectively expand and deepen its positive community impact.

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Director will strategically lead and develop CVL’s operational framework with a strong focus on trauma-informed practice and community-centred support. This role will involve implementing robust, compassionate, and effective systems designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable and chaotic community members. The successful candidate will cultivate a team that embodies CVL’s values, providing high-quality support while positioning the organisation for sustainable growth and increased community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leadership to define and realise CVL’s strategic direction and ambitions.
• Lead transformational change management initiatives to prepare CVL for its next phase of growth and service expansion.
• Identify and capitalise on opportunities for strategic partnerships, enhancing CVL’s reputation, impact, and reach.

Operational Management

• Oversee and refine CVL’s day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Lead operational planning, performance measurement, and reporting processes, driving continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships and communications with key external stakeholders, including local authorities, funders, statutory bodies, and strategic partners.

Systems and Process Development

• Design, implement, and continuously refine organisational systems, policies, and procedures to support growth, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Lead on the integration of innovative technology and digital solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Ensure robust quality assurance and compliance mechanisms are embedded throughout CVL operations.

Financial Stewardship

• Lead effective financial planning, management, and reporting to ensure financial health, accountability, and sustainability.
• Oversee budgeting processes, resource allocation, and risk management strategies to support long-term organisational stability.
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to inform executive-level decision-making.

People Leadership and Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, motivated team, ensuring effective recruitment, performance management, professional development, and staff wellbeing.
• Foster an inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive organisational culture that promotes empowerment, resilience, and accountability.
• Provide mentoring and development opportunities to cultivate future organisational leaders.

Service Innovation and Growth

• Champion innovation in trauma-informed service design and delivery, proactively identifying and responding to evolving community needs.
• Develop and expand CVL’s service portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and community demands.
• Strengthen CVL’s capacity to scale services and replicate successful trauma-informed models across multiple locations.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within dynamic, growth-focused organisations, ideally within the charity, social enterprise, or community sectors.
• Proven expertise in managing complex organisational change and scaling operational capacity.
• Demonstrable success in developing and implementing robust operational systems and processes.
• Exceptional financial acumen with extensive experience managing budgets, resources, and organisational risk.
• Strong people leadership and team development skills, with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Deep commitment to social impact, inclusion, trauma-informed practice, and community empowerment.

Desirable

• Experience leading organisations through periods of significant growth or restructuring.
• Familiarity with peer-led community service models.
• Track record of successful partnership development and resource mobilisation.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV along with a comprehensive cover letter detailing their experience in leading organisational change, motivation for joining CVL, and alignment with our mission and values to [e-mail]. Closing Date for applications is the 30th June 2025.

First stage interviews on-line will be held on the 8th July.

Second Stage interviews in person will be held on the 15th July.