Foundation Operations Manager

Northern Powergrid Foundation; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Up to 10% performance related bonus

Company pension scheme

Job summary

Northern Powergrid Foundation is seeking an Operations Manager to lead daily operations and drive grant programmes for local communities. You will work with the Head of Foundation and Trustees to implement the business plan, manage grants, and ensure transparent reporting and impact measurement.

The role prioritises stakeholder engagement, DEI commitments, and building strong partnerships with regional funders and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management of grant programmes is preferred.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.
• Knowledge of charity governance and reporting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage all operational activity of the Foundation according to the strategic direction provided by the Board including grant making, stakeholder management, communications and marketing.
• Be responsible for planning and delivering a range of support, services and financial grants for communities most in need.
• Ensure robust and clear processes for awarding grants in line with our grant making policy and individual programme funding criteria.
• Be responsible for all aspects of service delivery, grants and performance, including monitoring and reporting.
• Have a key role in the delivery of the Foundation annual business plan.
• Maintain existing and develop new partnerships with statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations for the benefit of our communities.
• Develop and manage initiatives, events and campaigns, working with respective Northern Powergrid teams to increase engagement in our mission and ensure we can measure the impact.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Operational planning

Communication

Financial literacy

Grant programme management

Job description

We are looking for a purpose-led, enthusiastic, and highly organized individual to join our Foundation as our next Operations Manager.

You would be responsible for leading the efficient day-to-day operations of our charity, significantly contributing to the development of both our existing and emerging grant programmes, and delivering greater impact for our communities.

Working directly with our Head of Foundation, you would play a key role in delivering our Foundation’s business plan, as well as co-ordinating and providing support to our Board of Trustees.

We’re looking for someone who can confidently and enthusiastically manage multiple grant programmes and measure outcomes of these programmes to help us understand our impact. You need to be well-organised, with good project management skills, and able to engage and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including our grant beneficiaries, other regional funders and internal colleagues within Northern Powergrid.

Experience in the grant-giving or charitable sector, while welcome, is not essential. What’s more important to us are the skills you bring in operational management, alongside a desire to make a difference.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Northern Powergrid Foundation is an independent grant giving charity, with a mission to help communities turn energy challenges into opportunities. To date, we have funded 130 organisations, providing them with almost £2million funding to enhance the energy resilience of their communities, but we’re now ready for the next step in our story.

Having just launched our new three-year strategy, our Foundation is at a point of significant change with an ambition to grow our impact across our region. We want to provide greater flexibility in our funding, to reach more communities who need support to maximise the benefits of the ever-changing energy landscape.

THE OFFER

Along with a competitive salary of £40- £45k, we also offer great benefits such as:

• 25 days holiday (increasing with service)
• Up to 10% performance related bonus
• Enrolment in a fantastic company pension scheme.

We are a small team that really values having quality time together. That's why we operate an office first policy. By working together, we can react quickly and deliver better outcomes for our beneficiaries.

We're excited to hear from candidates with a passion for making a difference in our local communities, driven by creating a positive impact to our regions' energy resilience needs. This will be a varied and dynamic role where you will work alongside a diverse set of stakeholders delivering both operational and strategic outcomes.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of the Foundation and working with the Board of Trustees, you will provide operational management relating to all aspects of the Foundation. To work with other key partners to extend the scope of services and appropriate grants that we can offer beneficiaries and clearly demonstrate and promote the positive impact of the Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational activity of the Foundation according to the strategic direction provided by the Board including grant making, stakeholder management, communications and marketing.
• Be responsible for planning and delivering a range of support, services and financial grants for communities most in need.
• Ensure robust and clear processes for awarding grants in line with our grant making policy and individual programme funding criteria.
• Be responsible for all aspects of service delivery, grants and performance, including monitoring and reporting.
• Have a key role in the delivery of the Foundation annual business plan.
• Maintain existing and develop new partnerships with statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations for the benefit of our communities.
• Develop and manage initiatives, events and campaigns, working with respective Northern Powergrid teams to increase engagement in our mission and ensure we can measure the impact.
• Be a known face of the Northern Powergrid Foundation, recognised in our communities to build a positive brand image.
• Ensure you are managing the Foundation in accordance with our commitment to DEI, creating social impact through funding and partnerships delivering to a broad range of recipients.
• Provide relevant information to enable effective reporting to the Board of Trustees, providing board reports and accurate, up to date information pertaining to funding and community engagement by the Foundation.
• Work in partnership with external partners to drive awareness, identify potential beneficiaries and engage with the wider community.
• Supporting the updates and revisions to the charity's business plan and develop our funding strategy in accordance with the Board's strategic direction.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures in accordance with the Board's strategic direction.
• Deputising for the Head of Foundation as required.
• Undertake any other relevant duties within the overall scope of the role, as requested by the Trustees.
• A passion for the mission of Northern Powergrid Foundation.
• Financial literacy and knowledge of charity governance and regulations.
• Proven organisational, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of managing grant or other funding programmes.
• A commitment to working in partnership with our local community partners.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• A good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Highly competent in the use of email, internet, MS Office and social media platforms.