Head of Operations

People Matters Leeds (West Yorkshire) CIO; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A values-driven charity in Leeds is looking for a Head of Operations to lead service delivery and ensure high-quality support for people with disabilities. The role requires a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on leadership, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Ideal candidates will have operations leadership experience and a Level 4 qualification. The position offers a salary of £38,787 and supports hybrid working with flexible arrangements.

Benefits

Health benefits scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive discounts for charity workers

Professional development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of services for People Matters.
• Ensure high-quality support and strong safeguarding practice.
• Balance strategy and hands-on leadership.

Skills

Proficiency in Operations leadership

Strong Analytical Skills

Proven Team Management

Excellent Communication skills

Familiarity with charitable organisations

Knowledge of social firms

Commitment to inclusion

Education

Level 4 or above qualification in relevant field

Job description

People Matters is a medium‑sized charitable incorporated organisation with a wide membership model. Its members are people with disabilities, predominantly those with learning disabilities or autistic people who use its services. The staff team includes around 50 people, supported by volunteers. Services include social care, learning and social opportunities, and employment support.

We are a values‑led charity with a hands‑on culture, limited bureaucracy, and a deep commitment to inclusion and empowerment.

Role Description

Although the role is advertised as full time (37 hours) we welcome applications for part time working for the right candidate (the responsibilities would be adjusted accordingly.) This is a fixed term contract to cover MAT leave from April 2026 to June 2027.

This is a hybrid role, there is an expectation to be in the office at least once per week.

The head of operations will lead the operational delivery of People Matters’ services, ensuring high‑quality support, strong safeguarding practice, and sustainable organisational growth. You will balance strategy with hands‑on leadership — sometimes switching between the two within the same hour. This role is central to shaping the organisation’s future, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring that our members receive the best possible experience. The salary is £38,787 with a pay award pending April 26.

Skills and experience

• Proficiency in Operations leadership, with the ability to ensure efficiency and manage organisational resources effectively.
• Strong Analytical Skills and a solution‑oriented mindset to analyse and solve complex problems and improve processes.
• Proven Team Management and leadership capabilities, with experience in collaborative team building and supervision.
• Excellent Communication skills to coordinate with team members, stakeholders, and external partners effectively.
• Familiarity with working within charitable or community‑focused organisations is a plus.
• Knowledge of social firms and experience in similar settings is desirable.
• A commitment to fostering inclusive communities and supporting individuals with diverse needs.
• A level 4 or above qualification in relevant field

The Realities of This Role

• This role is hands‑on; you will be close to operational issues.
• You will juggle strategy and delivery.
• The environment is dynamic, fast‑paced, and people‑centred.
• Resources are finite; creativity and pragmatism are essential.
• You will lead through complexity and ambiguity.

This role is NOT for you if…

• You want a purely strategic post with minimal operational involvement.
• You prefer predictable routines.
• You feel uncomfortable leading safeguarding practice.
• You struggle with fast decision‑making.

This role IS for you if…

• You thrive in a values‑driven environment.
• You enjoy balancing strategy with hands‑on leadership.
• You are motivated by inclusion and empowerment.
• You want to influence culture and systems.

As a values driven charity with a strong sense of purpose, respected throughout Leeds, we offer a supportive and positive working environment where your leadership can make a genuine difference. In this role, you can expect:

• Meaningful Work: The opportunity to contribute to an organisation that makes a real impact in the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, and hidden disabilities in West Yorkshire.
• Positive, Supportive Culture: A workplace built on trust, collaboration, and kindness, where colleagues champion one another and work towards shared goals.
• A Voice That Matters: We actively encourage feedback and ideas at all levels. Your insight and experience will help shape the future of the organisation.

Hybrid & Flexible Working

The autonomy to manage your time effectively with a blend of home‑working and office presence. While there is an expectation to work from our Leeds office at least once per week, we support flexible arrangements around personal commitments such as childcare or other needs.

• Trust and Autonomy: A high degree of independence in how you plan and deliver your work, recognising you as a senior leader.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to our health benefits scheme and Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential emotional, financial, and wellbeing support.
• Exclusive Discounts: A range of discounts available to charity and social care workers.
• A Place to Grow: Opportunities to develop professionally while shaping an organisation that values continuous improvement.