Head of Operations - Readings Business Improvement District (BID)

Reading Borough Council; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Reading is seeking a Head of Operations to enhance the town centre community. This fixed-term role includes supervising Business Wardens and managing initiatives aimed at improving Reading's environment. Ideal candidates will have customer service experience and excellent communication skills. This position offers 25 days of holiday, flexible working, and a supportive career growth environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Modern workspace at Civic Offices

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Passionate about improving living or working environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Deliver high-quality customer service and operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Business Wardens.
• Build relationships with businesses in the town centre.
• Organize events and community initiatives.

Skills

Experience in a customer-based environment

Basic proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems

Experience supervising a small team

Ability to build strong relationships

Confidence in managing difficult situations

Initiative and creativity in problem solving

Job description

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Head of Operations for the Readings Business Improvement District (BID), part of Readings Economy & Destination Agency (REDA), based in the town centre. This is a fixed-term contract role, covering maternity leave from mid-October 2025 to mid-November 2026.

Reading BID aims to make Reading a safer, cleaner, greener, and more attractive place to live, visit, and work. This role is central to our success, and we seek someone dedicated to enhancing Reading town centre for all.

To find out more about REDA, visit: https://www.visit-reading.com/business/bid

About The Role

This role is the first point of contact for BID levy-paying businesses. You will build positive relationships with various town centre businesses, including retailers, hospitality venues, nighttime venues, and office-based companies. Your responsibilities include liaising with businesses, supporting enquiries, organizing ongoing initiatives, and proposing new projects and events.

Key Areas Of Responsibility Include

• Supervision of Business Wardens
• Updating CRM system
• Engaging with businesses regularly
• Introducing new businesses to BID services
• Producing weekly newsletters for BID businesses
• Managing sign-up processes for BID initiatives
• Organizing and running events and exploring new experiences in the town

Initiatives you will work on and manage include:

• Town centre trails
• Wellbeing activities for levy payers
• Training for levy payers
• Contract management for deep cleaning
• Contract management for the warden service

About You

We seek someone who knows, understands, and is passionate about Reading, with experience in improving living or working environments. You should enjoy face-to-face customer relations and be able to build and maintain good relationships within professional, retail, and office settings.

You must deliver high-quality customer service and operational standards with a helpful and positive attitude. Confidence in handling difficult situations, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proactive, creative approach to problem-solving are essential. You should be able to work from the office in Reading most of the week, with potential for some remote work.

Skills and Experience Required

• Experience in a customer-based environment
• Basic proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems
• Experience supervising a small team (2-3 people)
• Ability to build strong relationships
• Confidence in managing difficult situations
• Initiative and creativity in problem solving

Our Offer

We provide a supportive environment for career growth, encouraging innovation and ambition within a friendly, collaborative team.

Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years, with options to buy additional leave
• Flexible working opportunities
• Modern workspace at Civic Offices, Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance (three times annual salary for LGPS members)
• On-site nursery (Kennet Day Nursery, rated outstanding by Ofsted)
• Season Ticket Loan
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

For more information, contact Alexa Volker, Readings Business Improvement Districts Manager.

Closing Date: 10 August 2025

Shortlisting: 14-15 August 2025

Interviews: 21-22 August 2025

Start Date: Week commencing 20 October 2025

Note: The closing date is a guideline; the vacancy may close early once sufficient applications are received. Please apply promptly.