Operational Development Lead

The Drinkaware Trust; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity focused on alcohol harm reduction is seeking an Operational Development Lead to design and deliver impactful programs. The role requires strong operational leadership experience in charity or public health, expertise in alcohol harm reduction, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. You will manage a small team, and enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and health cover. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic direction while making a real difference in the community.

Benefits

Hybrid Working (two days a week in the office)

30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Bupa health cover

Matched company pension scheme

Life assurance cover

Wellbeing and learning grants

Perks and discounts platform

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational leadership in charity or public health.
• Knowledge of alcohol harm reduction practices.
• Experience in designing and implementing impactful interventions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of harm reduction interventions.
• Drive operational planning aligned with public health goals.
• Ensure quality assurance and compliance across programs.
• Collaborate with various teams to deliver services effectively.
• Represent the organization to stakeholders and health bodies.

Skills

Operational leadership

Alcohol harm reduction expertise

Designing evidence-based interventions

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural science

Job description

About us :

Drinkaware is a leading charity concerned with reducing harm from alcohol. We do this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice, and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol harms; and working in partnership with others to deliver change through our tools and interventions. The Trust is funded primarily through voluntary, unrestricted donations from alcohol producers, wholesalers, and on- and off-trade retailers, but acts entirely independently.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a role where no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role :

As our Operational Development Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions and services that reduce alcohol-related harm. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll ensure our programmes are inclusive, impactful, and grounded in behavioural science.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Leading the design and delivery of harm reduction interventions and prevention.
• Driving operational planning and ensuring interventions align with public health objectives.
• Embedding quality assurance, safeguarding, and compliance across all programmes.
• Collaborating with teams including Digital, Marketing, Research, and Partnerships to deliver effective services.
• Representing Drinkaware externally with stakeholders, funders, and public health bodies.

This role also includes line management of two team members and offers the opportunity to influence strategic direction while maintaining hands‑on delivery.

About you

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. You’ll bring:

• Strong operational leadership experience in the charity, public health, or related sectors.
• Expertise in alcohol harm reduction and prevention approaches.
• Experience designing and implementing evidence-based interventions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible content.
• A collaborative mindset and confidence working across multiple teams.

Qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural science are desirable but not essential. We are keen to see applicants with certificates in Motivational Interviewing, CBT or other relevant therapeutic approaches relating to alcohol harm reduction or prevention. If you meet most of the criteria and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

Why join us?

At Drinkaware, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. You’ll enjoy:

• Hybrid Working (two days a week in the office)
• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Bupa health cover
• Matched company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Wellbeing and learning grants
• Perks and discounts platform

…and more.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us work together to reduce alcohol harm across the UK.

For full information please refer to the attached job description, our applicant privacy policy and read more about Drinkaware on our website.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

Closing date : 9am Monday 12 January 2026

Expected Interview date : 30 January & 2 February

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all communities. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

No agency support is required