Operations Development Lead

The Church of England; Wisbech; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Church of England in Wisbech is seeking a leader to establish and sustain Support Services within Large Single Parishes across the diocese. You will build relationships, facilitate decision‑making and support managers while progressing the programme consistently across locations.

The role involves line managing multiple officers, coordinating with the diocesan project team and external contractors, and arranging meetings across the diocese with occasional weekend commitments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading the delivery of Support Services within a parish or diocese.
• Line management experience, especially of projects officers and support staff.
• Ability to engage church leaders and local teams to understand needs and enable decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Support Services delivery function for Large Single Parishes (LSPs).
• Line manage the Operations Development Project Officer and Churchwardens Support Officer, Digital Systems Officer and others as required.
• Manage outsourced work and contractor relationships to ensure programmes stay on track.
• Engage with church leaders and local teams to understand needs and facilitate decisions on Support Services models.
• Provide guidance to Support Services Managers and support leadership development.
• Handle complex or sensitive situations with the diocesan project team as escalation or support is required.
• Ensure quality and sustainability of Support Services and provide assurance on progress.

Job description

This post is fixed term until November 2027 and is mostly based in St James’ House with frequent meetings in locations across the diocese, including evening meetings with volunteers. Occasional weekend meetings will be required. Some work from home by agreement, with most diocese staff working from home on Fridays.

Job Summary

Purpose of the role:

To lead and guide the establishment and sustainability of Support Services within Large Single Parishes (LSPs), working alongside a Operations Development Project Officer. The role focuses on building relationships, facilitating decision-making, and supporting Support Services Managers, while ensuring that the overall programme progresses effectively and consistently across the diocese.

Main Responsibilities

Key tasks within this role will be:

Lead the Support Services delivery function

• Provide direction, prioritisation, and oversight for the work of the Support Services function
• Line manage Operations Development Project Officer, providing support, clarity, and development
• Line manage Churchwardens Support Officer, Digital Systems Officer and other relevant roles as required
• Manage outsourced work and contractor relationships
• Ensure delivery across all LSPs remains on track and aligned to programme priorities

Local Engagement & Decision-Making

• Lead engagement with church leaders and local teams to:
  • Understand administrative needs in the local context
  • Facilitate decisions on Support Services models
• Enable the change team to move from discussion to clear, agreed approaches

Guidance to Support Services Managers

• Act as the primary relationship lead for Support Services Managers once appointed
• Provide support and constructive challenge to help managers build confidence and capability in leading their administrative services

Handling Complexity & Risk

• Support the most complex or sensitive situations (e.g. disagreement, lack of clarity, leadership challenges)
• Work with diocesan project team where escalation or additional support is required

Oversight of Quality & Sustainability

• Maintain oversight of whether Support Services are:
  • Functioning effectively, covering key operational areas
  • Moving towards sustainability – including establishing peer network
• Provide assurance to the Senior Project Manager on progress and readiness for close out

Other Responsibilities Will Include

• Supporting programme reporting and escalation

Leading on continuous improvement of the approach

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION PLEASE SEE ATTACHED RECRUITMENT PACK.