Operations Manager

Craft Bakers Association; East Hertfordshire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Craft Bakers Association is seeking an Operations Manager to act as the CEO's deputy, translating strategy into delivery across operations, partnerships and flagship events. You will lead the Ware office team, curate governance support and drive member engagement while supporting growth and performance across the association.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication and a proven track record in managing complex projects, events and budgets within a membership or

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations, project management, partnerships or membership organisations.
• Strong organisational and programme management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience of delivering events or conferences.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities for growth.
• Strong IT capability including Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery and project management of the CBA Strategic Focus Areas and associated workstreams.
• Coordinate cross-functional strategic projects with board members and team.
• Support CEO engagement with regulators, MPs, industry groups and sector partners.
• Act as a key representative of the CBA at meetings, exhibitions and industry events as agreed with the CEO.
• Lead the operational planning and delivery of the CBA Business Day and associated events.
• Coordinate project plans, budgets, suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and logistics.
• Ensure delivery of AGM, industry exhibition, insights, awards and networking events.
• Work with CEO and committees to ensure events support membership engagement, commercial growth and objectives.
• Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities for lean delivery.

Skills

Operations

Project management

Partnerships

Membership organisations

Events management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team leadership

Governance

Strategic delivery

Tools

CRM/database systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Operations Manager

The role would be a clear second-in-command to the CEO, with responsibility for translating strategy into delivery, partner management, events and internal operations. It would also remove some of the day-to-day delivery burden from the CEO. This draws from the existing Head of Operations role and CEO responsibilities while aligning to the strategic priorities for 2026–2029, particularly community engagement, Business Day, partnerships, training, governance and commercial growth.

Reports to: CEO

Location: Ware, Hertfordshire

Frequent travel to meetings, events, member visits and occassional overnight stays required.

1. Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the Chief Executive Officer in the day to day management and strategic delivery of the Craft Bakers Assocation (CBA)

The postholder will project manage and co-ordinate delivery of the CBA Strategic Focus Areas, ensuring objectives are translated into measurable actions, delivered on time and alighted with organisational priorities. The role will lead to operational planning, partner relationships, member engagement activity and flagship events, including Business Day.

The Operations Manager will act as the first line of management for the Ware office team.

The role will work closely with the CEO, Chairman, Board and external partners to support the continued growh, relevance and sustainability of the Association.

2. Key Responsibilities

Strategic Delivery and Project Management

Lead the operational delivery and project management of the CBA Strategic Focus Areas and associated workstreams

• Monitor progress against agreed objectives and provide regular updates to the CEO, Chairman and Board.

• Coordinate cross-functional strategic projects working with board members and team.

• Support CEO engagement with regulators, MPs, industry groups and sector partners.

• Act as a key representative of the CBA at meetings, exhibitions and industry events as agreed with the CEO.

Business Day & Events Management

• Lead the operational planning and delivery of the CBA Business Day and associated events.

• Coordinate project plans, budgets, suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and logistics.

• Ensure the successful delivery of:
  • AGM
  • Industry exhibition
  • Insight/masterclass sessions
  • Awards activity
  • Networking and evening functions

• Work with the CEO and committees to ensure events support membership engagement, commercial growth and strategic objectives.

• Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lean delivery.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Act as first line manager for the Ware-based team.
• Coordinate workloads, priorities and performance across the office team.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and support employee development.
• Escalate operational issues, performance concerns or resource requirements to the CEO.
• Support HR administration including holiday, sickness and return-to-work processes.

Member Engagement & Communications

• Support the CEO in ensuring members receive a high-quality service and clear communication on CBA activity.

Governance & Reporting

• Support preparation for Board meetings, committees and governance activity.

• Coordinate papers, reporting and action tracking.

• Ensure accurate minutes, actions and follow-up activity are completed.

Operational & Financial Support

• Work alongside the CEO on business planning and organisational priorities.

Key Working Relationships

• Chief Executive Officer
• Chairman and Board Directors
• Ware Office Team
• Members and Industry Partners
• External agencies and consultants
• Government and sector stakeholders

Essential

• Proven experience in operations, project management, partnerships or membership organisations.
• Strong organisational and programme management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience of delivering events or conferences.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities for growth.
• Strong IT capability including Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Desirable

• Experience working within trade associations, membership bodies or not-for-profit organisations.
• Experience of sponsorship, partnership or commercial income generation.
• Understanding of the food, baking or manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of governance and board reporting.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and proactive.
• Positive, professional and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and relationship driven.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfortable balancing strategy and hands-on delivery.
• Passionate about supporting independent businesses and industry communities.

Additional Information

The postholder will be required to travel throughout the UK and undertake occasional overnight stays.