Operations & Partnerships Manager, NFP PEOPLE

Guardian Jobs; Leicester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Jobs is seeking an ambitious Operations & Partnerships Manager in Leicester to lead a social enterprise supplying essential household items. You will drive business growth, build strategic partnerships and oversee day-to-day operations, while delivering social impact and ensuring financial sustainability.

Reporting to the CEO, you will manage a team, develop new opportunities, and strengthen relationships with housing associations, charities and local authorities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, B2B sales or partnerships.
• Track record of identifying opportunities and converting them into income.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Experience leading teams and managing operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• 50%: Build and manage a strong B2B sales pipeline and develop partnerships.
• 35%: Oversee stock, procurement, delivery operations and service excellence.
• 15%: Manage budgets, reporting and compliance; support a positive culture.

Skills

Business development

B2B sales

Account management

Partnership growth

Relationship building

Team leadership

Operations management

Commercial awareness

Communication

Strategic thinking

Social impact

Driving licence

Job description

Operations & Partnerships Manager

Location: Leicester (Site/Office Based)

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)

We're seeking an ambitious, commercially-minded and values-driven Operations & Partnerships Manager to lead and grow an established social enterprise trading arm.

This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial success with meaningful social impact. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for driving business growth, developing strategic partnerships, managing operational delivery, and leading a dedicated team to support people facing hardship through the provision of essential household goods.

If you're someone who enjoys building relationships, developing new opportunities, improving operational performance and making a real difference within the community, we'd love to hear from you.

About The Role

As Operations & Partnerships Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the performance and growth of a social enterprise operation supplying white goods, beds and essential household items through a range of B2B partnerships and community relationships.

You will develop new business opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure the service remains financially sustainable while delivering maximum social value.

How Your Time Will Be Spent

50% Business Development & Partnership Growth

• Building and managing a strong B2B sales pipeline.
• Developing relationships with housing associations, social landlords, local authorities, charities and socially-minded businesses.
• Identifying and converting new business opportunities.
• Managing key customer accounts and developing long-term partnerships.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to promote the social value and impact of the service.
• Representing the organisation at networking events, meetings and partnership forums.

35% Operations, Logistics & Service Delivery

• Overseeing stock management, procurement and supplier relationships.
• Managing delivery operations, logistics and fulfilment activities.
• Ensuring excellent customer service and efficient operational performance.
• Reviewing and improving systems, processes and operational controls.
• Maintaining high standards of quality, compliance and service delivery.

15% People, Finance & Compliance

• Leading, motivating and developing staff and volunteers.
• Managing budgets, sales targets and performance reporting.
• Monitoring margins, income and financial performance.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety, data protection and organisational policies.
• Supporting a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced manager who can successfully balance commercial growth with operational leadership.

You will have:

• Proven experience in business development, B2B sales, account management or partnership growth
• A track record of identifying opportunities and converting them into sustainable income.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Experience managing teams and leading people effectively.
• Operational management experience, ideally within logistics, warehousing, retail, fulfilment or service delivery environments.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial literacy.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work both strategically and operationally.
• A commitment to delivering positive social impact alongside commercial success.
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a management role.

Every new partnership you create, every process you improve and every sale you secure helps individuals and families access essential household items and practical support when they need it most.

Joining us means you will:

• Lead and shape a growing social enterprise.
• Work closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Have the opportunity to develop new partnerships and income streams.
• Make a measurable difference in local communities.
• Be part of a values-led organisation with a strong social purpose.