Parish Operations & Support Lead (Fixed-Term)

Church of England; Calthorpe Fields; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Church of England's Diocese seeks a leader to establish and sustain Support Services across Large Single Parishes, working with the Operations Development Project Officer.

The role focuses on building relationships, guiding decision‑making, and supporting Support Services Managers while ensuring progress and consistency across the diocese.

Based mostly in St James' House with some home working by agreement, and occasional weekend and evening meetings with volunteers across the diocese.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading support services within a large parish or church context.
• Ability to build relationships and facilitate decision-making.
• Experience line-managing staff and managing contractors.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, prioritisation, and oversight for the Support Services function.
• Line manage Operations Development Project Officer and other roles.
• 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.
• Lead engagement with church leaders and local teams to understand administrative needs and facilitate decisions on Support Services models.
• Enable the change team to move from discussion to clear, agreed approaches.
• Act as the primary relationship lead for Support Services Managers and provide support to help managers lead their administrative services.
• Support the most complex or sensitive situations and escalate with the diocesan project team when needed.
• Maintain oversight of whether Support Services are functioning effectively and moving towards sustainability.
• Provide assurance to the Senior Project Manager on progress and readiness for close out.
• Leading on continuous improvement of the approach.
• Supporting programme reporting and escalation.

Job description

Church of England's Diocese seeks a leader to establish and sustain Support Services across Large Single Parishes, working with the Operations Development Project Officer.

The role focuses on building relationships, guiding decision‑making, and supporting Support Services Managers while ensuring progress and consistency across the diocese.

Based mostly in St James' House with some home working by agreement, and occasional weekend and evening meetings with volunteers across the diocese.