Strategic Operations & Partnerships Manager

Trade Association Forum Ltd; Ware; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Craft Bakers Association in Ware, Hertfordshire, seeks an Operations Manager to act as second-in-command to the CEO, translating strategy into delivery across operations, partnerships, events and governance. The role includes leading Ware office staff, managing projects and coordinating with the Board to support growth and sustainability.

The postholder will drive Business Day delivery, attend meetings and industry events, and ensure effective engagement with members and partners while aligning

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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: 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.
• 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.
• Support the CEO in ensuring members receive a high-quality service and clear communication on CBA activity.
• 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.
• Work alongside the CEO on business planning and organisational priorities.

Skills

Operations management

Project management

Partnerships

Stakeholder management

Event delivery

Team leadership

Governance

Budgeting

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM/database systems

Job description

Craft Bakers Association in Ware, Hertfordshire, seeks an Operations Manager to act as second-in-command to the CEO, translating strategy into delivery across operations, partnerships, events and governance. The role includes leading Ware office staff, managing projects and coordinating with the Board to support growth and sustainability.

The postholder will drive Business Day delivery, attend meetings and industry events, and ensure effective engagement with members and partners while aligning