Workspace Operations Manager

Somerset Council; Rimpton; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a dynamic Workspace Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of enterprise and innovation centres in Somerset. You will drive occupancy, customer experience, income generation and workspace improvements to support local businesses and economic growth.

You will oversee day-to-day operations and strategic development of the managed workspace portfolio, ensuring centres are well-utilised, financially sustainable and aligned with economic priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience managing operational services, facilities, or commercial workspaces.
• Budgeting, financial planning, and risk management experience.
• Knowledge of workspace management and customer-focused service delivery.
• Strong stakeholder relationship building and collaborative work with diverse groups.
• Leadership, organisational, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management and continuous improvement of the Council’s enterprise and innovation workspaces.
• Manage and support workspace teams, ensuring high standards of service for tenants and users.
• Maximise occupancy, income generation, and overall workspace performance.
• Monitor risks, performance, and budgets, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
• Build strong relationships with internal services, business partners, and stakeholders to support effective delivery.
• Help shape and enhance the business support offer through workspace development projects, events, and growth initiatives.

Skills

Operational management

Budgeting & financial planning

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Project management

Customer-focused service delivery

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Salary: Grade 7, £56,919 per annum
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 8 November 2026

We're looking for a dynamic and commercially minded Workspace Operations Manager to lead our portfolio of enterprise and innovation centres. You'll drive occupancy, customer experience, income generation and workspace improvements, helping local businesses thrive while supporting Somerset's economic growth ambitions.

About The Role

As Workspace Operations Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation and strategic development of the Council's managed workspace portfolio. Working closely with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, you will ensure centres are well-utilised, financially sustainable, customer-focused, and aligned with wider economic priorities.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the operational management and continuous improvement of the Council’s enterprise and innovation workspaces.
• Manage and support workspace teams, ensuring high standards of service for tenants and users.
• Maximise occupancy, income generation, and overall workspace performance.
• Monitor risks, performance, and budgets, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
• Build strong relationships with internal services, business partners, and stakeholders to support effective delivery.
• Help shape and enhance the business support offer through workspace development projects, events, and growth initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Experience managing operational services, facilities, or commercial workspaces.
• Strong experience managing budgets, financial planning, performance, and risk.
• Knowledge of workspace management and customer-focused service delivery.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 33 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find Out More About Working At Somerset Council

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• Your main work locations will be the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) and Yeovil Innovation Centre (YIC), with occasional travel to other enterprise and innovation centres across Somerset. As a result, you'll need to be able to travel around the county.
• This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact James Gilgrist (Head of Economic Prosperity) on [e-mail] or 01823 355339

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP333 Workspace Operations Manager.pdf

Ref: 1532/AB