OPERATIONS MANAGER

SALARY: FTE £35,000 – £38,100 pa (DOE)

HOURS: 25 – 40 hours per week

CONTRACT: Permanent

LOCATION: Tomatin, IV13 7YN (less than 20 minutes from Inverness). Hybrid working available.

THE JOB

We are delighted to be supporting our client, White River Trading (WRT), to recruit an Operations Manager. This is a challenging, exciting and diverse role which is principally based in the beautiful village of Tomatin, less than 20 minutes from Inverness. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading our incredible team, as well as the management of WRT’s assets and service delivery.

The Operations Manager will typically be based in The Strathdearn, a new and stunning hub complex that is in the heart of the village, 3 – 4 days per week with a degree of hybrid working will be available. This is more than a 9 – 5 position and flexibility will be required, including cover during some evenings and weekends.

Applications from those wanting to work part-time or full-time are encouraged. WRT will consider applications from those who would like to work less than 25 hours per week.

The role will report to the Chair of the WRT Board.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Manager role will develop as the company matures and becomes accountable for the management of more operational assets. Generally, the role will include, but not be limited to the following activities.

LEADERSHIP

  • To ensure there is an effective relationship between employees, management, and the Board.
  • To lead all employees effectively and to develop individual skills and abilities to an optimum level of efficiency.
  • To set and agree levels of attainment with all employees directly managed and to regularly measure the actual performance with the set standard.
  • To provide leadership and management to WRT Staff.

FINANCIAL AND GOVERNANCE

  • To oversee the financial performance and risk profile while ensuring that all regulatory obligations are met.
  • To produce reports, including financial, for the Board on a regular basis and as requested.
  • To be responsible for the financial performance of WRT assets.
  • To work with the WRT Financial Controller on company budget forecasting aimed at becoming cost neutral or better by 2024. This will include the monitoring and control of allocated budgets to ensure targets are being met.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • To be responsible for identifying and undertaking business development activities.
  • To represent the company at important business functions, community events, industry training and events, and networking opportunities.
  • To oversee the implementation of new services; and oversee brand development and the implementation of effective marketing strategies.
  • To undertake business development and promotion of the use of company assets to provide improved use of facilities and deliver value for money.

OPERATIONAL

  • To oversee all operations and business activities in relation to the company’s assets.
  • To ensure robust administrative processes, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), are in place to enable the efficient management of the organisation.
  • The develop and maintain company policies and procedures to ensure the safe and efficient use of SCD assets.
  • To attend WRT Board meetings, AGMs, EGMs, community meetings and any staff and other meetings as required and by agreement with the WRT Board.
  • To oversee the development of an asset management plan to ensure that all assets are operated, maintained, and repaired in accordance with good working practices and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • To provide advice, guidance and support the WRT Board in the operation and management of assets for the provision of services to the Strathdearn Community and public at large.
  • To oversee the procurement of repair and maintenance services, entertainment, goods, and materials for the operation of the facilities; all in accordance with WRT procurement procedures.
  • To liaise with the Community Council, the Charitable Trust, the Highland Council, grant funders and community benefactors where necessary.
  • To organise external Board visits, as required.
  • To establish networks with similar organisations within the area to examine areas of mutual benefit.

CUSTOMER

  • To maintain strong customer relationships at all times.
  • To build trusting relations with key partners and stakeholders.
  • To liaise with the owners and directors from companies currently leasing facilities from WRT (e.g., 3B Catering who lease the café and shop facilities).

COMMUNITY

  • To oversee the organisation of profitable community events.
  • To provide support to the community and encourage the use of the facilities for social and commercial events, health activities, education, meetings, etc. generally targeted at improving their quality of life.
  • To work collaboratively with user groups.
  • To assist with the communication and advertising of community events and organising of events as and when required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

  • To ensure the company complies with all statutory and legal obligations including Health and Safety at Work.
  • To be vigilant on all safety matters and to be responsible for the management and reporting of incidents.
  • To ensure the company adheres to the regulations and reports incidents within the processes laid down by the authorities.
  • To ensure there is an escalation process in place to immediately notify the Chair and Board should there be any serious incidents.
  • To be aware of any potential non-compliance of regulations or any hazardous situation which may occur anywhere on company premises.
  • To ensure own safety and the safety of all others who may be affected by the Company’s business.
  • To undertake the assessment operational risk, development of risk management procedures, method statement and implementation of same
  • To oversee Health, Safety and Welfare requirements in accordance with UK regulation.

GENERAL

  • To undertake any other duties which may be reasonably required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

  • Adaptable and willing to lead change.
  • Proactive and prepared to take action without being asked or required to.
  • Able to plan, organise and direct own work and work of others.
  • Works co-operatively with other team members. Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals.
  • Provides a high level of effort towards completing tasks in a timely manner. Works with minimal supervision and is motivated to achieve.
  • Communication: Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and presentational.
  • IT skills: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint.

Desirable

  • Degree or qualification in management.
  • Full UK driving licence or access to driver if disability prevents driving.
  • 5 years’ experience working in a management role.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

  • Extremely organised.
  • A self-starter.
  • Adaptable.
  • Enthusiastic.
  • Focus on teamwork but able to work on own initiative.
  • Good time management.
  • Resilient.
  • Multi-tasker.
  • Calm under pressure.
  • Efficient and pro-active approach.
  • A strong communicator at all levels.

JOIN THE TEAM

Does this sound like a role for you? If yes, we will welcome the chance to talk to you.  Please email a covering letter and an up-to-date CV to nperks@redstartuk.com.

Closing date:      Friday, 2nd June 2023

Applications received after this date may not be considered.

OUR CLIENT

WRT is a wholly owned subsidiary and retail arm of Strathdearn Community Development Ltd (SCD). WRT was established to operate and maintain all SCD assets; including the provision of services to the Strathdearn community along with the operation and promotion of “The Strathdearn” (a community hall and resilience centre within Tomatin).

SCD is a company limited by guarantee, with a constitution. It is also a registered charity and regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Our client is committed to an active Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with their recruitment process.