Operations Director

• Part time role at 0.6 but this is open to negotiation for the right candidate. Role

This pivotal role will be an integral link between the operational team of MCDC, MCTC and Morvolts and the threerespective boards. The purpose of this role is to support the operational team whilst drive strategic planning,and provide solutions to identified gaps in process at a strategic level whilst supporting with operationalsolutions.

The role will have HR oversight to ensure the smooth functioning and growth of each organisation within theportfolio. This role needs to guide the board, communicate clearly and concisely with them and all otherstakeholders, focussing on roles and responsibilities. The role will focus on carrying out a gap analysis of thefundamental framework across the three organisations then work on solutions that ultimately build consistency,efficiency and growth.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Collaborate with the boards and operational team of each organisation to develop and implement strategic plansaligned with their missions and objectives.

Conduct regular assessments of operational performance and identify areas for improvement or expansion.

Develop synergies between the individual organisations to maximise effectiveness across the whole group.

Oversight of the Risk register for the group.

Operational Management:

Support and manage the operational team of each organisation, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance withrelevant regulations with direct line management of the Project Officer role.

Work with organisational teams to develop and implement operational policies and procedures to streamline processesand optimize resource utilisation.

Develop, agree and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics with the operational team to evaluateorganisational performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the group of companies.

Support the operational team to ensure all projects are effectively managed and delivered on target within agreedtimescales.

Work closely with finance teams to develop and manage budgets for each organisation, ensuring financialsustainability and accountability.

Analyse financial reports and forecasts to make data-driven decisions and mitigate risks.

HR Duties:

Oversee human resources functions (carried out by the operation teams), including support in areas such asrecruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations, across all organisations.

Support the development and implementation of HR policies and practices to foster a positive work environment andsupport employee development and retention.

Work closely with the operational teams to harness a positive working culture and ensure this implemented in eachorganisation and board.

Health and Safety

Drive a positive health and safety culture across all three organisations. Ensuring that each company and itsemployees comply with health and safety legislation and that safety policies and practices are adopted andadhered to.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve as the primary liaison between the organisations and their respective boards, providing regular updates onoperational performance, challenges, and opportunities. Gather the relevant information from each operationalteam to present to the boards.

Disseminate appropriate information from the board to the operational teams.

Build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and regulatorybodies.

(Working with the Operational team) Ensure effective communication between the group of companies and the localcommunity so the local community are aware of what each company is doing and decisions being made.

Maximise community engagement and consultation across the group of companies.

Oversee the creation of volunteer opportunities.

Create and monitor delegation of responsibilities charter for boards and operational teams where required.

Qualifications and experience

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field (or equivalent experience);Master's degree preferred (or equivalent).

Proven experience in operations management, preferably in a multi-organisational setting.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve goals.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diversestakeholders.

Solid understanding and proven experience of financial management principles and practices.

Understanding and experience of analysing financial accounts, budgets and forecasting.

Proficiency in HR management, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance.

Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Experience in working with Community Development Trusts would be beneficial as would an understanding of ruralcommunities and issues.

Proven track record of driving continuous improvement and strategic growth.

Please note that short listed candidates will be required to give a presentation to staff and boards of the groups ofcompanies in addition to an interview.

Closing date for applications: 5th July 2024

Are you passionate about community engagement and making a positive impact? We are looking for someone dynamic tolead our efforts in fostering strong community ties and driving meaningful change in the Lakes & DalesRegion.

Role Description:

You'll be the driving force behind our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Your responsibilities will include building a strong network of contacts, joining networking events, or creating yourown to connect with others, prioritising your time to focus on opportunities that make the biggest difference,and encouraging participation from members, colleagues and customers.

Your role will be both home and field-based, with a focus on the Lakes & Dales communities, encompassingpostcodes DL13, CA 10 & 12, NE25. Occasional travel to our head office in Edinburgh, and across our othertrading areas will be required.

The post holder must live within, or have very easy access to, DL, CA & NE postcodes.

Desired Qualities:

• Committed, enthusiastic, and passionate about improving communities.
• Prepared to roll up your sleevesand possess a "yes" mentality, ready to tackle challenges head-on.
• Able to motivate othersthrough effective communication.
• Enjoys working with and connecting to people.
• Skilled atprioritising time and tasks

What We Offer:

• £32,000 salary per annum, paid pro rata (22.5 hours per week)
• Comprehensive benefits package, and acompany car.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportiveenvironment.
• The chance to work within and support your local community, making a real difference whereit matters most.
• Join an ethical and forward-thinking employer committed to creating positivechange.

Lakes & Dales Coop is part of the Scotmid family. Scotmid is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative. Ourbusinesses include Scotmid, Lakes & Dales Coop, Semichem, Funeral Directors, Post Offices, and our propertydivision.

The Society employs almost 3,500 people in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the North of England. Our core purpose isto serve our local communities and improve people’s everyday lives.

Fresh Start is an Edinburgh based charity working to help people make a home for themselves. We provide a variety ofservices across Edinburgh (supporting over 3,000 households each year) that help people transition fromhomelessness and prevent people re-entering the homeless system. Fresh Start’s values underpin everything we do:with the people we work for, our staff, our volunteers and all our supporters.

Role:

The Business Manager is a key member of the Senior Management team of Fresh Start. This key person will report to andwork closely with the Managing Director, to take responsibilities over administration, risk management, finance,contracts and HR processes.

• Remote:Home based within the UK. Occasional travel to key events across the UK.

The purpose of this role is to provide administrative, project and event planning support to the Director of NetworkProgrammes & Innovation. This will involve working with the Director and other colleagues to build a strongstructure for the directorate as they work towards fulfilling their strategic goals.

Scottish Autism is dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. We believe inthe power of relationships to transform the lives of the people we support. We help build a more caring,compassionate, and inclusive Scotland, relationship by relationship. Our people work in teams, supporting eachother through the challenges and triumphs that happen every day. Our organisation is our people, and the humanqualities they bring to their roles.

About the role:

Reporting to the Director of Practice and Innovation, you will lead on the continuous development and embedding ofsector leading autism support practice with Scottish Autism Services. As a subject-matter expert on autismsupport practice you will collaborate with our Learning and Development team to ensure that our practitionerlearning is informed by contemporary thinking and evidence and that this is meaningfully translated intopractice.

In this role you will;

• Lead a team of Practice Advisors that will develop and improve practice in autism services through the deliveryof consistent, high quality coaching as well as targeted, intensive support when required.
• Nurture aculture of reflective practice across the organisation
• Collaborate with Regional and Service Managers toensure practice is of the highest quality and meets the requirements of regulatory bodies.
• Build aculture with autistic voice and participation at the centre of learning and practice development.
• Towork collaboratively with teams in Autism Services and Learning and Development to embed low arousal principlesin practice, ensuring that teams have the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully use theapproach.
• Coordinate the use of the Autism Practice Improvement Programme within the organisation and tocollaborate with our External Learning and Consultancy Lead on refining and aligning internal use with externaluse of the programme.
• Work with a Participation Coordinator to deliver the practice developmentnecessary to improve Autistic Voice and Participation in decision-making at all levels within ScottishAutism.

About you:

The successful candidate will have;

• Contemporary knowledge and understanding of autism and the needs of autistic people across thelifespan
• Significant practice experience in social care or education
• Experience of deliveringand supporting learning
• Understanding of Studio III Low Arousal approaches, or demonstration ofalignment with these principles.
• Leadership and management experience
• The ability to managemultiple workstreams
• The ability to innovate and inspire staff towards a shared vision

Scottish Autism offers you:

• 32 days holiday pro-rata (which increases with your length of service)
• Workplace Pension (Employer matched up to 9%)
• Employee Discount Platform
• EmployeeAssistance Programme
• Personalised learning pathway - We keep it simple with 3 pay points. You progressat your pace as you develop. We benchmark regularly to ensure the rates are competitive.
• This post issubject to a PVG Disclosure check. Scottish Autism will cover the costs of your PVG membership.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of autism.