Deputy CEO/Ops Manager

Charity Overview: Black Country Foodbank is a Christian charity that works within the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton supporting a network of Foodbanks provide emergency food and toiletry parcels to those in crisis. As we continue to expand and innovate, we are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team in a new role as Deputy CEO/Operations Manager.

BCFB provided over half a million meals in 2023 and continues to address deepening demand. Through a network of Foodbanks our volunteers serve a wide demographic of people who have been affected by food poverty.

BCFB hope to build on the valuable work that began in 2006 and develop sustainable food projects whilst also working with people to become financially resilient. We look forward to a time when food charities are no longer part of our society.

Food poverty is complex with initiatives and ideas evolving at a pace. BCFB is at a pivotal place in its development with opportunities for growth. We need a leader to work closely with the CEO to continue and support the existing model of foodbanks and food projects and have the drive and passion to explore and manage new initiatives.

Our Vision and Values:

Vision: To relieve financial hardship, sickness and need for persons in the Black Country in particular (but not exclusively) by the provision of food.

Mission: To feed local people in crisis

Our Values: Love People, Connect Communities, Invest in everyone

Position Overview: The Deputy CEO/Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of the charity. The successful candidate will oversee the operational aspects of the charity and functions to ensure efficiency, while also actively expanding the services across the boroughs with new initiatives. This role will enable the charity to break new ground, expand wrap around services whilst expanding and developing our core - distribution of food and toiletries to those who are in crisis.

This is an exciting opportunity to become immersed in the everyday activities of the charity, whilst playing an integral role in the strategic planning and implementation of new initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to all, right across the charity, securing the confidence and trust of others, building relationships and a deep understanding of all the stakeholders. Able to manage the business of the charity and deputise for the CEO.
   
   2. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of staff and volunteers. Leading on volunteer recruitment, staff and volunteer appraisals/training and general well-being. Ensuring staff and volunteer policies and procedures are kept up to date, reviewed and developed according to current legislation.
   
   3. Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the CEO and team to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives aligned with the charities mission, vision, and values.
   
   4. Performance Monitoring: Writing reports including data and stories and feeding back, presenting to the staff, volunteers and the Board of Trustees relating to all aspects of the role.
   
   5. Fundraising: Work with the CEO to devise a fundraising strategy that ensures a sustainable income from a variety of donors. From physical donations of food and toiletries to new projects. From Hi Vis jackets to salaries, fundraising will always be on the agenda and at the forefront of this role.
   
   6. Process Optimisation: Identify opportunities for process improvement across all operational areas helping the charity to run as smoothly as possible.
   
   7. Resource Allocation: Manage budgets, resources, funding pots and assets effectively, ensuring optimal utilisation and allocation to support operational objectives and financial targets.
   
   8. Compliance and Risk Management: Working with the staff and vol team to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and policies, managing risks and implementing appropriate controls to mitigate potential issues.
   
   9. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including foodbanks, volunteers, partners, and statutory agencies, to support charity objectives and build on the established positive reputation. Identify and nurture new collaborations and relationships that deliver on our strategic objectives. Identify and build our corporate partners, encouraging working together for the good of community.
   
   10. Ambassadorial role: represent BCFB to the media, at external events and publicity opportunities.
   
   11. Continuous Learning and Development: Stay informed on strategies and practices in operations management and facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for the staff and volunteers. Stay at the forefront of food poverty strategy, attending webinars, poverty events, discussion groups and keen to share that learning with the wider team and board.
   
   12. Communication: Confident to speak in public at various events, chair meetings and feel at home in front of an audience. The post holder will be required to represent the charity at a senior level both internally and externally.
   
   

   Knowledge and Experience
   
   

   13. Proven experience in a leadership role overseeing operations, preferably within the charity sector.
   
   

   14. Experience of working with a Board of Trustees.
   
   

   15. Passionate about eradicating food poverty in our boroughs whilst actively seeking solutions to meet the need.
   
   

   16. Strong understanding of charity principles, financial management, and strategic planning.
   
   

   17. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
   
   

   18. Strong listening and questioning skills, able to take account of and respond to information from a range of sources when developing plans.
   
   

   19. Exceptional attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, meeting deadlines and objectives.
   
   

   20. Ability and experience of project management, from concept to launch with continued
   
   

   21. Knowledge of relevant regulations, particularly safeguarding, data protection compliance standards, and risk management principles.
   
   

   22. Able to shift from daily operational tasks to decision making tasks quickly and efficiently.
   
   

   23. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
   
   

   Personal attributes
   
   

   · Comfortable with ambiguity; possess the drive, energy and resilience to see though change.
   
   

   · Open to alternative ways of doing things, proactively seeking out views from all parties to inform thinking and decision making.
   
   

   · Passion for collaboration and encouragement of others inside and outside of the sector.
   
   

   · Personal resilience and optimism.
   
   

   · Empathy to the needs and aspirations of a diverse community.
   
   

   · Leads by example; demonstrates professional excellence and high integrity.
   
   

   · Strong commitment to the role, vision and values of BCFB.
   
   

   Additional Requirements:
   
   

   · Willingness to travel as needed. Must have own transport.
   
   

   · Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends when necessary.
   
   

   · Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment.
   
   

   · Sympathetic to the Christian ethos of the charity. We have a strong Christian ethos, and we encourage applications from all faiths and none.
   
   

   Terms of Appointment
   
   

   Location: Based in Brierley Hill, Dudley but must have a car and be willing to travel around the Black Country
   
   

   Hours: 37.5 per week
   
   

   Salary: £40,000 using JCP scales
   
   

   3-year fixed contract, with scope to extend, funding permitted.
   
   

   Benefits Include:
   
   

   · Annual leave: Annual allowance starts at 25 days plus bank holidays plus an additional day for your birthday.
   
   

   · Opportunities for professional growth and development
   
   

   · Flexible working
   
   

   · Meaningful work contributing to the wider community.
   
   

   · Pension: employer contribution of 3%
   
   

   Process of Application
   
   

   Please complete the application form and send your C.V
   
   

   You will be contacted if you are successful or unsuccessful in reaching the interview process.
   
   

   Interviews will be held at Black Country Foodbank, Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE.
   
   

   Interview questions will be provided before the interview.
   
   

   You will be asked to do a short presentation -maximum of 15 minutes. The title of this presentation will be provided before your interview.