Operations & Programmes Manager

About Guardian Ballers Guardian Ballers CIC is a community interest company that uses basketball and holistic personal development to engage, empower, and equip young people to grow in self-awareness, wellbeing, and purpose. We work across schools, community settings, and events to deliver impactful, values-driven programmes that build confident individuals and stronger communities. We're looking for someone passionate about seeing young people thrive. You'll be in a purpose-driven environment and enjoy being part of a close-knit team that values authenticity, growth, and fun. If you're energised by helping others reach their potential and want your work to make a real difference, you'll feel right at home at Guardian Ballers. The Purpose of this Role The Operations & Programmes Manager plays a key role in keeping Guardian Ballers' programmes running smoothly and effectively. This role bridges operations and people management. Acting as the main link between schools, facilities, and the leadership team, you'll help ensure our programmes are well-organised, high-quality, and impactful. Here's what you'll be doing day-to-day: 1. Programme Management & Quality Oversee the delivery of school and community programmes, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with the Guardian Ballers ethos. Act as the main point of contact for schools, community partners, and delivery sites. Work with the leadership team to develop and refine curriculum and sessions that enhance participant engagement and outcomes. 2. Impact & Evaluation Monitor and report on programme participation, attendance, and impact. Contribute to systems that measure and evidence the effectiveness of our work. Use insights from data to inform delivery improvements and curriculum design. 3. Team Leadership & Development Lead and support casual coaches and volunteers to deliver high-quality sessions. Foster a positive, values-led team culture through regular meetings, feedback, and communication. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training for new team members. 4. Operations & Administration Manage activity schedules, central calendars, and venue bookings to keep programmes running smoothly. Coordinate resources, equipment, transport, and logistics for sessions and events. Process timesheets, expenses, and related administrative tasks. 5. Communication & Partnerships Maintain clear, proactive communication across the team and with external partners. Build positive relationships with schools, community organisations, and other stakeholders. Support promotional activities and events when required. 6. Safeguarding & Compliance Act as a safeguarding lead (or deputy), ensuring all staff and volunteers uphold safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety standards. Maintain accurate records and follow up on concerns in line with policy. Your Knowledge and Expertise Essential You have strong organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail. You have experience managing or coordinating programmes, preferably in a youth, education, or sports context. You've led teams, including casual staff or volunteers. You have excellent communication and relationship-building skills. You've got an understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures. You have a passion for youth development, wellbeing, and community impact. You have a full UK Driver's License (and ideally, access to a car). Desirable You've got experience in impact measurement, monitoring, or reporting. You have knowledge of basketball, sports coaching, or mentoring. You've got relevant safeguarding, coaching, or youth work qualifications. You've experienced working within a community interest company, charity, or education setting. Some of the benefits of joining us Salary: £30,000 - £35,00035 days holiday each year (including annual leave and wellbeing days)2 x Wellbeing Weeks (Christmas + Summer Shutdown) Hybrid working arrangement Regular staff socials and development days Access to Guardian Ballers kit and equipment A varied working environment across office, school, and community settings Enhanced DBS check processed by us How to Apply Please Note: Linked In 'Quick Apply' will not be considered an application. Please follow the process below to be considered: Please send your CV and a 1-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation to join Guardian Ballers CIC to hello@guardianballers.org by Monday 8th December. The process will begin with an informal chat with the CEO, followed by formal interviews, scheduled for the week commencing 15th December. We're excited to find the right person for this role - so if that happens before the closing date, we may close applications early. If you're interested, don't wait to apply. If you have any questions or would like to chat with our Founder & CEO, Kieran Joseph, before you apply, please contact hello@guardianballers.org.