Operations & Executive Support Manager

The Role

As our Operations & Executive Support Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping the organisation running smoothly. You'll work at the heart of our Corporate Function, ensuring our systems, people, and processes are efficient and aligned with our mission. There is no line management initially but if the team grows, we will discuss this with you.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll provide both operational leadership and executive support - helping the CEO and wider team stay focused on impact. You'll also work with our Head of Programmes to ensure coordination across the charity.

This role would suit you if you're highly organised, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You might currently be an Operations Officer, Senior Administrator, or Project Manager, ready to step up into a broader, more strategic role.

What you'll be doing

1. Operational Coordination (40%)

• Oversee day-to-day organisational operations, systems, and processes.
• Maintain and improve internal systems & processes (task & project management).
• Manage supplier relationships (insurance, IT, HR, utilities, etc.).
• Support programme quality assurance by collating data and reviewing reports.
• Lead internal projects to improve efficiency and staff experience.

2. Executive Support (25%)

• Provide comprehensive diary management for the CEO and organisation-wide initiatives.
• Prepare briefings, reports, and presentation materials when required.
• Support the CEO with governance papers, communications, and meeting follow-up.
• Represent the CEO in communications with stakeholders as required.

3. People & Culture (20%)

• Coordinate HR administration, recruitment logistics, and onboarding.
• Support the delivery of wellbeing and culture initiatives.
• Plan internal events, training sessions, and away days.
• Maintain accurate staff records and support internal communications.

4. Governance & Strategy Support (15%)

• Prepare and circulate Board and sub-committee papers.
• Maintain organisational policies and compliance registers.
• Monitor progress against operational plans and key performance measures.
• Support internal and external reporting requirements (funders, trustees, etc.).

Knowledge & Skills Required

Essential

• Experience in operations, project management, or executive support.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Understanding of governance and charity operations.
• Proficiency in digital tools (e.g. Asana, Google Workspace, HR/CRM systems).
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging confidently with senior stakeholders, funders, and partners.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple projects, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity, youth, or public policy sectors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding or quality assurance processes.
• Experience of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on programme impact.
• Ability to analyse and present data clearly.

We value potential over perfection. If you're missing one or two of the above skills, don't worry, as most can be learnt.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary with 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Hybrid working – balance office and remote work.
• A supportive team culture with regular socials and wellbeing initiatives.
• Opportunities for growth in youth work, programme management, and the charity sector.
• Work in the heart of MediaCity, Greater Manchester's creative and sustainable hub.

Application Process

There are several routes and stages to apply for this role.

Stage 1 - Application (by 14 December 2025)

• You can apply directly on LinkedIn
• You can apply via 'Charity Jobs', submitting a CV (no more than two sides of A4) and a covering letter explaining why you're the ideal candidate.

Stage 2 - Video Screening (by 20 December 2025)

• If we think there's a match based on your application, we'll invite you to a short video interview consisting of up to three questions, with a two-minute limit for each answer.
• Please note that we'll be screening applications as they come in, which means the earlier you apply, the more time you'll have to prepare for each stage.

Stage 3 - Final Interview (early January 2026)

• If we think there's a match following your application and video screening, we'll invite you to an in-person interview at our offices in MediaCity, Salford.
• Interviews are currently scheduled for 5 & 6 January 2026. If these dates are difficult for you, please let us know by contacting us.

The closing date for Stage 1 applications is 23:00 on 14 December 2025.

Operations & Executive Support Manager

Location
: Media City, Greater Manchester

Salary
: £29,500 - £31,000 per annum

Contract
: Full-time, 1-year fixed term (potential renewal subject to funding)