Head of Operations

**Job Role: Head of Operations**

**Accountable to: Director of Operations**

**About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone**:
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub located at the heart of Blackburn and a dedicated site in Darwen, open to young people aged 5 to 25 years old, aiming to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. Our vision is to be at the heart of the community, collaborating to create a more cohesive and prosperous Blackburn and Darwen.

We are one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn, with a membership of over 5000 young people. We are open 7 days a week, 52 weeks of a year and offer over 40 different activities and opportunities in our open-access youth club.

**Context of Role**:
The Head of Universal Operations is a critical, strategic and operational role within Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone. As a supporting member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will work closely with the Director of Operations, CEO and the Director of Finance to ensure the charity delivers its vision and strategic objectives. This includes strategies for sustaining and overseeing the ongoing transformation of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zones' operational business plan and its operational processes and infrastructure. Your leadership skills will play a crucial role (in conjunction with the leadership team) in establishing a platform and environment for growth by creating a best-in-class, people-first, employee-of-choice that changes the prospect of local children and young people (aged 5 to 25 years). You must be abreast of new opportunities (sourced independently and through your colleagues) and advise the leadership team and board on all Universal and Targeted Service operational matters, including its performance, risk, forecast/trajectories, and the general state of play.

You will need to show exceptional skills and the ability to meet KPI’s relating to (but, not limited to) leadership skills, the ability to design and deliver organisational operational plans, risk management, departmental budget management, stakeholder relations and organisational safeguarding responsibility.

**Main Responsibilities**:

- Work with the Leadership Team to develop and implement an annual Young People’s Programme, which is delivered on a termly basis and aligned to strategic pillars, which include Social Integration, Aspirations, Skills and Employment and Health and Wellbeing.
- To develop effective and sustainable operational plans (aligned to our strategy and business plan) with the operational senior team (OLT) and young people's committee (occasionally with the board) and to distil them into individual SMART work plans for all services for children and young people.
- Establish and enforce quality standards for youth programmes, continuously assessing and improving service delivery to enhance the overall impact on young people.
- Provide effective leadership to teams responsible for delivering youth services, fostering a positive and inclusive culture that promotes the well-being and development of young individuals.
- Work cohesively with supporting departments including fundraising, HR and back office to help initiate, coordinate, and implement systems, policies and procedures. Take lead responsibility for their effectiveness and follow through within operations.
- Oversee the training and professional development of staff involved in youth service operations, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support young people effectively.
- Be abreast of income opportunities (sourced independently or via colleagues) and/or opportunities to lower overheads/running costs, seeking to progressively benefit our financial sustainability.
- Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and financial sustainability.
- Oversee the management of physical facilities to ensure they are safe, well-maintained, and conducive to the delivery of youth programs (eg climbing wall)
- Ensure that all youth service operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in areas of safeguarding and child protection.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate operational risks.
- Act as the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (on call for agreed evenings), working openly in partnership with key agencies including LSCB and social services.
- Identify and implement improvements to operational processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee the implementation and management of technology systems that support operational efficiency and programme delivery.
- Maintain a culture of continuous improvement (eg processes, systems, policies)
- Foster a positive organisational culture by promoting teamwork, professional development, and effective communication among operational staff.
- Establish mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on operat