Operations & Strategy Manager

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly organised and strategic leader to become our Operations and Strategy Manager. This pivotal role is responsible for translating our long-term vision into flawless day-to-day execution. You will be the architect of our operational systems, ensuring they are robust, efficient, and deeply aligned with our trauma-informed values.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will deputise for the CEO in their absence, alongside the Clinical and Service Managers, playing a crucial role in the leadership and continuity of the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity for an individual passionate about creating tangible impact. If you excel at turning strategic plans into reality and thrive on developing systems that empower teams to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

The role reports to the CEO, and is a permanent contract, with a salary range of £38,850-£43,050. It includes a generous 30-day annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays, with 5 days to be taken over Christmas (as the office is closed for two weeks).

This post is based in our Carlisle head office - travel between our other sites across Cumbria will be required. Flexible/ hybrid working will be considered.

About Safety Net

Safety Net is a charity supporting the recovery of those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse across Cumbria. 

We offer free advice, support, counselling, therapy and group work to adults, children and young people, who have been affected by abuse and trauma. 

Vision:

We envision communities free from abuse, where individuals are empowered to recover and thrive.

Mission Statement:

Safety Net supports those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse, offering advice, therapy, and safe spaces to help individuals recover from trauma in Cumbria.

We have embedded our model and core services, which include:

•      Tier 1 – Short-term interventions, information, advice, advocacy and helpline. Providing one-off drop-in sessions, advice around court procedures, family court advice and support, pretrial advice, multi-agency support, arranging early help and signposting to other services, and liaising with other services.

•      Tier 2 – Trauma-informed support provides short-term safety and stabilisation work to young people and adults who have significant emotional and practical needs that make accessing therapeutic recovery support services difficult or impossible.

•      Tier 3 – Trauma-focused counselling, therapeutic support and group work for adults, children and young people (CYP) and families.

•      Tier 4 – Recovery community – to support integration back into the community, building social networks and relationships.  

•      Training, education and awareness raising – Increased awareness of the psychological and emotional impact of domestic violence and sexual abuse through education and training

Key Responsibilities

To lead the operational and strategic functions of Safety Net (UK), ensuring all business activities are efficient, compliant, and consistently aligned with the organisation's mission and values. You will drive the development of robust organisational systems, oversee strategic implementation, and champion our trauma-informed approach across all non-clinical functions. As a senior leader, you will deputise for the CEO, provide peer leadership, and maintain key stakeholder relationships to support the charity’s long-term success.

1. Strategic Implementation and Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to translate the organisation's high-level strategy into actionable operational plans and objectives.

• Analyse organisational performance and external trends to identify opportunities for strategic improvement and innovation.

• Act as a key point of contact for strategic partners and stakeholders, building trusting relationships that support our mission.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the Board of Trustees, including preparation of reports, papers and minute taking
• Deputise for the CEO during absences, providing seamless leadership continuity in partnership with the Clinical and Service Managers.

• Provide professional peer management and support to service leads, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

2. Operational Management and Systems Excellence

• Assume overall responsibility for the smooth and efficient functioning of all non-clinical operations, embedding trauma-informed principles throughout.

• Lead, manage, and develop the Business Support Administrator and Finance Officer, providing clear direction, supervision, and professional growth opportunities.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems and operational policies to enhance organisational effectiveness, accessibility, and compliance.
• Oversee IT and digital systems, including supplier relationships, ensuring systems are effective, secure, and support organisational needs
• Work with the Service and Clinical Managers to establish and review Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align service delivery with strategic goals.

• Oversee the management of the charity's facilities and Health & Safety, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and compliant environment for all staff, volunteers, and service users.

3. Compliance, Data, and Risk Management

• Serve as the organisation's lead on non-clinical compliance, ensuring adherence to all legal, statutory, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Charity Commission, Companies House).

• Act as the organisation’s Data Controller, championing GDPR compliance and embedding secure, trauma-informed data handling practices across the charity.

• Lead the organisational risk management process, maintaining the risk register and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage is in place.

• Drive data integrity across the organisation, ensuring data is accurately recorded and utilised to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate impact.

• Collaborate with the Fundraising and Service Managers on data analysis and reporting, providing operational insights for funders and stakeholders.

4. People and Culture

• Champion and embed trauma-informed principles within all HR systems, internal processes, and staff-facing policies.

• Oversee the operational and systems aspects of HR administration, including induction for new starters, record-keeping, and mandatory non-clinical training.

• Support the Senior Leadership Team in implementing performance management processes and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

• Act as a role model for staff and volunteers, embodying the values of Safety Net (UK) and fostering a sense of common purpose.

5. Financial and Contractual Oversight

• Provide strategic operational input into the annual budget-setting process and long-term financial planning, working alongside the CEO and Financial Consultant.

• Review and interpret management reports provided by the Financial Consultant to monitor operational performance against budget and advise the CEO on strategic adjustments.

• Support the Fundraising Manager by providing operational and compliance oversight for funding applications, tenders, and contract management.

• Ensure robust operational controls are in place to support the charity’s financial health and accountability.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in an operations management or strategic leadership role, preferably within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Demonstrable experience in translating strategy into operational plans and successful implementation.
• Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and data protection (GDPR) within an organisational context.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• A natural problem-solver with strong analytical skills and the ability to devise effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A deep commitment to and understanding of trauma-informed principles, or a willingness to learn and champion this approach.
• Highly organised with an aptitude for developing efficient systems and processes.
• Experience reporting to senior leadership and/or a Board of Trustees is desirable.

What We Offer, Benefits and Culture

• Competitive Salary of £38,850 - £43,050
• A generous 30-Day annual leave, plus bank holidays
• As part of our staff wellbeing support, we offer an enhanced 4% employer pension contribution, company sick pay, maternity support and carers leave.
• You will have regular access to high quality clinical supervision and case management.
• We work Monday to Friday with a full-time contract being 35 hours per week.
• Work-life Balance: Flexible working arrangements, including the ability to work from home and office.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training in trauma-informed practices and leadership.
• Travel Allowance

Application Process

If this sounds like the role for you, please download the application pack from our website or email us at [email protected].

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We value applications from those with lived experience or people from diverse backgrounds.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Trauma Informed Working

We are committed to trauma-informed practices throughout recruitment and aim to make our processes clear.

If you’d like to discuss the role before applying, please contact [email protected]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. If shortlisted, you may request interview questions in advance. If we receive a high number of applications, we may close the process early. Appointments are subject to two satisfactory references. We are committed to reasonable adjustments and open to flexible working arrangements – please discuss this at interview.