Social Enterprise Development Manager

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Communities 1st

We are looking for someone who can live and breathe our values; to work in partnership, deliver quality, adapt, be positive and be inclusive. You will be a self-starting proactive individual with strong operational and strategic skills, passionate about developing sustainable, community-driven enterprise activity that delivers both social impact and income.

About the Role

This is a senior role focused on developing and expanding Communities 1st’s enterprise activity, ensuring services are innovative, inclusive, and financially sustainable. You will have direct oversight of current enterprise services and play a pivotal role in helping other teams to develop traded offers and take a more enterprising approach to their work.

You will:

• Leadthe delivery, growth, and improvement of our existing social enterprise services – including community centres, facility hire, and handyperson services.
• Drive developmentof new income-generating opportunities in collaboration with other teams – such as our Coffee Cart, corporate and school workshop offers, and creative venue-based initiatives.

You will be expected to bring entrepreneurial thinking, service development experience, and a collaborative mindset to help embed a strong, inclusive enterprise culture across the organisation.

Purpose of the Job:

To lead and develop a growing portfolio of social enterprise services that generate income, increase social value, and support our charitable mission. The role focuses on both direct service management and cross-team collaboration to stimulate innovation, scale, and sustainability across our wider work.

General Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and strategic development of all community-focussed enterprise services.
• Identify and implement opportunities to grow and diversify income across multiple service areas.
• Support other teams to explore and develop enterprise elements aligned to their goals and communities.
• Ensure all enterprise services are inclusive, well-managed, and aligned with organisational values and impact objectives..

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Line Management

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team delivering community enterprise services, including facilities, traded services, and community-based projects.
• Provide coaching, supervision, and performance management to direct reports.
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led team culture.

Enterprise Strategy & Development

• Develop and evolve business plans and service models that balance social mission and financial sustainability.
• Drive innovation and service improvement across enterprise areas, identifying opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased impact.
• Support other departments (e.g. Creative, Wellbeing, Volunteering) to explore and implement income-generating opportunities such as events, workshops, and training.
• Promote enterprise services and offers to target markets including local businesses, schools, and community organisations.

Finance & Operational Management

• Oversee budgets, purchasing, pricing, and income tracking in line with finance policies and delegated authority.
• Ensure effective systems for stock, asset, and facilities management are in place.
• Use performance data to inform decision-making and improve quality, efficiency, and impact.

Supported Volunteering and Employment

• Work with the Wellbeing, Employment & Skills team to offer inclusive volunteering and work placement opportunities within enterprise services.
• Support volunteers and participants to develop confidence, skills, and pathways to employment or further involvement.
• Ensure person-centred, inclusive practice is embedded across enterprise operations.

Marketing, Sales & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to raise the profile of enterprise offers and increase reach and take-up.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders including businesses, schools, and community partners.
• Develop productive working relationships with suppliers, delivery partners, and venues to support joint initiatives and operational effectiveness.

Quality

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and learning.
• Lead the implementation of standard operating procedures and embed quality assurance processes across enterprise activities.