OPERATIONS MANAGER
Job Title: Operations Manager
Responsible to: Senior Pastor
Responsible for: Finance Offi cer (part-time), Facilities Manager (volunteer)
Location: Stratford (with occasional travel to Manor Park and other church locations as required)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (including some Sundays and occasional evenings)
Salary: Competitive within the charity sector, dependent on experience, plus pension
Main Purpose
The Operations Manager will provide operational leadership for Highway Vineyard Church, ensuring that eff ective systems, processes, governance, facilities, and resources are in place to support the church’s vision and ministries across all sites.
The role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church, enabling staff and volunteers to fl ourish, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice, and supporting the sustainable growth and eff ectiveness of the church.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Management
Support and work alongside the fi nance consultant
Line manage and support the Finance Offi cer.
Support the preparation, monitoring, and review of annual budgets.
Review management accounts and fi nancial reports for the Senior Pastor and Trustees.
Liaise with external accountants, payroll providers, auditors, banks, and other professional advisers.
Ensure robust fi nancial systems, controls, and procedures are maintained.
Support the annual accounts and audit/independent examination process.
Oversee Gift Aid administration and fi nancial compliance requirements.
2. Operations & Administration
Oversee and continually improve the church’s operational systems and administrative processes.
Manage building usage, room bookings, and organisational calendars across all sites.
Ensure eff ective administration of services, events, courses, and ministry activities.
Develop systems that improve effi ciency, communication, and volunteer engagement.
Maintain accurate records and databases, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection requirements.
Ensure operational priorities are eff ectively coordinated across teams and ministries.
3. Buildings & Facilities
Oversee the maintenance, security, and eff ective use of church buildings and facilities.
Line manage and support the Facilities Manager (volunteer).
Manage contractors, suppliers, and service agreements.
Ensure compliance with health and safety, fi re safety, and other statutory requirements.
Maintain risk assessments and compliance records.
Oversee church property matters and external building hire arrangements.
Develop and monitor planned maintenance schedules and improvement projects.
4. HR & Compliance
Administer HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, contracts, payroll information, and absence management.
Maintain staff records and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
Develop, review, and maintain organisational policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements and best practice.
Maintain the staff handbook and support organisational development initiatives.
Support staff and ministry leaders with HR-related guidance and administrative processes.
5. IT & Digital Systems
Oversee the church’s IT infrastructure, software platforms, and technology suppliers.
Ensure systems are secure, reliable, and fi t for purpose.
Manage software licences, user access, and system documentation.
Support the eff ective use and ongoing development of ChurchSuite and other operational systems.
Ensure compliance with data protection and cyber security best practices.
6. Communications Support & Coordination
Oversee the operational delivery of church communications.
Coordinate website updates, newsletters, social media scheduling, and printed materials.
Support ministry teams in delivering clear, timely, and consistent communications.
Ensure communication systems and processes are eff ective and well maintained.
Support the implementation of communication plans and organisational messaging.
7. Governance & Organisational Support
Support Trustee meetings through agenda preparation, distribution of papers, minute taking, and action tracking.
Maintain governance records and organisational documentation.
Support compliance with Charity Commission requirements and governing documents.
Maintain organised fi ling systems, both digital and physical.
Contribute to strategic planning, organisational development, and operational projects.
Participate fully in staff meetings, prayer gatherings, training, and team development activities.
Undertake other duties reasonably required to support the eff ective operation of Highway Vineyard Church.
Person Specifi cation
Essential
Experience
Experience in operations, offi ce management, project management, or a similar role.
Experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes.
Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Knowledge & Skills
Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Competence in Microsoft Offi ce, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to analyse information and solve operational problems eff ectively.
Ability to handle confi dential and sensitive information with discretion.
Understanding of compliance, governance, and risk management principles.
Personal Qualities
High level of integrity and professionalism.
Strong servant-hearted leadership and team-working approach.
Flexible, proactive, and adaptable.
Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Alignment with the vision and values of Highway Vineyard Church.
Desirable
Experience within a church, charity, or not-for-profi t organisation.
Experience using accounting software such as Xero.
Experience in HR administration and employment processes.
Experience supporting governance and trustee boards.
Experience managing facilities, property, or contractors.
Familiarity with ChurchSuite or similar church management systems.
Knowledge of charity fi nance, Gift Aid, and Charity Commission requirements.
Understanding of safeguarding within a church context.
Christian Commitment
There is a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the post-holder to be a practising Christian due to the nature and context of the role.
The successful candidate will:
Be an active and practising Christian.
Demonstrate a commitment to the vision, values, and theology of Highway Vineyard Church.
Be willing to participate in the spiritual life of the staff team.
Model Christian character, integrity, and servant leadership in their work and relationships.
This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role and may be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the post-holder.