Connect with a cause that needs you!

Operations Team Leader

30,535 per year
Swettenham St, Macclesfield
Full-time
3rd June 2026
Listed today

Operations Team Leader

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Join Our Team: Operations Team Leader.

We’re excited to welcome a new Operations Team Leader at our North West location

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. 

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, over a 7 day working pattern. The post holder will also be required to work an annualised hours system which includes working any 5 days out of 7 including statutory holidays. They will also be part of a 24-hour operational standby team responsible for providing emergency cover for the waterway.

The Team Leader will be based at Swettenham Street, Macclesfield SK117BT.

Role Overview

As an Operational Team Leader, most of your working time is spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment, and your daily tasks will vary and will As an Operational Team Leader, you will spend most of your time working outdoors across our unique waterway network on the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals. This varied role plays a key part in the maintenance, conservation and improvement of our canals, while leading operatives and coordinating work activities across the network.
Working as part of our North West team, you will take responsibility for planning and allocating tasks, while liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support the effective delivery of operational work. The role also involves regular interaction with visitors, customers, volunteers and community groups, so strong organisation, communication and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.
Above all, you will lead by example, ensuring your approach reflects our values and commitment to delivering a positive experience for everyone who uses and enjoys our waterways.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assisting the Supervisor in the delivery of a programme of maintenance and repair works by staff, assisted by contractors as required, to the ensure the waterway infrastructure is well maintained and works are completed to time and budget.
  • Supervision of volunteers in the delivery of works, ensuring they are completed safely and to the correct quality, whilst maintaining volunteer satisfaction and delivery of the programme
  • Supervise operatives and craft operatives to deliver a programme of both planned and reactive works, maintaining both a high quality of output and high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Facilitate the work of the team through the coordination of material and equipment ensuring staff adhere to agreed method statements and risk assessments.
  • Deliver an adequately resourced first level of response for reactive works, to ensure the safety of customer and the availability of the network.
  • Participate in a 24/7 standby rota.
  • Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times
  • Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values

About you
You have experience in an operational or maintenance environment, with the ability to deliver work safely, on time and to a high standard. You are organised, proactive and confident coordinating teams, materials and equipment.
A strong team player, you can lead and support others, including volunteers, while building positive relationships with colleagues and the public. You demonstrate good communication skills, a customer-focused approach, and a commitment to safety, inclusion and the Trust’s values.
A full manual driving licence is essential, and you are willing to participate in a standby rota.

Skills & Qualifications

  • NVQ Level II or National Diploma in a relevant subject
  • Proven experience in operational management
  • Proven experience of delivering works to time, specification and budget
  • Some experience in line management
  • Experience of leading a team and being a positive role model, encouraging and supporting others to make the best use of their abilities
  • Proven experience in customer service
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills; must be able to maintain favourable working relationships with colleagues, volunteers and members of the public
  • Valid manual driver‘s licence is essential

Contact & Application 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £30,535. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here:EVP - 1.

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits 

IND MP

Our values

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers. 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

Job Details

Pay Type
Salary
Travel Required
Yes
Hiring Min Rate
30,535 GBP
Hiring Max Rate
30,535 GBP