Head of Operations and People

Head of Operations and People

Are you a dynamic and organised leader, ready to inspire and support a dedicated team of staff and volunteers 

Energetic, yet calm and composed at a senior level If you’re excited about using your professional experience to make a difference to young people, this could be the perfect role for you!

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role, where no two days are ever the same!

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.

Position: Head of Operations and People

Location: Tilbury, Essex (Until the Youth Zone is completed and fully operational you will be based at the temporary offices space at Tilbury Community Association)

Salary: £40,000 to £45,500 (dependent upon experience) with 33 days

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 33 days Holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) Workplace pension, Free gym access (once the Youth Zone opens) Access to OnSide’s Talent Academy; bespoke training and mentoring

Closing Date: 12 noon on 5th June 2026. We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

First Stage Interviews: Online – 16th July 2026

Second Stage Interviews: 23rd July 2026 at a location local to Tilbury

About the Role

During the pre-opening phase, the role will focus on developing the Youth Zones back-office functions, undertaking all necessary tasks, planning and preparations to ensure we are fully operation at opening. This will include setting up the HR function ahead of recruiting the wider team and supporting staff wellbeing, development, and compliance.

The Head of Operations and People role is a key position at the Youth Zone. When open, as part of the Senior Management team, you’ll lead and manage the back-office functions, ensuring the team deliver the best possible service to the thousands of young people who rely on the organisation.

We’re looking for an experienced and professional operational manager who can manage multiple teams and being the go-to person for ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming, and efficient, so the frontline teams can focus on delivering life-changing experiences for young people.

In this role, you’ll also serve as the secretariat for the Board of Trustees and oversee monthly payroll administration.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Youth Zone and make a real impact!

Key responsibilities include:

• Day to day operations
• Recruitment and HR management
• Compliance and legislation
• Financial and support function management
• Management and staff development
• Leadership and networking
• Safeguarding

About You

We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple roles, tackle new challenges daily, and make a real impact on the lives of young people and the community.

You will have experience of:

• Working in a senior administrative and operational management roles within a busy office environment, including line management responsibility for large and varied staff teams.
• HR functions, including HR practices, procedures and policies.
• Basic finance administration processed, including payroll, accounts work and budget management.
• Providing high-level support to Boards, Chief Executives and external stakeholders, including partnership working, contracts, and service agreements and commissioning.

You will have proficient IT skills with an understanding of Office 365 and relevant support systems

If you have a passion for young people and genuine enthusiasm for working in a youth environment, then we would love to hear from you!

About the Organisation

Join a brand-new locally run youth charity, set to provide thousands of young people with the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, try something new and feel safe.

With community centric values and located in the heart of Tilbury, it will be an inspiring place for young people

aged 8 – 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to feel empowered and try new experiences. The building is due to be completed in 2027.

This is passionate, properly funded youth provision, with no ifs or buts. It’s about giving young people a chance to shine in an environment where they can be themselves.

It’s about opportunity.

Our dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

You may have experience in areas such as Operations, People, People and Operations, HR, Human Resources, Personnel, HR and Operations, Head of Operations, Head of People, Head of People and Operations, Head of HR, Head of Human Resources, Head of Personnel, Head of HR and Operations.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP