Operations Manager
Job description
Operations Manager
Honeypot Dalleagles, New Cumnock, East Ayrshire
Reports to: Director of Operations
£42,000-£44,000 per annum Permanent | Full-time | 37.5 hours per week
Closing date: 11th September
Job Purpose
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, effective, and high-quality delivery of Honeypot Scotland services. This includes operational leadership, safeguarding accountability, workforce management, and oversight of the site, systems, and resources. The role leads a flexible, predominantly zero-hours workforce and ensures consistent service delivery through clear communication, defined expectations, and robust operational processes. Working closely with the Fundraising Team, the postholder ensures services are deliverable, sustainable, and aligned with organisational growth, contributing operational insight to support funding decisions and future planning.
Key Responsibilities
1. Service Operations & Delivery
Lead the delivery of respite breaks, health and wellbeing programmes, memory-making days, and outreach servicesEnsure services are safe, high-quality, and consistently delivered in line with organisational standardsPlan and manage staffing rotas, logistics, and operational delivery (including transport, catering, and equipment)Maintain compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management standardsUse digital systems and communication tools to coordinate delivery across a flexible workforce Ensure all operational plans, changes, and expectations are clearly communicated in writingMonitor service capacity, pressures, and constraints, providing clear insight to inform organisational planning and funding decisionsBuild and maintain effective relationships with schools, referrers, and local partners
2. Safeguarding & Risk Management
Act as Designated Child Protection Lead (DCPL) for ScotlandEnsure safeguarding policies and procedures are fully implemented, embedded, and consistently appliedMaintain accurate and timely written records of incidents, escalating concerns appropriatelyOversee health & safety systems, including fire safety and emergency proceduresEnsure all external activity (e.g. visits, supporter engagement) is safely managed and does not compromise service delivery
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with families, schools, and partner organisations#Proactively identify, research, and engage new referring agencies to grow and diversify the referral baseDevelop targeted engagement activity to increase awareness and access to services, with particular focus on Glasgow, Edinburgh, and North/East AyrshireRepresent Honeypot in external meetings, partnerships, and community activitySupport the development of effective referral pathways and ensure accessibility of servicesEnsure all external communications accurately reflect service availability, capacity, and safeguarding requirementsMaintain high standards of clear, professional, and consistent written communication
4. Staff Leadership & Development
Line manage the Children's Services Coordinator, providing day-to-day leadership and oversight, alongside a flexible, predominantly zero-hours workforce delivering child-facing servicesLead recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance management within a dispersed team modelDevelop a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture across a workforce that is not consistently site-basedEnsure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all staff using appropriate digital platformsFoster team cohesion, engagement, and inclusion regardless of working pattern or availabilitySet clear expectations for performance, safeguarding practice, and conduct, ensuring accountability across the workforceImplement structured communication and check-in processes to maintain oversight of performance and staff wellbeingEnsure all staff maintain required training, competencies, and compliance through proactive tracking and follow-up
5. Site & Facilities Management
Oversee the maintenance and safe operation of the site, grounds, and equipmentManage contractors and ensure all works are delivered to required standardsEnsure safe management of vehicles and transport, including minibusesIdentify and plan for future site and capital improvement needs to support long-term service sustainability
6. Finance & Administration
Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resourcesMonitor expenditure and contribute to annual budget planning processesProduce regular reports on service performance and operational activityOversee HR-related admin including payroll inputs, timesheets, and workforce recordsUse digital systems to maintain accurate data on staffing, service delivery, and operational performance
7. Strategic & Operational Planning
Work with the Director of Operations to deliver organisational strategy and operational prioritiesEnsure service delivery aligns with organisational goals and available capacitySupport audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activityMaintain visibility of workforce capacity, performance, and operational delivery through structured reporting and digital systemsIdentify and communicate operational risks, pressures, and opportunitiesContribute to funding proposals, ensuring commitments are realistic, deliverable, and aligned with operational capabilityAdvise on the feasibility and operational implications of new opportunities and service developments
Person Specification
Essential
Proven experience in operations management (ideally within children's services or social care)Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience (DSL or equivalent)Significant experience managing and developing staff, including flexible or zero-hours workforcesExperience leading and engaging dispersed or non-site-based teamsFinancial management and budgeting experienceStrong knowledge of health & safety and risk managementExcellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional documentationStrong IT skills, including use of digital communication platforms, CRM systems, and reporting toolsAbility to work independently and maintain oversight in a remote or dispersed environmentStrong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skillsOwn transport with appropriate valid license.
Desirable
Leadership/Management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent)Experience in residential or respite care settingsExperience implementing communication strategies for dispersed or non-traditional workforcesUnderstanding of how service delivery supports organisational sustainability and growthFirst Aid qualificationMinibus driving certificationKnowledge of GDPR in childcare settings Additional InformationFlexibility required, including occasional evenings and weekendsEnhanced DBS check requiredAbility to travel independently is essential