We’re looking for a Head of Operations & Programmes!
Job Description
- Job Title: Head of Operations & Programmes
- Hours: 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)
- Contract: Permanent contract, subject to probationary period
- Location: Hybrid: Partly at Liberty Hall, London, E5 9AA, and partly home-based
- Salary: £40,000 – £43,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
- Holiday: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays
- Pension: 4% Employer contribution
- Reports to: Executive Director
- Direct Reports: Venue Manager, Volunteer Manager, Community Made Head Chef,
Community Made & Outreach Manager, Cookery School Manager, Senior Programmes
Coordinator
SUMMARY:
Made in Hackney started life in 2012 as a community cookery school working across London
with the mission of tackling the climate crisis, health inequalities and bringing communities
together using the power of plants. The impact of our work is varied, far-reaching and very real;
changing hundreds of thousands of people’s lives for the better. We provide diverse culinary
education, inspiration and support networks needed to ensure no one is left behind in the
transition to a plant-centred, planet-friendly diet.
Our work has been recognised with prestigious accolades including the BBC Food and Farming
Award, Caroline Walker Trust Award, and Urban Food Award. We work with leading brands and
cultural icons such as Mr Organic. We have showcased our work through engaging exhibition
stands at major events like Vegan Life Live, the Great Exhibition Road Festival, and Billie Eilish’s
Changemaker Partnerships collaboration. The organisation has attracted support from public
figures and ambassadors including chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver, Academy Award-winning
actress Olivia Colman, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, youth activist Jay Brave, and Dr Nitu Bajekal, a
lifestyle medicine physician.
To support the development and growth of our work, we are seeking a highly motivated and
organised individual to become our Head of Operations & Programmes. As a key member of our
Senior Leadership Team, you will have experience of managing operations and/or programmes,
with knowledge of HR, health and safety requirements, safeguarding best practice and data
protection. You will have a passion and flair for enhancing the impact of programmes, improving
operational processes and efficiency, and will not shy away from problem-solving challenges to
ensure the staff team are supported and fulfilled during the ongoing development of the
organisation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership, Strategy and Governance
- Be an active member of Made in Hackney’s Senior Leadership Team, working together to
galvanise the organisation behind the strategic plan; - Contribute to strategic discussions on the future path of the organisation; providing
oversight on key initiatives as required; - Proactively participate in and/or lead team meetings to ensure effective communication
and mutual support, including board meetings and relevant board subcommittees.
Programmes - Oversee the planning and smooth delivery of Made In Hackney’s primary programmes,
including cookery classes, meal service, and selected income-generating activities; - Responsibility for delivery of grant and partnership funding linked to programmes;
ensure KPIs are met and activities are delivered within budget; - Ensure programmes meets diverse audience needs and that communication with
participants is timely, helpful and respectful; - Contracting; ensure contracts are in place with chefs and that they are appropriately
trained; food hygiene, first aid, safeguarding; - Support the team in creating a safe space for teachers, volunteers and participants to
learn and enjoy together; - Oversee Programme expenditure, setting, forecasting and monitoring programmes and
operational spend; - Where programmes are income generating, ensure effective processes and strategies
are in place to maximise revenue.
Operations & Administration
- Manage admin functions as a system administrator for the charity’s Google Drive and
Salesforce CRM; - Ensure team members are accurately inputting data and maintaining records in the
Salesforce CRM, as well as taking a lead role in the maintenance and development of the
platform to improve organisational efficiency, relationship management and income
generation, through the use of reporting tools and custom features; - Oversee the induction process for onboarding and training of new starters;
- Oversee support partnerships with external technical support and training provider;
- Manage relationship with the charity’s landlord (Clapton Commons) to ensure the safety
of staff, participants and visitors; - Ensure venue and office equipment is safe to use and repaired/replaced/PAT tested on
time; - Ensure the venue meets the latest Health & Safety requirements, Fire Safety Standards
and is fully accessible; - Support acquisition of new kitchen equipment when required, such as ovens, hobs etc
either from a donated source or purchased from a supplier.
HR & Training
- Oversee the organisation’s HR function ensuring employment practice is legally
compliant and fair, with a focus on being a fully inclusive employer; - Keep abreast of the latest guidance in employment law and HR legislation, acting as the
lead liaison with Croner external HR support; - Act as MIH’s Lead for:
Safeguarding – conducting regular reviews of safeguarding policy, procedures and
regular training for staff, trustees and volunteers and completing;
Data Protection – ensuring Data Protection Policy review and organisation-wide
compliance and responding to any data incidents or breaches;
Training – overseeing staff/volunteer/trustee training and lead on implementing staff
wellbeing initiatives eg. socials, team building days etc; - Responsible for regular organisation-wide policy, procedure and risk assessment reviews.
- Ensure a system is in place for staff to receive regular and motivational feedback, and
feel supported and able to perform their role.
General - Able to work occasional evenings and weekends (we operate a Time Off in Lieu policy)
- Undertake other tasks as required to fulfil the role and support the charity
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Experience in a similar Operations and/or Programmes role;
- Experience in HR Policies and Procedures;
- Confident using and maximising CRM systems;
- Confident with budgets and financial planning;
- Experience at prioritising while managing multiple projects and deadlines;
- Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and think creatively;
- Experience in delivering training (either one-to-one and/or in a group);
- Capacity to motivate others; with experience of line management;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with, and have
empathy for, a diverse range of people; - Enthusiasm, energy and a positive can-do attitude;
BENEFITS:
- Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility to work partly from home
- Training can be provided on Salesforce, Safeguarding Adults and Children, Emergency
First Aid, Food Safety and Anti-Racism - Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Staff Wellbeing and social activities throughout the year
- Employee Pension Scheme
- Staff discount of 15% in Food For All Shop;
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY:
Made In Hackney is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications
from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented
in the charity sector. The experience of working for Made in Hackney is varied, unique and
rewarding. There is scope for the successful candidate to be creative and implement new ideas.
If this role inspires you but you don’t meet every single requirement, we would still love to hear
from you.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application deadline: Monday 12th January, 2026
Please email your application to: Tim Cook (Executive Director) at tim@madeinhackney.org
Your application should include:
● A cover letter telling us why you’re interested in the role and why you believe you are
the right candidate
● A CV outlining your relevant experience
INTERVIEW DATES:
First round interviews to take place: Thursday 15th January/Friday 16th January (TBC)
Second round interviews to take place: Thursday 22nd January/Friday 23rd January (TBC)
If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact us at the email
address listed above.
To learn more about Made In Hackney and our impact, please visit our website:
