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 services
Ensure services are safe, high-quality, and consistently delivered in line with organisational standards
Plan and manage staffing rotas, logistics, and operational delivery (including transport, catering, and equipment)
Maintain compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management standards
Use digital systems and communication tools to coordinate delivery across a flexible workforce • Ensure all operational plans, changes, and expectations are clearly communicated in writing
Monitor service capacity, pressures, and constraints, providing clear insight to inform organisational planning and funding decisions
Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, referrers, and local partners

2. Safeguarding & Risk Management

Act as Designated Child Protection Lead (DCPL) for Scotland
Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are fully implemented, embedded, and consistently applied
Maintain accurate and timely written records of incidents, escalating concerns appropriately
Oversee health & safety systems, including fire safety and emergency procedures
Ensure 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 base
Develop targeted engagement activity to increase awareness and access to services, with particular focus on Glasgow, Edinburgh, and North/East Ayrshire
Represent Honeypot in external meetings, partnerships, and community activity
Support the development of effective referral pathways and ensure accessibility of services
Ensure all external communications accurately reflect service availability, capacity, and safeguarding requirements
Maintain 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 services
Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance management within a dispersed team model
Develop a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture across a workforce that is not consistently site-based
Ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all staff using appropriate digital platforms
Foster team cohesion, engagement, and inclusion regardless of working pattern or availability
Set clear expectations for performance, safeguarding practice, and conduct, ensuring accountability across the workforce
Implement structured communication and check-in processes to maintain oversight of performance and staff wellbeing
Ensure 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 equipment
Manage contractors and ensure all works are delivered to required standards
Ensure safe management of vehicles and transport, including minibuses
Identify 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 resources
Monitor expenditure and contribute to annual budget planning processes
Produce regular reports on service performance and operational activity
Oversee HR-related admin including payroll inputs, timesheets, and workforce records
Use 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 priorities
Ensure service delivery aligns with organisational goals and available capacity
Support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activity
Maintain visibility of workforce capacity, performance, and operational delivery through structured reporting and digital systems
Identify and communicate operational risks, pressures, and opportunities
Contribute to funding proposals, ensuring commitments are realistic, deliverable, and aligned with operational capability
Advise 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 workforces
Experience leading and engaging dispersed or non-site-based teams
Financial management and budgeting experience
Strong knowledge of health & safety and risk management
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional documentation
Strong IT skills, including use of digital communication platforms, CRM systems, and reporting tools
Ability to work independently and maintain oversight in a remote or dispersed environment
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
Own transport with appropriate valid license.

Desirable

Leadership/Management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent)
Experience in residential or respite care settings
Experience implementing communication strategies for dispersed or non-traditional workforces
Understanding of how service delivery supports organisational sustainability and growth
First Aid qualification
Minibus driving certification
Knowledge of GDPR in childcare settings Additional Information
Flexibility required, including occasional evenings and weekends
Enhanced DBS check required
Ability to travel independently is essential

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