About Shaping Our Lives

Shaping Our Lives is a UK-based, user-led nonprofit organization that supports a national network of Disabled people, service users, and user-led groups. The organization advocates for inclusion, co-production, and social justice, and is governed by Disabled people and members of marginalized communities.

Following the award of a four-year National Lottery Community Fund grant, the organization is entering a new phase of growth focused on strengthening governance, sustainability, and the role of Disabled people in shaping inclusive services and policies.

The Role

The Head of Operations is responsible for overseeing the organization's internal operations, including governance, finance, systems, compliance, and organizational sustainability. Working closely with the Management Board and senior staff, the role ensures the organization has the infrastructure and processes needed to deliver its strategic objectives effectively.

The successful candidate will lead operational planning, strengthen internal systems, support governance activities, and help position the organization for long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Organizational Planning

• Lead development and implementation of the organization's four-year strategic plan.
• Monitor progress against strategic objectives and report to the Management Board.
• Align organizational priorities with funded programs and long-term goals.
• Support staff in delivering work aligned with strategic objectives.

Governance & Compliance

• Support Directors and the National User Group in fulfilling governance responsibilities.
• Coordinate board meetings, annual business meetings, and governance administration.
• Maintain organizational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Finance & Risk Management

• Work with the Finance Officer and accountants on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor cash flow and organizational sustainability.
• Approve organizational payments and oversee supplier contracts.
• Maintain effective financial controls and organizational risk management processes.

Operations & Systems

• Develop and improve organizational systems, policies, and operational processes.
• Maintain HR records, contracts, recruitment, and onboarding processes.
• Oversee secure digital systems and GDPR compliance.
• Support project management systems and organizational documentation.

Leadership & Sustainability

• Develop systems for monitoring organizational performance and income.
• Prepare reports and analysis to support Management Board decision-making.
• Contribute operational and financial input to funding proposals.
• Support long-term organizational sustainability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience managing organizational operations.
• Experience supporting governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience improving organizational systems and operational processes.
• Experience preparing management reports and organizational monitoring.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and digital collaboration tools.
• Comfortable working independently in a home-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within nonprofit or user-led organizations.
• Knowledge of co-production and inclusive involvement principles.
• Experience supporting accessibility and inclusive organizational practices.
• Understanding of the lived experiences of Disabled people or marginalized communities.

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