Job Details:
Head Of Operations

Job Description

Role: Head Of Operations

Location: Hybrid – Remote with the potential for in-person work in Greater Manchester. The ideal candidate would be able to travel to our office in Wigan on occasion. Visits are welcomed during the application process.

Salary: £40,000 (pro rata based on 0.8 FTE, equivalent to £50,000 FTE). Contracted hours are negotiable depending on the right candidate’s experience and availability.

Contract Type: Permanent.

Start Date: 1st September 2025 (flexible depending on notice period).

Responsible To: Managing Director & Advisory Board

About Happy Smiles Training CIC

Happy Smiles Training CIC is a multi-award-winning social enterprise proudly led by disabled people. With over 92% of our team identifying as disabled, we are recognised nationally for our powerful, lived-experience-led training that challenges stigma and drives positive social change.

Founded in Wigan and now growing across Greater Manchester and beyond, we’ve delivered hundreds of inclusive workshops to schools, businesses, communities and more – creating real impact, increasing disabled representation, and building more inclusive communities. See more at www.happysmilestraining.co.uk.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering equitable opportunities and fostering a supportive work environment.

Our Vision for Growth

Demand for our training is growing rapidly, and we have a clear, strategic plan to scale across new regions. To do this sustainably, we must refine our internal systems and replicate our successful model.

That’s why we’re recruiting a dedicated Head of Operations– someone who will build robust infrastructure, lead strategic operations, and help us scale in a values-driven, sustainable way.

Role Overview

The Head of Operations will play a vital role in transforming Happy Smiles Training from a successful community organisation into a scalable, self-sustaining model for inclusion and social change. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new leadership position and work directly with our leadership team to lead our next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational systems and infrastructure across regions
• Oversee impact planning, reporting, and management of income generation
• Embed HR processes that align with our inclusive values
• Ensure quality assurance and consistency across training delivery
• Manage recruitment and development of staff and volunteers
• Coordinate day-to-day internal operations and staff support
• Support our Managing Director and leadership team with strategic planning, fundraising and external partnerships
• Drive the refinement and documentation of processes in Wigan as a model for expansion

Person Specification

Essential:

• Extensive and proven experience in operations or senior leadership roles, ideally in a CIC, charity or social enterprise
• Exceptional impact-management acumen and ability to manage budgets and reporting systems
• Passion for disability inclusion, lived experience leadership, and community impact, with an up-to-date knowledge of political movements in these areas
• Highly developed organisational and project management skills, with an eye for detail, expansion and improvement
• Excellent communication, team leadership and relationship-building skills, with a can-do attitude
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to work independently, flexibly and with initiative to drive progress and impact

Desirable:

• Lived experience of disability, or meaningful professional experience working within or alongside a disabled people’s organisation
• Demonstrated success in managing remote and/or hybrid teams, or hands-on experience scaling inclusive organisations
• Solid understanding of training delivery, with working knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and quality assurance frameworks

Benefits:

• Lead a changemaking organisation that is nationally recognised for its impact and authentic representation
• Competitive salary in line with the Real Living Wage
• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule
• Wellbeing support, including access to mental health resources and counselling
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• A supportive and inclusive work environment

How to Apply

Please submit your expression of interest in this role via a CV (max 2 pages of A4) and letter of application (max 2 pages of A4) by 5pm on 13/06/25, explaining.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: Friday 13th June 2025 at 5pm

Interview Dates (In-person at Waterway House Business Centre, Canal Street, Wigan, WN6 7NQ. Virtual interviews available if required):

• 27th June 2025 – First Round
• 4th July 2025 – Second Round

Start Date: Ideally 1st September 2025, depending on notice period

Further Support

We want every stage of our recruitment process to be inclusive and accessible. If you have any questions or would like to discuss adjustments or alternative formats, please email [email protected] or phone 01942 741402.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00 per year

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Unless you submit a cover letter (or alternative format) that is specific to this role, the application will be rejected.

Experience:

• Operations management: 2 years (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wigan, WN6 7NQ

Application deadline: 13/06/2025

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Work from home