Job Description

We are a MK children’s charity, this year celebrating our 50th year. We have a small dedicated team focused on “Making Play Happen”.

Working with the team we have an exciting opportunity for the new role of General Manager who will guide the charity towards its new future. 

There are three core services that we offer; play, training, and the provision of resources. These three together allow MKPA to encourage the development of individuals and organisations through play in the local community.

During the school holidays we deliver many open-access play sessions to over 12,000 children across Milton Keynes as well as other Play and Crafting sessions during the year.

Reports to: CEO

Purpose of the role

• To lead, direct and manage the charity’s operations including leadership of the employees and volunteers.

Main duties

Overall

• Lead and develop the team, building on our successes
• Pro-actively manage the Charity’s finance and income streams (including fundraising), inspiring the team to optimise activity and work to agreed budgets
• To ensure all activities are within the agreed aims and objectives of the charity
• Inspire and develop a core team with responsibility and accountability measured through appropriate Key Performance Indicators
• Coach and guide the team to deliver operational excellence in all operations  including, store, warehouse, play sessions, equipment rental, admin / accounting and training.
• Monitor business expenditure within agreed budgets and identify opportunities for cost efficiency
• Increase revenue generation from charity activities as well as sources of external funding
• Implementation of operating plan to support the strategic plan of the charity
• Implementation, review and adherence to effective operating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
• Oversee maintenance of all facilities including, premises, store, vehicles and IT equipment
• Develop and oversee relationships with suppliers, sponsors and partners, including negotiating and replacing where appropriate
• Regular reporting to board on charity performance
• Deputise for the CEO as and when necessary.

Operations

• Develop project management systems and processes as MKPA’s work expands and becomes more complex.
• Develop policies, systems and processes which enable effective internal communication and collaboration.
• Develop the systems, processes and practices which underpin a healthy organisational culture and promote diversity and inclusion.
• Inspire best practice in the management and development of MKPA’s infrastructure including website, social media, CRM database, Google Suite and reporting systems.
• Have a supportive hands-on approach and oversee daily operations of MKPA warehouse, Scrap Store, Hire, Training and play services

Finance and Fundraising

• Work with the Chief Executive to provide the strategic context for financial planning including:
  • financial planning, management and control including procuring appropriate insurances and the preparation of business plans and annual reports.
  • financial reporting including cash forecasting, quarterly reporting to the Board, preparation and review of project and annual organisation budgets.
  • ensuring fundraising revenue stream targets are met and requisite reporting.
  • ensuring revenue targets for each revenue stream is met

Marketing and Promotion

• Lead implementation of  marketing plan for the charity to include development of services, pricing and promotion which meets the charity’s aims and objectives
• Establish competitor monitoring to ensure products and services remain competitive and fit for purpose
• Regular monitoring of external environment to lead the charity’s evolution for the next 3-5 years

HR

• Develop a high performing team
• Responsible for HR at a strategic level, overseeing recruitment, training, staff well-being and all other personnel matters.
• Identify gaps in skills and experience in accordance with the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and address through recruitment and training.
• Develop MKPA’s HR policies, and draw in external expertise as necessary.
• Leading, coaching and inspiring of the team

Governance and Risk

• Work with the Chief Executive to deliver best practice, ensure compliance with legal requirements, attend Board meetings and prepare Board papers.
• Responsible for compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
• Establish a process for ensuring all procedures and policies are maintained on a regular basis and that all changes in regulation are identified and applied to the relevant policy by the designated owner in a timely manner 

Culture

• Always act in the best interests of MKPA.
• Abide by MKPA policies as set out in the Staff Handbook.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas relating to MKPA.
• To be flexible and to undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Board of Trustees.

Key qualities

• Strategic visionary able to inspire and lead teams and individuals
• Business acumen with ability to transfer skills to charity operation
• Highly motivated, self-sufficient, hands on proven achiever
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Fully IT literate on software packages
• Proven ability to inspire high performing team
• Strong general management, personnel management and relationship skills
• Ability to lead by example
• Strong project management skills, being able to juggle demanding priorities

Benefits

• 1 year fix term contract with option to extend based on performance
• Annual Salary - £35k including performance related bonus.
• 37 hours working week
• Optional pension scheme
• 20 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, rising yearly to 25 days after 5 years’
• Access to training and personal development

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people we serve. As such, this post is subject to necessary safeguarding checks including an Enhanced DBS.

MKPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MKPA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

We look forward to receiving your application.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter

Closing date for applications:  30th July 2021

Interviews to be held: w/c 9th August 2021

Application Instructions