Operations Development Lead

Purpose of the role:

To lead and guide the establishment and long-term sustainability of Support Services within Large Single Parishes (LSPs), working alongside a Operations Development Project Officer. The post-holder will provide both strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership, translating agreed priorities into effective systems, processes and ways of working.

The role focuses on building relationships, facilitating decision-making, and supporting Support Services Managers, while providing operational oversight and ensuring that plans are implemented effectively. The post-holder will ensure Support Services are consistent, compliant and sustainable, and that the overall programme progresses effectively across the diocese.

Main Responsibilities

Key tasks within this role will be:

Lead the Support Services delivery function

• Provide strategic direction, operational leadership, prioritisation, and oversight for the work of the Support Services function
• Coordinate Support Services activity, ensuring the operational systems and specialist Fit for Mission Officer’s input work effectively together
• Line manage Operations Development Project Officer, providing support, clarity, and development
• Line manage Churchwardens Support Officer and other relevant roles as required
• Manage outsourced work and contractor relationships
• Ensure delivery across all LSPs remains on track and aligned to programme priorities

• Lead engagement with church leaders and local teams to:
• Understand local operational and administrative needs
• Identify and communicate potential gaps and risks
• Facilitate decisions on Support Services models
• Enable the change team to move from discussion to clear, practical, agreed approaches

• Act as the primary relationship lead for Support Services Managers once appointed
• Support managers to build confidence and capability in managing their teams and leading effective administrative and operational services.
• Provide support and constructive challenge and guidance to help managers address difficulties, make decisions and develop their leadership approach.

• Support the most complex or sensitive situations (e.g. disagreement, lack of clarity, leadership challenges)
• Work with diocesan project team where escalation or additional support is required

• Maintain oversight of whether Support Services are:
• Functioning effectively across all key operational areas
• Have appropriate systems, processes and responsibilities in place
• Moving towards sustainability – including establishing peer network
• Provide assurance to the Senior Project Manager on progress, operational effectiveness and readiness for close out.

• Supporting programme reporting and escalation
• Leading on continuous improvement of the approach