About The Role
Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission is a thriving, inclusive, diverse and active Methodist Church and Circuit and a significant historic site in Central London. As the first Methodist Church built in London, and the headquarters of John Wesley, the site includes: the Chapel, the Museum of Methodism, John Wesley’s House, John Wesley’s tomb, as well as meeting rooms, offices and a resident community.
We are seeking an Operations and Resource Manager to provide effective day-to-day operational leadership across the life of Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, ensuring that people, property, systems and resources are managed well in support of the organisation’s worship, mission, heritage, community activity and public engagement. The role will combine practical operational management with strong oversight of HR, finance, property contracts, compliance and safeguarding, helping the organisation remain well run, responsive and able to grow and change over time.
We offer a supportive environment in which the Operations and Resource Manager will play a pivotal role. There will be opportunities to take initiative in developing the work. There will also be opportunities for continuing professional development.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Operational Leadership
• Lead and coordinate the effective day-to-day practical operations of Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission.
• Take responsibility for the venue in relation to emergency planning and business continuity.
• Ensure that administrative, financial, property and people-management systems are well organised, efficient and fit for purpose.
• Support the Superintendent., Minister and Trustees by providing reliable operational oversight, timely information and practical implementation of agreed priorities.
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and working practices that strengthen the organisation and support future growth and change.
• Work flexibly in a changing environment, helping the organisation adapt to new opportunities, demands and priorities.
Human Resources
• Oversee HR processes and good practice across the organisation, including recruitment, induction, contracts, management processes, absence monitoring and staff records.
• Support safer recruitment and ensure appropriate employment checks are completed and recorded.
• Advise and support the Superintendent on staff matters, applying policies consistently and appropriately.
• Promote a healthy, supportive and accountable staff culture.
Finance Oversight
• Oversee the day-to-day financial administration of the organisation in conjunction with the Finance Officer. To include the setting up of payments and applications for the release of trust funds.
• Ensure appropriate financial processes, controls, reporting arrangements and record-keeping are in place.
• Support budget setting, budget monitoring, cashflow awareness and the preparation of financial information for the Superintendent, Trustees and relevant committees.
• Monitor income and expenditure against agreed budgets and flag risks, pressures or opportunities in a timely way.
Property and Contract Management
• Oversee the management of buildings, facilities and operational contracts across the site.
• Manage relationships with contractors and service providers, helping ensure work is delivered to the required standard, within budget and in accordance with agreed terms.
• Coordinate property maintenance planning, routine servicing, repairs and operational improvements.
• Support the stewardship of a busy and significant site, balancing practical needs, compliance requirements and the organisation’s mission and public-facing role.
Compliance and Safeguarding Oversight
• Maintain oversight of key compliance responsibilities, including safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and other relevant regulatory or policy requirements.
• Ensure that compliance records, training schedules, renewals and reporting processes are maintained appropriately.
• Support and monitor the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, helping embed a safe culture for children, young people and adults at risk.
• Escalate concerns, risks or areas of non-compliance promptly to the Superintendent and others as appropriate.
Staff Management
• Line manage and support the Administrator, Finance Officer, Cleaner and Caretaker.
• Provide clear direction, oversight, support and accountability for staff in their respective areas of responsibility.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and contribute to appraisal, objective-setting and professional development.
• Encourage collaborative working and a high standard of service across the staff team.
General
• Work closely with the Superintendent, Minister, staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Undertake other duties reasonably required by the Superintendent that are consistent with the nature and seniority of the post.
• Uphold the values, ethos and public witness of Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission in all aspects of the role.
Working Relationships and Role Development
This is a significant operational role within a small and committed staff team. The postholder will work closely with the Superintendent and Minister, and will have regular contact with trustees, colleagues, volunteers, contractors, hirers and visitors.
As Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission continues to respond to changing operational, organisational and missional needs, the scope of this role may develop over time. The postholder will therefore need the capacity to grow and change with the organisation, showing adaptability, sound judgement, initiative and a willingness to help shape improved systems and ways of working.
Terms and Conditions
• Terms of appointment: Permanent
• All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and there will be support for on-going training.
• There is a contributory pension scheme to which eligible lay employees will be auto-enrolled.
• Lay employees who do not meet the auto-enrolment criteria are eligible to join the scheme subject to certain provisions.
• 33 days annual leave, including public holidays, entitlement per year.
• The appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.
• The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.
• The appointment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of up to six-month probationary period.
Additional Notes
This job description is intended to indicate the main areas of responsibility of the post and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It may be reviewed and updated from time to time in discussion with the postholder to reflect the changing needs of Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission.
Essential
• Experience in an office management, business management or similar organisational leadership role.
• Experience of overseeing HR processes and supporting staff management in a small or medium-sized organisation.
• Experience of finance oversight, budget monitoring and working with financial systems and controls.
• Experience of property, facilities or contract management.
• Experience of maintaining compliance systems and supporting policy implementation.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of safe working practices.
• Experience of line management, including supervising, supporting and developing staff.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
• Sympathy with the values, mission and ethos of the Methodist Church as these are lived out at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, build positive working relationships and deal appropriately with a wide range of people.
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information with care.
• Good confident IT skills. Proficient in Microsoft office suite (M365), Xero, Church Suite. Flexibility in developing the use of AI effectively.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
• Capacity to grow and change with the role and the organisation.
• Existing right to work in the UK.
Desirable
• Experience of working in a church, charity, heritage, community or not-for-profit setting.
• Knowledge of the regulatory environment relevant to charities and churches.
• Experience of supporting governance processes and preparing reports for senior leaders or trustees.
• Understanding of the operational demands of a public-facing, multi-use site.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.