Director of Operational Services

Nelson Trust; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity in the UK is looking for a strategic and visionary Director of Operational Services. This position involves leading a diverse portfolio of services, including women's centres and rehabilitation programs. The role requires proven leadership skills, a commitment to empowering individuals, and the ability to manage performance effectively. Candidates should have a background in related sectors and strong stakeholder management abilities. The ideal candidate will contribute to the growth and sustainability of services while ensuring high standards in service delivery.

Benefits

Auto enrolment pension with 6% employer contribution

30 days annual leave plus public holidays

Positive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven record of strategic and operational leadership.
• Experience in service delivery and financial management.
• Background in women's services, criminal justice, or substance use.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape diverse service portfolio.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships supporting financial objectives.
• Oversee service performance through monitoring and evaluation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Performance management

Operational leadership

Collaboration skills

Job description

Team: Senior Leadership Team
Pension: Auto Enrolment Pension (6% employer contribution)
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Location: Based in South West (The Nelson Trust services locations) with hybrid working and ability to travel across all service areas (South West & Wales)
Annual Leave: 30 days (plus public holidays)

It’s an exciting time to joinThe Nelson Trust as we seek to appoint a strategic and visionaryDirector of Operational Services. Sitting as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role carries responsibility for a diverse and high-impact portfolio of services including our network of Women’s Centres across Southwest England and Wales and Residential Rehabilitation services located within Gloucestershire, but with a national reach.

The Director will lead, and shape our services, ensuring effective delivery across the portfolio whilst contributing to sustainability and growth agendas.

You will cultivate strategic partnerships that support the organisation’s performance and financial objectives, embed a culture of quality and continuous improvement, and oversee service performance through robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. In addition, you will provide strong commercial and operational leadership, ensuring the efficient management of budgets, resources, and teams.

We are seeking an individual with a proven record of strategic and operational leadership, encompassing service delivery and development alongside robust performance and financial management. Ideally with a background within the Women’s, criminal justice, substance use or a related sector. Above all, you will bring exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and collaboration skills, coupled with a genuine commitment to empowering people to achieve their full potential.

If you would like an in-confidence conversation, please contact [e-mail] who will coordinate a call with the CEO.

How to apply

Send a copy of your CV to [e-mail] with a supporting statement that covers the following:

• Why do you want to work for The Nelson Trust (250 words max).
• Taking the role profile into consideration, what skills, experiences and personal qualities do you feel you would bring to the role? (500 words max).
• Give an example of driving service excellence and maintaining high standards across a varied portfolio of services, in a previous role (400 words max).

Please also confirm the following details:

• Notice period.
• Flexible working requests.
• Any adjustments to support your application.

For a copy of the full job description, please contact [e-mail].

Application Closing Date: 18 January 2026
Fireside Chat Week: 21 January 2026
Meet the Team Week: 26 January 2026
Final Interview: 9 February 2026

Due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centres this role is restricted to female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).

The Nelson Trust is committed to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhancedDBS check

We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services. While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce.

We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society.

This is an opportunity for new, challenging and highly rewarding experiences. Our staff make a real difference to people’s lives and in return for your commitment and enthusiasm, we offer a generous pension scheme and a positive working environment.