Director of operations

Sportanddev; Sutton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent charity using sport for social change is seeking a passionate Director to lead their cricket centre in Sutton. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day operations, oversee budget management, and develop strategic partnerships. Applicants should have a strong background in operational leadership, social change, and financial management. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the charity, contributing to transformative impacts on youth through sport.

Benefits

Regular training opportunities

Annual away days

Professional coaching and wellbeing support

25 days of annual leave

Access to Innovation Fund

Qualifications

• Experienced operational leader with a passion for social change and sport.
• Ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Lived experience within the communities the charity serves is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the cricket centre.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the charity.
• Develop strategic partnerships to enhance the charity's impact.

Skills

Passion for social change

Strong financial acumen

Skilled in partnership building

Commitment to values-led leadership

Job description

The Change Foundation are seeking an experienced, passionate leader to join us as a Director. The successful candidate will lead our cricket centre and oversee the charity’s operations, driving forward our ambitious strategy: The Next Five 2026–2031. This role is perfect for someone with lived experience who understands the transformative power of sport and wants to shape a future where every young person feels seen, safe, and supported.

About us

London was burning in 1981. The Brixton Riots exposed the deep cracks in our communities, and from that moment of unrest, a spark of hope emerged. A young cricketer invited local kids to join him on the pitch instead of moving them aside. That simple act became the London Community Cricket Association — now The Change Foundation — a charity that uses sport to transform lives, create safe spaces, and empower young people to grow free from fear. Today, we continue that legacy through innovative, values-led programmes that challenge broken systems and build lasting impact.

Our home: The Cricket Centre, Sutton

From the heart of Sutton, The Cricket Centre stands as more than just a building; it’s our home and the place where change begins. It’s where our team works to drive the mission of The Change Foundation forward, where young people find belonging through sport and mentoring, and where the energy of the community helps sustain our work through events and facility hire.

But our impact reaches far beyond these walls. Across Greater London and beyond, our social change coaches bring our values to life, delivering programmes in the very communities that need them most. They know the people, they know the places, and they understand what it takes to create lasting change.

Key responsibilities

The Cricket Centre

• Manage the day-to-day running of the cricket centre, leading it into a new era of values-led income generation
• Take ownership of initiatives to grow income generation at the cricket centre

Charity operations

• Oversee all operational aspects of the charity and organise the annual charity calendar
• Work with the Head of Finance to manage operational budgets
• Attend board and sub-committee meetings, providing updates on operational developments
• Develop strategic partnerships to enhance the charity’s impact
• Lead, mentor, and manage all operational staff
• Deliver the objectives outlined in The Next Five 2026–2031 strategy

Who we are looking for

• Experienced operational leader with a passion for social change and sport
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets
• Skilled in building partnerships and generating income
• Committed to values-led leadership and empowerment of staff and participants
• Lived experience within the communities the charity serves is highly valued
• A charity that believes in professional growth alongside the job, with regular training opportunities
• Annual away days and team-building experiences
• One-to-one and group professional coaching and wellbeing support
• 25 days of annual leave
• Access to our Innovation Fund to test and develop new ideas

This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a charity with a rich history of transforming lives through sport. If you are ready to lead with courage, empathy, and vision, helping young people thrive in safe, empowering spaces, we want to hear from you.

How to apply

If you’re inspired by our story and want to be part of it, we’d love to hear yours.

Please send us your CV and your story in connection with our mission, either as a 3–5 minute video or a one-page written piece to [e-mail] by 8 December 2025. First-stage interviews take place the week commencing 15 December 2025.