Operations Manager -Housing

Virtual Bridges, Inc.; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Leeds is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee service delivery and support operations for refugees and asylum seekers. You will manage a dedicated team, ensure compliance with housing standards, and enhance community outcomes. Ideal candidates will have a strong leadership background with experience in housing or social care.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Impactful work in the community

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational or service management within housing, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Strong knowledge of housing standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing teams and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across Leeds and Bradford.
• Ensure housing stock is safe and compliant with standards.
• Lead and manage support staff and volunteers.
• Implement training and induction plans for the support team.

Skills

Operational management

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Team management

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Operations Manager - Housing

Resident Support and Housing Management

Location: Leeds & Bradford

Salary: £33,699 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time, permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

This charity provides accommodation and support to people who have become homeless at the end of the asylum process - including refugees granted leave to remain and Appeals Rights Exhausted (ARE) asylum seekers. We work to ensure all our residents have safe housing, access to essential support, and the opportunity to move on positively with their lives.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of the charity's service delivery across Leeds and Bradford. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring our accommodation, support, and housing services are safe, compliant, and effective.

You will lead, support, and develop a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, oversee housing operations and maintenance, and ensure that the individual care and support needs of all residents are met. This is a hands‑on, varied, and rewarding role with a strong focus on operational excellence, team development, and improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations across the charity in Leeds and Bradford.
• Ensure all housing stock is safe, well-maintained, and compliant with current housing and health & safety standards.
• Lead and manage support staff, volunteers, and students – providing supervision, guidance, and development opportunities.
• Develop and implement training and induction plans for all support team members.
• Oversee the delivery of high‑quality housing and support services for refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their care and support needs are assessed, met, and regularly reviewed.
• Manage maintenance systems, repairs, and contractor relationships to maintain high property standards.Lead on move‑on support, helping residents transition to longer‑term housing and independence.
• Support compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and housing management policies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organisations, landlords, and referral agencies.
• Deputise for the CEO when required and contribute to Board meetings and strategic planning.
• Represent at events, partnerships, and external meetings to raise the charity's profile and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

About You

You’ll be a strong leader with excellent organisational and communication skills, ideally with experience in housing, supported accommodation, or refugee/asylum services. You’ll bring a compassionate, person‑centred approach and the ability to balance operational demands with empathy and care.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Proven experience in operational or service management within housing, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Strong knowledge of housing standards, health and safety, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing teams, supervising staff, and coordinating volunteers.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable adults.
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with external partners, contractors, and community organisations.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people rebuilding their futures.
• Join a supportive, passionate team within a growing, values‑driven charity.
• Opportunity to shape and develop operational practices and influence future service design.
• Regular training, supervision, and professional development opportunities.