Operations Manager – Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled Centre
Salary: £27,000-32,000 per annum based on experience, pro rata
Hours: 15 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Gaddesden Place RDA Centre

Gaddesden Place is a dedicated RDA centre offering anyone with additional needs and disabilities the opportunity to participate in a range of equine based activities. This includes our core riding lessons, both equine therapy and hippotherapy, tea with a pony sessions, and lessons on our riding simulator. We work with a range of individuals including those with cerebral palsy, autism & ADHD, learning difficulties, and sight/hearing impairments.

As a self-funding charity, every penny we raise goes towards running the centre and providing life changing activities for all of our participants. We are seeking a friendly, highly organised and capable manager to join our small team of paid staff to oversee the day-to-day running of our RDA activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in management looking for a rewarding part-time role that will really make a difference. Not only will you see the impact of the services we provide daily, but as we are such a small charity you will directly support our mission and influence the success of the organisation through excellence in resource, building and people management.

Based out of our RDA centre, you will be responsible for leading a committed team of staff and volunteers to deliver our varied programme of activities. You will coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the centre’s services, ensuring we are responsive to the needs of local parents, carers and children while meeting the charity budgets and funding. You will also ensure that staff and volunteers are working effectively to support positive outcomes.

Job role:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the daily operational activity of the centre
• Liaising with riders, coaches and volunteers on a daily basis, as well as with schools and carers where necessary
• Planning termly schedules and staff/volunteer rotas
• Maintaining accurate records of riders, ponies and volunteers, and proactively managing the rider waiting list
• Managing building maintenance
• Working with the treasurer, providing relevant numbers for invoicing purposes and checking payments
• Liaising regularly with Board of Trustees, providing reports, attending meetings and escalating issues

Required skills/experience:

• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
• Driven, positive and enthusiastic, with plenty of initiative
• Experience of managing a diverse team with an adaptable management style
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience/passion for working with RDA and/or disabled individuals

What we offer you:

• Be part of a fantastic, dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers
• Directly see the impact of your work on a daily basis
• 28 days holiday (pro rata)
• Workplace pension scheme
• Although this job role is primarily based onsite at our riding centre, there is the possibility of flexible working once the role is settled

Application process:

Please send CV and cover letter to gaddesdenplacerda@gmail.com by Sunday 28th April

Successful applicants will be asked to join us for a telephone interview, followed by a face-to-face interview

DBS check required

Gaddesden Place RDA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This role will be offered on the condition that the applicant undergoes a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and provides satisfactory references.