Operations Manager

Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank operates three Distribution Centres which are open at various times throughout the week. We are an established Charity and provided help to approximately 9,000 people last year.

Role Description:

To oversee all aspects of the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank and ensure that the Foodbank operates using the agreed operating model as follows:

• Recruiting volunteers including reference checks, disclosure checks if required, obtaining signed confidentiality agreements and GDPR agreements
• Recruiting, supporting and training Duty Managers
• Ensuring that the Foodbank meets Health and Safety standards
• Developing, updating and ensuring adherence to all policies and procedures
• Ensuring that all volunteers work within the boundaries of the confidentiality agreement
• Identifying volunteer training needs
• Ensuring that the Foodbank meets Environmental Health Standards
• Communicating frequently with all relevant people including churches, volunteers, Trussell Trust, Referring Agencies, Trustees etc.
• Ensuring that the Foodbank updates the online database, website, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook
• Communicating with media and promoting the Foodbank service in a positive way
• Organising Foodbank representation at community events
• Maintaining awareness of the benefit system, changes to it, and the impact of changes in the operating trends and environment on the Foodbank and its plan
• Developing the Foodbank strategy in partnership with the Foodbank Trustees
• Developing the Foodbank strategy in partnership with Trussell Trust
• Undertaking Trussell Trust Governance Health Checks as required

Key Outputs (in no priority order)

• Ensuring sufficient food collections are organised to provide sufficient stock to support current and future Foodbank growth and organising the purchase of food as and when required.
• Liaising with the Warehouse Manager regarding the day-to-day running of the warehouse including volunteers, monitoring stock requirements and stock and statistical records
• Organising the logistics and re-supply of food to Distribution Centres in conjunction with relevant Managers
• Taking overall responsibility for volunteer drivers for ad hoc uplifts from donors, as required, in conjunction with the Transport Manager
• Taking overall responsibility for the management of the all volunteers in the Foodbank, Distribution Centres and Warehouse
• Organising and facilitating training requirements for volunteers
• Managing the volunteer rota to ensure the best use of volunteers
• Working with existing referrers, funders, volunteers and supporters to grow the Foodbank identifying problems through regular visits and liaison
• Undertaking regular talks to the referrers and donors to raise Foodbank awareness and funds
• Bring to the attention of the Foodbank Convenor concerns about the running of the Foodbank
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and Environmental regulations for both warehouse and Distribution Centres
• Producing Foodbank reports and statistics, for the monthly meeting, for the Trustees
• Monitoring the users of the Foodbank through the network database and minimise any potential, or actual, abuse through liaising with referrers and Distribution Centre volunteers
• Maintain a Foodbank phone and Email account

Reporting Arrangements: monthly to the Trustee responsible for your direction, support, and ongoing training and development.

Duration: the post is offered initially for 24 months, and is expected to continue beyond that date, subject to appropriate funding.

Working pattern: the work should fit within the operational requirements of Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank and there will also be a requirement for evening and weekend work to fill this role (for example, community events, supermarket collections at weekends and speaking engagements, sometimes in the evening, etc.).

Hours will be flexible to accommodate this within the 24 hour per week working time.

Regular travel will be required to visit the locations in Rutherglen and Cambuslang and further afield, e.g. for conferences or to visit other Foodbanks. You should have a UK driving licence.

Training to be provided:

• Foodbank governance, administration and operations
• IT training, as required, with specific databases and tools used by Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank
• Health and Safety including manual handling
• Environmental Health
• Other training, as appropriate

Salary: The salary offered is £17.5k to £19.5k