Job Description

About ELBA
ELBA's mission is to bridge the gap between businesses and communities to drive social change and create opportunities for all. The organisation is dedicated to tackling the systemic issues of social mobility, poverty, and inequality, particularly in East London and surrounding areas. ELBA achieves this by mobilising the resources, skills, and expertise of the business sector to support over 36,000 beneficiaries each year.

At the core of ELBA's mission is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. By fostering partnerships between businesses and communities, ELBA aims to create sustainable change, improve access to services, education and employment, and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Through its programmes and interventions, ELBA works to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone and that barriers to opportunity are dismantled.

Each year, over 100 corporations and regional stakeholders channel their efforts, volunteers, resources, and social impact strategies through ELBA to achieve meaningful impact. The organisation is widely trusted and recognised for designing, managing, and measuring award-winning corporate-community investment partnerships. ELBA collaborates with leading organisations across financial services, law, insurance, professional services, real estate, and technology as well as with local charities, schools, universities, the NHS, and local authorities.

Job Purpose

The Operations Director is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing ELBA's operational functions to maximise community impact and strengthen corporate partnerships. This role is pivotal in ensuring that programme teams are empowered, supported, and held accountable for achieving their objectives. The Operations Director will work closely with the CEO and Partnership Directors to sustain ELBA’s position as a leader in Employee Supported Volunteering (ESV), social mobility, and place-based initiatives.

Working for ELBA

As well as a competitive salary we have a generous annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service; life assurance; 5% employer pension contribution; BUPA health cash plan; enhanced maternity and paternity pay; an active wellbeing and equalities programme led by staff; a varied and busy learning and development schedule; bicycle purchase scheme; and an Employee Assistance Helpline. In our staff survey our people tell us they love the interaction with active and caring colleagues; the worthwhile nature of our work; and great agency in how they deliver their objectives.

ELBA is a very diverse organisation, representative of the community we serve in East London. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Team Management: Oversee Heads of Programmes, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation; provide resources, support, and professional development to ensure teams meet objectives.

2. Operational Strategy: Develop and improve systems, processes, and KPIs aligned with strategic goals; champion Salesforce adoption and digital transformation.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance internal efficiencies, reduce silos, and align operational and programme activities with community and corporate needs.

4. Impact Measurement: Strengthen impact reporting frameworks, promote data-driven programme management, and ensure transparent reporting on partnerships.

5. Resource Management: Oversee budget planning and resource allocation; ensure financial efficiency and support programme delivery.

6. Compliance and Risk: Ensure compliance with regulations, develop risk management processes, and conduct regular operational audits.

7. Sector Leadership: Support ELBA’s leadership in ESV, social mobility, and community impact by staying ahead of sector trends and driving operational excellence.

Key Competencies:

• Proven leadership and team management experience.

• Strategic planning and alignment with organisational goals.

• Operational excellence with a focus on systems, processes, and reporting.

• Stakeholder management and data-driven decision-making (Salesforce preferred).

• Strong focus on impact measurement and resource efficiency.

Person Specification:

• Extensive senior operations and line management experience.

• Expertise in ESV, community development, and corporate partnerships.

• Knowledge of compliance, risk management, and regulatory standards.

• Skilled in resource planning, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Experience in digital transformation and CRM systems.

Desirable:

• Formal project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP).

• Understanding of social impact measurement and safeguarding policies.

ELBA wants to represent the diverse community we support and aims to be an inclusive employer in terms of ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation & background. We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome all applications. 

Please note this role is required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The successful candidate will be required to comply with ELBA's safeguarding policies and any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references as well as DBS.