The Greenfingers Charity creates magical and inspiring gardens for life-limited children, their families and carers in Children’s Hospices throughout the UK.
As the charity approaches its Silver Anniversary, and 75th garden, we have created this new full-time role to ensure that gardens continue to be delivered and also to roll out its Garden Re-fresh programme. In the right hands, this role can be developed to ensure the continued growth of the charity.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the small dedicated team based in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, working closely with the Director of Fundraising and Communications Director and the other staff. The Operations Director will not only be responsible for the management and delivery of the hospice garden projects from the initial concept through to the celebratory Opening Ceremony but will also have the responsibility of core administrative and financial operations. You will ensure that the charity follows the strictest guidelines on financial and budgetary controls and all administration requirements as stipulated by the Charity Commission rules.
You would report directly to the charity’s Volunteer Chairman and meet regularly with the enthusiastic and energetic Board of Trustees and its sub-committees, particularly the Gardens Committee.
Responsibilities:
- To manage the delivery of the programme of new garden projects involving, among other things, meetings, site visits and liaising with hospices from the early discussion phase, developing each project by the selection and appointment of the garden designer, landscape contractor, suppliers, and all those involved to ensure each project is completed within budgetary and time constraints and that the hospice is delighted with the end result and is confident in maintaining the garden in the future.
- To expand the Garden Re-fresh programme, assessing where and how existing Greenfingers hospice gardens may need help, proposing budgets and timelines to ensure their longevity and thus promoting the integrity of the charity.
- Working closely with the Treasurer and finance assistant you will be responsible for the overall financial health of the charity, including overseeing the management and annual statutory accounts, budgets, cashflow forecasts etc. You will also deal with other administrative and operational management as necessary.
Who we are looking for:
Someone who is self-motivated, confident in creating their own work schedule and working independently and efficiently with strong project management and coordination skills, and is an excellent and natural communicator at all levels and through all channels.
Do you have:
- The ability to face and resolve challenges created by the weather, economic issues, spiralling costs and unforeseen problems and delays on sites – all while maintaining good humour and upholding the principals of the charity? And can you visualise three dimensionally?
- The appreciation of working within a small friendly team; working with health, gardening, construction and other professionals? And an appreciation and love of the great outdoors?
- An awareness of the transparency and strict guidelines needed to work within the charity sector and of just how passionate we are in what we achieve to help those life-limited children?
Preferably you would have sound financial and management skills.
Experience within the horticulture/landscaping or construction industries, knowledge and understanding of technical drawings and relevant programmes could be an advantage.
You will need to visit garden builds the length and breadth of the UK so a driving licence and flexibility to work away from home on occasion is essential. We anticipate you spending at least 2 days/week in the office so being within commuting distance of Wendover is essential.
For more information about Greenfingers visit greenfingerscharity.org.uk
It is hoped this role will start from early Spring 2024, with the selection process taking place in early January.
Job title - Operations Director
Office Location – Wendover, Bucks. Hybrid working is possible by agreement
Salary £46,000 - £50,000. This is reviewed annually.
Benefits – 25 days annual leave + 8 statutory days. Employer pension contribution.
To apply send CV to Lian@thevirtualrecruiter.co.uk
