Projects Operations and Strategy Lead

The Projects Operations and Strategy Lead is a critical role within Do it Now Now (DiNN), shaping the efficiency and effectiveness of our projects and operations. As we work towards our ambitious goal of supporting 30,000 Black Londoners by 2030, this role will be instrumental in ensuring our programmes run smoothly, on time, and with maximum impact.

This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional organisational skills, a data-driven approach, and strong financial acumen. The right candidate will be able to manage complex projects, oversee operational systems, maintain budgetary discipline, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards—all while fostering a collaborative and solutions-focused environment. They must be comfortable balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, ensuring that every aspect of our work is aligned with our mission and values.

Sitting at the heart of our organisation’s Learning and Programmes Team, this role will work closely with the Deputy Head of Learning and Programmes and the Head of Finance and Resources to integrate operational efficiency, financial accountability, and programme impact. The individual in this role will be the architect of our project delivery systems, ensuring that every initiative is executed with excellence, every budget is managed with precision, and every process is optimised for success.

Why is this role crucial for DiNN's future? Because as we scale our work and increase our impact, we need a proactive leader who can anticipate challenges, implement best-in-class operational strategies, and create the infrastructure necessary for long-term sustainability. Getting the right person for this role will mean stronger project outcomes, better resource management, and a more resilient and high-performing organisation that can continue to drive systemic change for Black communities in the UK.

If you are a highly organised, detail-oriented, and strategic professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of an organisation dedicated to real and lasting change.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management:

  • Oversee the creation, approval, and management of all Project Initiation Documents (PIDs).

  • Develop and manage detailed project plans to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and to high-quality standards.

  Operational Excellence:

  • Monitor and enhance internal systems, processes, and procedures to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Work closely with the Deputy Head of Learning and Programmes and the Head of Finance to ensure alignment between operational delivery, strategic learning, and financial accountability.

  • Lead the development and management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality management standards.

  Systems Management:

  • Oversee and manage project tracking systems on Monday.com and Airtable, ensuring efficient workflows and real-time updates.

  • Train team members on the effective use of these systems to enhance collaboration and productivity.

  Budget Management:

  • Oversee project budgets, ensuring effective planning, reconciliation, and approval processes are followed.

  • Monitor expenditure to ensure compliance with organisational policies and funder requirements.

  • Collaborate with the Head of Finance to identify and address variances, ensuring financial accountability across all projects.

  Reporting and Analysis:

  • Write detailed reports for leadership to monitor project performance, measure progress, and track key milestones.

  • Collaborate with the Deputy Head of Learning and Programmes to integrate data-driven insights into workforce planning and programme delivery.

  Strategic Planning: 

  • Collaborate with the leadership team to align project objectives with organisational goals.

  • Provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve programme outcomes.

  Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Act as the primary liaison between internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders.

  • Foster relationships with funders, council representatives, and community leaders to ensure successful project outcomes.

  Capacity Building:

  • Work closely with project leads to ensure they have the tools, training, and resources to succeed.

  • Support the implementation of DiNN's ASAP methodology to promote sustainable growth and community engagement.

Key Skills and Experience

• Essential: Proven experience in project management, operations, or strategy roles within the charity, social enterprise, or public sector.

• Essential: Expertise in creating and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and 

• Desirable: Experience in ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

• Essential: Strong experience in budget management, reconciliation, and ensuring compliance with approval processes, working closely with financial leadership.

• Essential: Exceptional organisational skills with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Essential: Proficiency in tools and systems such as Monday.com and Airtable, with experience in training and supporting team use.

• Essential: Strong report writing and analytical skills to assess project outcomes and recommend improvements.

• Essential: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner.

• Essential: Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Key Achievements 

By the conclusion of the 2-year term, the Projects Operations and Strategy Lead is expected to have:

Operational Excellence:

Developed and implemented comprehensive SOPs and achieved compliance with ISO 9001 standards, enhancing operational efficiency.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

Successfully integrated operational processes with learning strategies and financial management by working closely with the Deputy Head of Learning and Programmes and the Head of Finance and Resources.

Impact Measurement:

Established robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, resulting in clear, data-driven insights that shape DiNN's future strategy.

Systems Management:

Fully optimised Monday.com and Airtable systems to improve workflow efficiency and collaboration across teams and functions.

Financial Stewardship:

Successfully managed project budgets, ensuring effective reconciliation, adherence to approval processes, and financial accountability.

Data-Driven Reporting:

Delivered comprehensive reports that have enhanced leadership’s ability to monitor project performance and workforce planning.

Community Empowerment:

Played a central role in empowering Black-led organisations by ensuring the delivery of high-quality training and support, contributing to measurable improvements in community outcomes.

About You 

• You’re organised, and self-motivated, can easily multi-task and approach your work in a structured way. 

• You are an ambitious leader. You recognise the importance of what we are trying to achieve and see your role in that. 

• You’re resourceful. You know how to find things, solve things, answer questions, reach people.

• You are passionate about the cause. You have demonstrated interest and motivation to support Black people in achieving social mobility.

• You have sound judgement. You work independently, and when faced with issues react calmly and logically.

• You're a positive, solutions-oriented, and entrepreneurial individual with a drive for excellence.

• You can engage remotely and with autonomy.

• You’re a team player and collaborator, with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Benefits

Contractual Benefits

• Annual leave – significantly above legal minimum with 28 days annual leave + bank holidays.

• Pensions - All eligible employees will be enrolled in the DiNN pension scheme except for those who have contracts of three months or less. DiNN contributes an amount equivalent to 3% of the basic annual salary.

• Provision of a work laptop and a work phone. 

Non-Contractual Benefits 

• Additional End of Year closure days - the extra time given over this period will be reviewed annually.  

• Creative Culture Allowance staff can claim a maximum of £25.00 every month to attend and experience the arts, theatre and other types of creative and cultural endeavours.

• DiNN in person Community days and team socials.

• Wide range of flexible and agile-working arrangements.

• Birthday E-Voucher scheme, celebrate each birthday with a voucher to a store of your choice. 

• Health and Wellness Allowance £100 a month! – The DiNN team is the centre to everything we do in serving our community. The work we do can be both rewarding and challenging as such we are committed to supporting the wellness of our team. The health and wellness allowance can be used for a range of services including a contribution to gym membership, spa treatments/wellness subscriptions/ Faith based subscriptions. The Health and Wellness allowance can also be used for co– working spaces for those who may wish to achieve a broader work/life balance.

• Spill - mental health support service – access to the app available to all employees which includes counselling support sessions. 

• Annual eye test. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role according to the job description and person specification via this form. 

Closing date:

5 PM on the 7 March 2025. 

Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the position before the closing date. 

Do it Now Now is dedicated to believing that all lives have equal value. We’re committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive personally and professionally. We also believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve—in race, gender, age, cultures and beliefs—and we support this diversity through all of our employment practices. 

Thank you for your consideration.