Job Description

Larkrise Community Farm is an establishment that supports students and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through animal centred learning. We are also an Alternative Provision that provides respite for school students who are struggling in mainstream education. We cater for young people with a range of SEND from autism and downs syndrome to anxiety and ADHD. We support all students including those with an Educational Health Care Plans, Looked After Children, students waiting for a placement at a Special School and those students that are Educated Other Than At School (EOTAS). Our aim is to support students so that they can return to mainstream education or thrive in a further education setting.

Through sharing our knowledge, love and care of farm animals and horticulture our students build self-esteem and confidence. They develop unique bonds with our animals and lasting friendships with their peers. Students at Larkrise Community Farm complete AQA unit awards which are certificates of achievement. These short practical awards empower students to enhance their skills in areas of interest as well as build a sense of achievement and success. Schools have reported improvements in their student's self-worth and motivation in the classroom due to their time on the farm.

The role

Ready to make a real impact? At Larkrise Community Farm, we're growing and evolving, and we're on the hunt for an exceptional Operations Manager to join our team. If you're a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering outstanding education and empowering teams, this is your opportunity to shape the future education of our students through the Larkrise Farm ethos.

This is an exciting role with an expansive remit ranging from ensuring that compliance with all Alternative Provision requirements; Safeguarding and Quality Assurance; Strategic initiatives including sourcing and maintaining funding; Developing the website and social media to reflect the ambitions and activities of the charity, and create quarterly budgets. This role is both 'hands-on' and strategic enabling the successful candidate to put their stamp and personality as the 'backbone' of the charity on its future development.

What You'll Do

Inspire: Mentor and support the business team, driving exceptional education provision and positive outcomes for clients. Deliver Excellence: Ensure outstanding education provision is consistently provided while meeting financial and operational goals. Collaborate: Work with the Education Officer, Commissioning Agents and external agencies to tailor education provision to each client's needs. Empower Teams: Promote our Mission, Vision and Values, coaching staff to achieve their best while maintaining a client-first focus. Drive Performance: Use data to monitor and report on service success, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, educated to A-Level equivalent - educated to GCSE grade B/6 in Maths and English Language-essential Qualified EFAW First Aider- desirable Fire Warden - desirable Safeguarding, prevent and FGM training - desirable

Experience

Excellent organisation and time management skills- essential Ability to manage and lead a team - essential Excellent IT skills including experience of Microsoft Office 365, Word and Excel- essential Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines- essential Must be able to work on one's own initiative and take responsibility for one's own actions - essential Ability to engage and communicate with a wide range of people- essential Ability to work independently and as part of a small team- essential Experience and knowledge of safeguarding in an education or adult SEN environment - essential Must be comfortable working in a farm/office environment - essential Working knowledge of HR procedures -desirable Experience using SAGE Cloud Accounting -desirable Previous business management experience-desirable

Key information

Salary:

29,000 - 31,500 per annum depending on qualification and experience.

Hours:

Full-time. 35 hours per week 8.30am - 4.30pm. One-hour unpaid break.

Holiday:

20 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

Location:

Larkrise Community Farm, West Ashton Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6DQ.

Shortlisting date:

9th June 2025.

Interviews:

Week beginning 16th June 2025.

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: The Larkrise Community Farm Application Pack MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. Please email asstmanager@larkrisefarm.org.uk for an Application Pack. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 29,000.00-31,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 09/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/08/2025