Job Description

About The Role
Head of Emergencies, Logistics and Surge
Location: Flexible across the UK (but with regular working in our Head Office, London)
Salary Range: 69,138 - 70,441 per annum (plus ILW, 3,344, if residing & working in London)
Hours: 35 per week
Permanent Contract
The British Red Cross are looking for a Head of Emergencies, Logistics and Surge (ELS) who can lead on global disaster management with strategic vision.
Can you drive excellence in emergency response, surge, and preparedness? Can you strengthen capacity and reduce risk worldwide?
If the answer is "yes" then join us to play a pivotal role in shaping our mission of being the world's emergency responders.
A day in the life of our Head of Emergencies, Logistics and Surge
Our Head of ELS provides strategic leadership for British Red Cross' Disaster Management (DM) work overseas. You'll collaborate with leaders and stakeholders to optimise our work in: emergency response, surge, preparedness, capacity building, and risk reduction. All in service of our broader BRC strategy. You'll have the ability to articulate our vision and plans to a range of audience in different settings.
You'll have direct responsibility for operational preparedness and response. You'll ensure BRC's emergency response systems are ready and effective, with a focus on surge capacity, funding, and SOPs. You'll promote locally led solutions and equitable partnerships in all aspects of our disaster response.
Leading with purpose you'll inspire and guide a diverse team of humanitarian specialists. You'll ensure that our surge, emergencies and logistics functions provide effective and appropriate support to our regional teams and the broader organisation.
You'll also be effective member and voice in the (extended) International Management Team and BRC's leadership group, fronting and participating in key organisational/directorate priorities and work.
If you're a confident leader, strategically-thinking, and driven by purpose, this could be the role for you!
To be a successful Head of Emergencies, Logistics and Surge, you'll need:

• A collaborative and proactive approach, experience managing a high performing team (in complex and often remote environments).
• Experience in the humanitarian or international development sector, working in an operational lead position. Ideally, you're knowledgeable about the work of the Red Cross and Crescent Movement.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and persuasively. With a proven ability to work unaided and develop strong interpersonal relationships.
• To be able to think strategically, bring vision and direction on a departmental scale with technical and operational influence.
• To be well organised and can plan and manage a varied workload. You can respond to and prioritise a range of competing demands.
• Extensive experience of working in building partnerships and professional relationships in developing countries.
• Good knowledge of fundraising and resource mobilisation opportunities (including institutional fundraising and private sector engagement).

Interested? Closing date for completed applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 4th November 2025 Interviews to follow soon after.
In return for your commitment and expertise, you'll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme. At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.
Together, we are the world's emergency responders
About The Candidate
About The Company

Skills Required