Operations and Impact Lead

Organisation: 3Pillars Project CIO
Salary: £23,400 pro-rata (equivalent to £39,000 full-time)
Location: Nottingham with some hybrid working available
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 18 July 2025
Job Description: Operations and Impact Lead
Location: London or Nottingham
Application deadline: 12pm Friday 18 July 2025
Introduction
3Pillars Project is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations and Impact Lead to join our expanding team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient and effective operations that underpin our programmes and rigorously measuring their impact. You will provide operational direction and development, manage crucial aspects of HR and finance, and oversee our robust impact measurement framework. Working closely with our Loughborough PhD student, you will play a crucial role in demonstrating the transformative power of our sport-based mentoring programmes for young men in the criminal justice system. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record in operations and impact measurement, passionate about making a tangible difference, and adept at optimising processes to enable high-quality programme delivery, we encourage you to apply.
Background
Our purpose We enable people in the criminal justice system to find hope, opportunity, and community.
Our mission We are on a mission to develop the most effective sports-based mentoring programme for individuals in custody and post-release.
Through the power of sport, particularly rugby, we empower people to thrive beyond prison by building resilience, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their lives, and we are dedicated to providing the tools, support, and encouragement to do this.

Our Values

Each of us are unique; Each person we meet has lived a different life and has a different set of opportunities before them.
Respect; We have to respect everyone we meet for them to respect us.
Courage; Changing our lives means taking a risk which requires courage.
Determination; Making change stick is hard work and takes determination.
Truth; Only I can change my life. No one else can do it for me and I can’t do it for them.

The Position

As the Operations and Impact Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the organisation, ensuring seamless coordination and resource management across finance, human resources, and general operations. Your primary focus will be on creating the optimal environment for our programme team to deliver to the highest standards of quality and efficiency, rather than direct programme delivery. You will also lead on developing and implementing a robust impact measurement strategy, working alongside our Loughborough PhD student to collect, analyse, and report on the effectiveness of our interventions. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will play a crucial role in the organisation's efficiency, accountability, and ability to demonstrate meaningful change. We welcome applications from fast learners who may not have all the listed experience but bring curiosity, drive, and a commitment to growing with the role. If you are passionate about making a measurable difference and thrive in a mission-led, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
Operational Direction & Development:
Provide operational direction and leadership, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and development within the charity's processes and systems.
Optimise and streamline internal operational processes to ensure the efficient running of the charity.
Manage general operational logistics, including office management, procurement, and IT support, enabling the programme team to focus on delivery.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal policies across operations.
Maintain and update the organisational risk register.
Oversight of the management and annual audit of all kit and equipment, establishing a signing-in and out process.
Ensure all prison partnerships have current Memorandum of Understandings.
Organise logistics for quarterly 3Pillars Project team meetings and team training.
Finance:
Manage day-to-day financial administration, including processing payroll and expenses.
Support budgeting processes and monitor finances in collaboration with our external accountant.
Proficiency in Xero for financial management and record-keeping.
Ensure accurate financial record-keeping and prepare regular financial updates for the CEO/COO.
Human Resources:
Manage HR administrative tasks, including inductions and onboarding processes for new staff and volunteers.
Maintain comprehensive HR records and ensure timely compliance with HR policies and procedures.
Annually update HR policies and implement any required updates during the year.
Support staff wellbeing initiatives and foster a positive organisational culture.
Administer appraisal, disciplinary, and grievance processes as required.
Oversight of the management of interns and placements.
Ensure timely completion of DBS checks and prison vetting for all staff and relevant personnel.
Oversee qualifications for apprentices.
Impact Measurement & Evaluation (M&E):
Develop and implement a comprehensive impact measurement framework and strategy in collaboration with the Loughborough PhD student.
Design and manage data collection systems and processes to accurately capture programme outputs and outcomes.
Oversight of M&E data analysis and interpretation to assess impact and inform continuous improvement.
Work with the Fundraising and Comms Lead to produce high-quality monitoring and evaluation reports for internal stakeholders, funders, and external partners, effectively communicating the charity's impact.
Identify opportunities for improvements in training and performance for staff and project leaders based on M&E findings.
Operational Partnerships & Networks:
Collaborate with government departments (e.g., Violence Reduction Units), ministers, and membership organisations which contribute to the criminal justice sector.
Liaise with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Hubs as required to support operational excellence.
Secondary Responsibilities and Duties:
Contribute to fundraising and stewardship efforts by providing compelling impact data and case studies.
Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities.
Support the company’s core values and principles.

Qualities and Attitude:
Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and demonstrate flexibility to work across various areas of the charity.
Exhibit strong project management skills, driving initiatives forward effectively while working collaboratively within a team.
Maintain a positive, proactive approach to challenges, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
Embody and uphold 3Pillars Project values at all times, serving as an excellent role model for the men we work with.
Be energised by innovation and change, adapting to the evolving needs of the organisation.
Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues across the team and external stakeholders.
Self-reliant, good problem solver, and results-oriented.
Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask.
An eagerness to learn, develop, and grow.

Qualifications and Skills:
Essential:
Demonstrated experience in operations management, programme coordination, or a similar administrative/management role, preferably within the charity or criminal justice sector.
Proven experience in developing and implementing impact measurement frameworks and data collection processes.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, concise reports.
Experience using CRM systems or similar databases for data management and reporting.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high standard of written and analytical abilities.
Strong organisational and logistical skills, with the ability to plan and execute activities effectively.

Capacity to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, while also being able to work independently and take initiative.
Passion for supporting young people and people facing adversity, and a genuine commitment to the mission of 3Pillars Project.
Proficiency in IT systems, including MS Excel, MS Word, and secure cloud storage platforms.
Proficiency in Xero.
Ability to pass relevant background checks, including Enhanced DBS and prison service clearance.
Experience with financial administration (e.g., managing payroll, expenses, basic budgeting support) and HR processes (e.g., onboarding, policy implementation, record-keeping).
Desirable:
Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Statistics, Operations Management, Public Policy).
Previous experience working alongside academic researchers or external evaluators.
Understanding of mental health issues and trauma-informed approaches to working with vulnerable populations.
Familiarity with safeguarding principles and protocols, including relevant training or certification.
Terms and Conditions:
Wage: £23,400 pro-rata (equivalent to £39,000 full-time)
Hours: 3 days per week
Contract: Permanent (6-month probation)
Location: Nottingham with some hybrid working available
Culture & Benefits: Birthday Off, Ongoing professional development opportunities, Pension scheme, Progression pathways, 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata).
Start Date: August 2025 (Flexible for the right candidate)
We actively support the recruitment of and employ people who have been in custody. We will not discriminate on the basis of a criminal record, but given the nature of our work, applicants must be able to work with children, demonstrated by an Enhanced DBS check. Applicants should also be able to gain prison service clearance in order to enter prisons. This may be delayed if the applicant has served a custodial or suspended sentence.

This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and will be subject to ongoing review.
Please see more about this role here: https://www.3pillarsproject.com/vacancies
How to apply: HOW TO APPLY To apply, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a Covering Letter (no more than 2 pages) to jen@3pillarsproject.com. In your covering letter, please address the following: Why you are interested in working for 3Pillars Choose 3 of the responsibilities which you have most experience in and describe that experience. Choose 1 responsibility which you have least experience in and describe how you would tackle it. Describe how your qualities and attitudes reflect those on the specification. Please specify where you saw the role advertised.