Ouseburn Trust
Development & Operations Manager
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Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Location: Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne
Hours: Full-time including occasional evening and weekend work
Benefits: Generous employer pension contribution, Time Off in Lieu and the chance to play a key role in one of Newcastle’s most distinctive and creative communities
Reports to: Responsible to CEO, responsible for 2x Admin and Communications Officers
About Us
We are an independent charity based in the North East using creativity to achieve social impact. With a team of six dedicated staff, we take an enterprising approach to sustainability. Rather than relying primarily on grants and donations, we generate our income through trading activities, venue hire and creative enterprise.
The income we generate allows us to invest directly in our charitable mission, supporting communities, creativity and opportunities across the local area.
We're looking for an enthusiastic and practical Development and Operations Manager who can help us make the most of our spaces, activities and partnerships while ensuring our day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently.
The Role
This is a varied and hands-on position that combines operational leadership with income generation. You will oversee the smooth running of our premises while identifying and developing commercial opportunities that strengthen our long-term sustainability.
You will play a key role in helping us grow income from our building and facilities, including our retail space, venue hire offer and programme of public events, including the annual Ouseburn Festival. We are looking for someone who is commercially minded and entrepreneurial, but who understands that every pound earned helps us deliver greater social impact.
Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you will create opportunities that enhance our financial resilience, while ensuring visitors, customers, partners and volunteers have a positive experience with us.
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Key Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities Management
- Oversee the day-to-day management of the Trust premises ensuring they remain welcoming, safe, well-maintained and fit for purpose.
- Coordinate building operations, suppliers and contractors.
- Lead on operational systems and processes to support the effective running of the organisation.
- Oversee compliance with health and safety requirements, safeguarding, data protection and relevant licensing regulations.
- Coordinate staff and volunteers involved in events, retail activity and visitor services.
Income Generation & Development
- Develop and promote our venue hire offer for businesses, community organisations and private events.
- Oversee the operation of our retail space, driving sales growth, stock management and an engaging customer experience.
- Plan and deliver, a programme of events, workshops, markets and pop-up activities, with support from the team, that attract visitors and generate income.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local businesses, artists, suppliers and partners.
- Identify new opportunities to increase earned income and strengthen the charity's financial sustainability.
Events and Festival Management
- Working with the wider team of staff, volunteers, and partners, lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the annual Ouseburn Festival.
- Manage festival logistics, budgets, contracts, risk assessments and event operations.
- Support the development and delivery of year-round events, markets, workshops and cultural activities.
- Ensure events reflect the character, creativity and inclusivity of Ouseburn Valley.
Finance and reporting
- Monitor operational budgets and trading performance.
- Support financial planning, reporting and income forecasting.
- Maintain accurate operational records and performance data.
- Prepare reports for the CEO and Board of Trustees.
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What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience managing staff and volunteers.
- Experience managing buildings, venues, events or visitor facing operations.
- Experience planning or delivering public events or festivals.
- Strong organisational, budget and project management skills.
- Ability to identify opportunities for sustainable income generation.
- Confidence working independently and taking ownership of projects.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who can balance a strong commercial instinct with a commitment to our charitable purpose. You will be:
- Entrepreneurial, able to spot opportunities and turn ideas into action.
- Practical and hands-on, happy to get involved in day-to-day operations.
- Confident working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Creative in finding ways to increase income and make the most of our assets.
- Ability to enthuse and get the best out of others.
A good understanding of the North East's cultural, business and community landscape would be an advantage.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to one of Newcastle’s most vibrant and distinctive places. You will join a small team with a shared commitment to protecting what makes Ouseburn special while helping it evolve for future generations.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining:
- Why this role interests you.
- Relevant experience in operations, income generation or business development.
- What you would bring to our small team.
Email: hello@ouseburntrust.org.uk.
To discuss the role contact chris.barnard@ouseburntrust.org.uk.
Closing Date: 22nd October 2026, Interviews w/c 2nd November.
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