Sister System
Director of Operations
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Director of Operations
Location: Tottenham, London (N17) | In-person with up to 1 day WFH per week
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Contract: Full Time (40 hours per week)
Reports to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees
Line Management: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
About Sister System
Sister System is a charitable organisation supporting care-affected girls and young women aged 13-24 to achieve their potential through mentoring, therapeutic support, leadership development, accredited learning, and progression into education and employment.
Founded in 2018 and shaped alongside the young women we serve, our work is grounded in co-curation, race and gender equity, and culturally responsive practice. Last year we supported more than 200 girls and young women, through our long-term mentoring and educational empowerment programme, and worked with more than 30 organisations to strengthen support systems across London.
We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking for an experienced Director of Operations to strengthen our organisational infrastructure and help shape our next strategic chapter.
The Role
The Director of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, you will lead the organisation's operational functions, ensuring robust systems, effective governance, financial sustainability, and a positive organisational culture.
You will play a central role in translating strategy into delivery, supporting organisational growth, and ensuring that our internal operations reflect the same values-led approach that underpins our work with girls and young women.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Strategic Leadership & Implementation:
- Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to deliver Sister System's strategic priorities and organisational objectives.
- Support the development of the organisation's next strategic plan and future growth ambitions.
- Lead organisational planning, performance monitoring and reporting against agreed goals and KPIs.
- Ensure learning, impact data, staff feedback and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making.
- Foster a clear sense of shared purpose and accountability across the organisation.
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Financial Strategy and Audit:
- Work with the CEO and Board to develop and implement Sister System's financial strategy.
- Lead financial planning, scenario modelling and sustainability planning to support organisational growth.
- Provide high-quality financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead the annual audit process and ensure audit recommendations are effectively implemented.
Financial Management:
- Lead the development and management of budgets, forecasts and financial plans.
- Produce accurate financial reports, cashflow forecasts and management information for the CEO and Board.
- Maintain strong financial controls, systems and reporting processes.
- Support budget holders to manage resources effectively and make informed financial decisions.
- Work with the fundraising team on bid budgets and financial reporting to funders.
People & Culture:
- Champion an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System's values.
- Support managers to lead with care, accountability and constructive feedback.
- Review and improve organisational systems, processes and ways of working to support efficiency and growth.
- Ensure internal operations reflect the relational and empowering approach at the heart of Sister System's work.
- Support managers with performance management, development and team effectiveness.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention and employee development.
Governance, Compliance, Facilities & Risk:
- Ensure safe, welcoming and accessible environments for staff, volunteers, partners and the girls and young women we serve.
- Ensure compliance with charity, employment, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead organisational risk management and reporting.
- Support effective Board and committee governance.
- Oversee organisational policies, systems, and operational infrastructure.
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About You
We are seeking a values-led operational leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
You will bring:
Essential:
- Significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance, governance, HR, or organisational development.
- Experience within a charity, social enterprise, or purpose-driven organisation.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Knowledge of charity governance, compliance, and risk management.
- Experience supporting organisational growth, change, or transformation.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.
Desirable:
- Experience working within a founder-led organisation.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally competent, or relational approaches.
- Understanding of the experiences of care-experienced or care-affected young people.
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience.
Benefits
- £60,000 salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible working (1 day WFH per week)
- £1,000 annual CPD budget
- Pension contribution
- Group Life Insurance
- Free Thursday brunch
- Wellbeing events
- Restaurant discounts
Our Values
At Sister System, we are:
- Collaborative
- Evidence-Based
- Masterful
- Solution-Focused
- Tenacious
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who share our commitment to race and gender equity and to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women.
Safeguarding
Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
First interviews: Week commencing 7 September 2026
Second interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
Find out more about Sister System by visiting our website: www.sistersystem.org
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