We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join Novara Media’s growing operations team. This role provides core operational support to the Operations Lead and the wider Business Operations Team. Reporting to and working alongside the Operations Lead, you will support the day-to-day management of all our operational activities, including the smooth running of our new studio. Ideally, we are also looking for someone who can also take on some banking and financial tasks, including paying and filing invoices, basic budgeting, chasing invoices and receipts, and keeping cashflow spreadsheets up to date.

This is a hands-on, generalist role for someone who thrives on variety and problem-solving, but is also meticulous, with excellent attention to detail. You’ll be managing our physical workspace, building and maintaining key relationships with partners and stakeholders, and tackling a diverse range of operational challenges across every corner of the organisation.

About You

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational support across all sections, with an ability to prioritise when there are competing demands
• Act as operational point of contact for partners and stakeholders, and sole point of contact when the Operations Lead is on leave
• Assist with banking and finance tasks
• Provide administrative and facilitation support to the Directors of Novara Media; assist with planning and logistics for meetings or training sessions
• Participate in Business Operations Team meetings to solve problems across the organisation, and monitor and report on any bottlenecks or challenges
• Manage day-to-day office and studio operations, including coordination of maintenance, supplies, and facility-related issues
• Take on expanded responsibilities during the Operations Lead’s sabbatical, providing leadership and continuity for the operations function
• Maintaining shared documents, policies, and resources
• Supporting onboarding processes (new starters, freelancers)
• Keep organisational processes, policies, and operational documentation up to date
• Maintain studio bookings and room calendars
• Support data collection for quarterly or annual organisational reviews
• Help maintain health & safety compliance and records

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience managing day-to-day operations of a growing organisation, ideally within media, political, or creative sectors
• Proven track record of successfully managing facilities, workspaces, or physical operations
• Strong project management and organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a practical, hands-on approach
• Confident communicator who can liaise with people at all levels, from external partners to directors
• Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to support administrative functions across the organisation
• Confident using digital tools for communication, project tracking, budgeting, and documentation
• Understanding of and commitment to Novara Media’s left-wing political values

Desirable

• Financial administration experience: processing wages and invoices, liaising with accountants, a basic understanding of taxes including VAT, and a detail-oriented approach to annual budgets and cashflow (the role could be adapted to include more financial responsibility for candidates with this experience, or less, for someone who is otherwise the right candidate but has none.)
• Experience working in leftwing organisations, campaigns, trade unions, or activist spaces
• Understanding of the flexibility and adaptability required in a growing organisation’s daily operations
• Experience in media, creative, or cultural organisations
• Experience managing co-working or shared spaces