Job Description

Operations Officer Bristol

Application Deadline: 11 October 2026

Department: Operations England

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Bristol

Compensation: £30,247 - £35,585 / year

Description

Are you a highly organised relationship-builder with a passion for supporting young people to achieve their potential?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Operations Officer to join our Operations team based in Bristol, on a maternity cover basis. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), helping more young people access our life-changing programmes.

The role will begin with a comprehensive handover period alongside the current postholder, giving you the opportunity to build knowledge and confidence before taking full ownership of your portfolio.

As an Operations Officer, you will manage a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs), primarily schools, but also colleges, local authorities, charities, youth groups, pupil referral units and youth justice settings.

Working closely with an experienced team of Operations Officers across England, you will provide day-to-day support, guidance and training to organisations, helping them deliver a high-quality DofE programme. You'll build strong relationships, support programme growth, drive participation and help ensure that more young people, particularly those facing barriers to participation, can benefit from the DofE experience.

This is a field-based role. When not attending meetings, events or visits, you will work remotely from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive relationships with Licensed Organisations, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Deliver induction, training and development opportunities for DofE staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement action plans with partners to achieve both short and long-term objectives.
• Monitor performance, participation and targets using DofE management systems and reporting tools.
• Conduct regular online and face-to-face meetings with Licensed Organisations.
• Support licence reviews and contribute to the licensing of new organisations.
• Increase participation among young people from marginalised and underrepresented groups.
• Assist with grant applications, project monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Support national DofE events, including occasional overnight stays and weekend working.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the UK on projects and working groups.
• Support the delivery of the DofE strategy and England business plan.

What we are looking for

We're looking for someone who is passionate about making a positive impact and who thrives on building strong partnerships and delivering excellent support.

• Excellent relationship-building skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong communication and influencing abilities.
• The confidence to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Outstanding organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written communication, proofreading and editing skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, both online and in person.
• A solution-focused approach and confidence to challenge poor practice when needed.
• The ability to analyse data, identify trends and take appropriate action.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Successful applicants will:

• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle during the working week.
• Be willing to travel regularly across the portfolio area.
• Live within or close to the portfolio area. (please refer to the map in the job pack)

Please Notes, This position is a 12 month contract

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is: 11th October - Midnight

Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 20th October – to be held in-person near Bristol

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.