Operations Manager

Introduction

Help shape the operational excellence of a vibrant Diocese

The Diocese of Chichester is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead and develop the operational services that support our mission and ministry across Sussex.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role, responsible for ensuring the effective management of Church House operations. Working closely with senior leaders across the Diocese, you will play a key role in driving continuous improvement, promoting excellent customer service and ensuring robust governance and compliance. 

Reporting to the Deputy Diocesan Secretary, you will provide leadership to a small team responsible for governance and central support services. You will oversee the smooth running of Church House, manage facilities and operational contracts, lead on health and safety, and act as the Diocese's Data Protection Officer. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop operational and support services across Church House
• Manage facilities, suppliers, contracts and operational budgets
• Act as Data Protection Officer and lead on GDPR compliance, including Subject Access Requests
• Oversee information governance, records management and organisational systems
• Maintain and develop business continuity and risk management processes
• Manage organisational policies and complaints administration
• Support the Diocese's digital development through Microsoft 365, automation and AI-enabled solutions
• Coordinate operational arrangements for major diocesan events and conferences

About you

We are looking for someone who combines strong operational expertise with excellent leadership and relationship-building skills.

You will have:

• Experience of successfully leading and developing staff
• Knowledge of data protection legislation and information governance
• Experience of information management, organisational systems or database administration
• Experience of facilities, supplier or contract management
• A track record of managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong digital literacy, including Microsoft 365 applications
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with diplomacy and discretion
• You will be proactive, collaborative and adaptable, with a commitment to supporting the work and mission of the Church of England.

For full details of the job please see the job description and person specification.     

What we offer

• A salary of £38,074 per annum (pro-rata FTE £47,592pa) for 30 hours per week.
• Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.       
• A pro-rata entitlement to 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.  
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.     
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support. 
• Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.   

Our values

As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.  

Safeguarding

Chichester DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here

How to apply

Please apply via Pathways. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Deputy Diocesan Secretary, Catherine Dawkins (catherine.dawkins@chichester.anglican.org)

Applications should be submitted by Pathways by 4th October 2026

Interviews will be held at Church House, Hove on 14th October 2026