Operations Manager
The Role:
Bristol Future Talent Partnership
The Client:
The Partnership focuses on young people aged 14 to 21, offering them chances to explore various career paths and develop essential skills. They provide high-quality work experience, career workshops, and networking events, equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed.
Bristol Future Talent Partnership is committed to making Bristol the UK's fairest and racially equal city. This collaboration of leading organisations tackles the disproportionate barriers Black and minority ethnic communities face in education and employment and helps boost aspirations. We helped them find an Operations Manager who could expand their reach and further their mission.
By partnering with schools and businesses, Bristol Future Talent Partnership creates a space for intergenerational learning and growth. This gives young people valuable experience while bringing new perspectives and diverse talent to the partner organisations. Ultimately, the Partnership's goal is to eliminate the systemic inequalities and underrepresentation that have long impacted Black and minority ethnic communities in Bristol.
The organisation approached us based on our Charity Practice’s proven track record in placing leaders for non-profit organisations across Bristol and further afield. This was our first time collaborating with the Partnership, we were excited to learn more about the Partnership and their important work. They were seeking an Operations Manager who could shape the future of the Partnership, helping reach more young people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to succeed.
The Operations Manager is responsible for planning and delivering high-quality work experience placements, forging new partnerships with Bristol-based organisations and schools, and nurturing existing stakeholder relationships. This includes identifying and implementing improvements to ensure the programmes deliver the best possible impact for students and participating organisations. The position is vital in expanding the Charity’s impact and working towards making Bristol the fairest and most racially equal city in the UK.
Sandy Hinks, Head of Moon’s Charity practice, orchestrated the search campaign. We combined headhunting, advertising, and an exploration of Sandy’s personal network to leave no stone unturned. As a passion for Bristol was integral to the role, the search was limited to candidates based in Bristol and surrounding areas. Our screening process narrowed the pool of candidates down to the most promising individuals. Following in-depth interviews, we were excited by what Sandra Fryer could bring to the organisation and recommended her as the new Chair. After a successful meeting with Ms Fryer, the Board shared our enthusiasm and appointed her as the Chair of the Board.
Ms Fryer has significant experience working with local authorities on space planning and regeneration. She is passionate about Bristol's developments and knowledgeable about this political landscape, as demonstrated by her previous role as Head of Sustainable Development for Bristol City Council. Furthermore, her strategic vision and background in Chair and Board positions enhance the governance of BSC.
The search was led by Sandy Hinks, Head of Moon’s Charity Practice, involving a strategic blend of headhunting and advertising. She was supported by Executive Search Consultant Leighann Beck. The home-based nature of this role proved to be a challenging factor. Candidates needed to be happy working independently on a daily basis, as opposed to as part of a team. However, the position also involves travelling to schools and organisations to build and maintain relationships. Therefore, we sought candidates who excelled at independent problem-solving and taking ownership of tasks, but also possessed a strong people focus and were adept at partnership development.
Our search campaign uncovered a pool of strong candidates. Following a process of interviews and selection, we refined this pool to a shortlist, consisting of the most promising individuals. We provided the Charity with a comprehensive report on each of the shortlisted candidates, outlining their strengths, weaknesses and the potential impact on the Charity.
From the shortlist, we recommended Robert Muranda as the ideal candidate for this role. Robert has significant experience working as a Careers Advisor and Employability Manager for Bristol-based education institutions. He’s passionate about combatting inequalities by increasing opportunities for young people and is skilled in budget management and bid writing. Robert has a strong understanding of Bristol Future Talent Partnership, as he collaborated with them while working at St. Brendon’s Sixth Form College. Having witnessed first-hand the impactful work of the Charity, he was eager to get involved. Furthermore, Robert has an extensive network in the South West, which would help expand the organisation’s impact. We’re delighted that the Partnership agreed with our assessment and placed Robert as the Operations Manager.
Sandy Hinks commented:
“This campaign required candidates who thrived while working independently, who were also people-focused, relationship builders. Robert was the top candidate from a very strong shortlist. We’re confident he’ll help Bristol Future Talent Partnership expand their reach and impact.”
Mohammed Sadiq, Chair at Bristol Future Talent Partnership, commented:
“We were impressed by the quality of candidates Sandy and Leighann presented. She found individuals with the exact skills we required who were a great fit for our organisation. Thanks again.”
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