Assistant Manager: Community Enterprise

Communities 1st

We are looking for someone who can live and breathe our values; to work in partnership, deliver quality, adapt, be positive and be inclusive. You will be a self-starting proactive individual with strong operational ability and a passion for building sustainable, community-focused enterprises and is able to work with colleagues and volunteers to deliver amazing services.

This role has two core functions:

1. Direct responsibility for managing and growing our existing social enterprises, including community centres, facility hire, and handyperson services.
2. Supporting and influencing enterprise development across the wider charity—helping other teams to take a more enterprising approach to services such as our Coffee Cart, paid-for corporate and school workshops, and other income-generating opportunities.

The role combines day-to-day service management with broader strategic input and business development support, helping embed a culture of enterprise across Communities 1st.

Purpose of the Job:

To lead and develop a growing portfolio of community-focused services that deliver both social and financial value. This includes managing operational delivery, identifying and progressing new enterprise opportunities, and working across departments to strengthen our sustainability and impact.

General Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and strategic development of all community enterprise services.
• Ensure each enterprise area is impactful, sustainable, and connected to wider organisational outcomes.
• Embed enterprise services as supported placement opportunities for volunteers and jobseekers with additional needs.
• Ensure that enterprise staff and volunteers are well-managed, supported, and motivated.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Line Management

• Manage a multidisciplinary team delivering creative, retail-style, and facilities-based enterprise services.
• Provide day-to-day oversight, coaching, and support to direct reports.
• Encourage a high-performing and inclusive team culture, aligned with Communities 1st values.

Enterprise Strategy & Development

• Co-develop business plans and service models for enterprise areas, balancing social mission and financial sustainability.
• Support other teams (e.g., Creative, Wellbeing, Volunteering) to explore and grow enterprising elements in their work, such as events, workshops, and paid services.
• Promote enterprise offers to local schools, businesses, and community groups..

Finance & Operational Management

• Oversee budgets, purchasing, and income tracking across enterprise areas in line with finance policies.
• Ensure the effective use and maintenance of facilities and assets.
• Use performance data to drive improvements in service delivery and enterprise growth..

Supported Volunteering and Employment

• Work with the Wellbeing, Employment & Skills team to provide placements and pathways within enterprise services.
• Ensure that volunteers and participants are supported to develop skills, confidence, and independence through their involvement.
• Champion inclusive practices and personalised support within enterprise operations.

Marketing, Sales & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with the marketing team to raise awareness and increase uptake of enterprise services.
• Actively represent and promote the organisation’s activities at relevant events, forums, and networks.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders including local businesses, schools, and partners.
• Develop effective working relationships with suppliers, delivery partners, and community venues to support smooth operations and joint initiatives.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure services comply with health and safety, safeguarding, data protection, and finance regulations.
• Maintain a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation.
• Embed standard operating procedures and quality assurance across enterprise activities.

Other Duties

• Create a welcoming and supportive environment with a culture of trust so that end users have the confidence to access the service.
• Work as part of Communities 1st team in a professional manner in accordance with policies, procedures and equal opportunities practices.
• This is not a final and complete statement of the duties attached to this post, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with the changing needs of Communities 1st.