General Manager, Cheshire

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(1) Position

General Manager, Cheshire

Reporting to CEO (Deputy CEO in their absence)

(2) About us

ECT Charity provides flexible and responsive transport solutions to communities with unmet transport needs, and currently operates in Cheshire, Dorset and Ealing (London). We are committed to making a difference to the individuals and communities we serve, and do so with the utmost level of professionalism, care and compassion.

Our Cheshire operation is known locally as ECT in Cheshire ("ECT") and has been serving the local community for almost 20 years. As well as providing lonely and isolated people with a crucial lifeline - whether this involves a simple trip to the shops, a check-up at the local GP or a day out with a group of friends - we also offer a safe, affordable and accessible minibus service to local voluntary and community organisations. This enables these groups to carry out their own charitable aims, whether it be a day out to a local attraction or a sporting event.

(3) Responsibilities

(3.1) The high-level responsibilities of the General Manager include:

• overseeing day-to-day operations in Cheshire and having overall responsibility for all ECT's community transport services in the area;
• direct management of the Operations Team and all operations staff (including drivers and passenger assistants); and
• working with senior management to develop ECT's services as well as contribute strategically and developmentally to the organisation more widely.

(3.2) On a practical level, this will mean:

• ensuring that ECT's passenger transport is undertaken in accordance with all health and safety, transport and environmental legislation, company procedures and risk assessments;
• representing ECT at a variety of community forums ensuring a strong local identity;
• ensuring that all operations are carried out in line with UK and EU laws and regulations including vehicle safety and drivers' hours;
• ensuring that management processes in relation to fleet maintenance and health and safety are in accordance with FORS and ISO 9001:2015 standards;
• representing the Cheshire depot at cross-site meetings and being an active member of the Senior Management Team;
• overseeing a good working relationship with other site tenants and the landlord;
• ensuring that necessary repairs are carried out so that all vehicles are operating in a safe and roadworthy condition and are fully compliant with all current legislation;
• managing all contracts with third party maintenance and health and safety providers;
• assisting with reviews of the charity's processes and efficiencies as a part of the senior management team;
• attend relevant training courses including courses on security and counter-terrorism, transportation and safety of passengers and act as ECT's Counter-Terrorism Champion;
• undertaking appropriate duties of the operations team in the event of absences; and
• undertaking any other duties as required by the CEO or the Board of Trustees.

(3.3) In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, all ECT senior staff are expected to use their specific skills, knowledge and/or experience to assist the charity in delivering its mission and services to our stakeholders. This may involve:

• complying with and supporting ECT Charity policies and procedures on quality assurance, environmental management, equal opportunities, fraud prevention, bribery, anti-corruption, GDPR, Investors in People, ISO and any other policies or procedures adopted by ECT;
• attaining knowledge of ECT Charity, its culture and philosophy in order to respond directly to enquiries and requests for information from stakeholders, clients, members of the public and other agencies in an informed way; and
• working flexibly, responding to changing business needs and undertaking such other duties appropriate, which may include:
  • taking an active role in discussions;
  • focusing on key issues;
  • providing guidance or assistance on new initiatives;
  • attending specialist sub-groups relevant to their skills and experience;
  • providing advice in their specialist area, supporting the CEO and staff team;
  • taking advice from ECT's key stakeholders, including transport scheme members, employees and/or key clients such as local authorities; and
  • any other issues which may be appropriate for the level of responsibility and the expertise of the individual.

(3.4) It is expected that the role will develop over time, and that ECT reserves the right to modify the job description accordingly. Any such amendments would be introduced only after consultation.

(4) Person Specification

(4.1) The successful applicant must:

• be a highly competent manager who is driven, well organised and able to provide leadership and guidance to a large and diverse team;
• be committed to delivering the charity's mission and have an understanding of the importance of social value and the need to increase the social value created for the community through the delivery of charitable activities;
• have an ability to balance the demands of the operations with excellent customer service;
• have excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• be an advocate for accessible community transport;
• have an ability to represent ECT in the local community, build networks and undertake community and stakeholder engagement and outreach;
• be able to manage customer relationships or complaints;
• be able to lead on and manage relationships with contracting authorities and clients regarding service delivery;
• have knowledge of charity regulatory frameworks and other aspects commensurate with the role;
• successfully achieve MiDAS (standard and accessible) standard and Passenger Transport CPC (training paid for by ECT and can be completed after job offer if not undertaken already); and
• be able to assist in the preparation of annual budgets.

(4.2) The successful candidate will have experience in:

• line management with the ability to look forward and think strategically in helping to develop ECT's services; and
• operations, ideally at manager level.
• have an understanding of business development and the ability to identify and deliver new opportunities; and
• reviewing operational processes on a proactive basis to maximise efficiency, service delivery and customer experience.

It would be preferred (but not required) that the applicant has transport or fleet management experience or qualification (but relevant transferable skills and the enthusiasm to learn are equally acceptable).

(4.3) This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to join an organisation where they can make a difference, whilst enhancing their own skills. Candidates from all sectors are welcomed.

(4.4) ECT Charity is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity.

(4.5) ECT is also a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from the disabled community.

(4.6) ECT Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and any vulnerable person using our services. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow safer recruitment practices which are outlined in further detail in our Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Protecting People Policy.

(4.7) Successful applicants may be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (ECT will cover this cost). ECT Charity follows government guidelines, the DBS Code of Practice and ECT's Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy with respect to the above. Further advice and guidance on disclosing criminal records can be obtained from Nacro's Criminal Record Support Service.

(5) Summary of terms of employment

• Location. ECT in Cheshire, Junction 8 Business Park, Unit 5a Rossfield Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 3AS.
• Hours. This is a full-time role. Due to the seniority of the post, the employee is required to work such hours as are necessary to carry out their duties.
• Salary. The salary will be in the region of £40-44,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications and previous experience. The salary will be paid monthly in arrears by direct credit transfer. The monthly salary is calculated on the basis of 12 equal months.
• Probationary period. The appointment will be subject to a six-month probationary period.
• Notice. Employment is subject to (i) one week's notice by either side during the probationary period; and (ii) three months' notice by either side on completion of probationary period.
• Holidays. Holiday entitlement amounts to a total of 25 days plus Bank Holidays . Leave must always be taken in conjunction with colleagues to ensure that adequate cover is available.
• Pension. ECT offers NEST as the workplace pension scheme. Further details will be provided to you upon commencement of your employment. Senior staff are entitled to join the alternative scheme with Scottish Widows subject to the requirements of that scheme. ECT reserves the right to vary or withdraw this scheme.
• Sick pay. ECT operates the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme ("SSP") during periods of properly certified sickness absence. ECT also operates an Occupational Sick Pay Scheme which provides payment in excess of the SSP rates, all such payments being at the absolute discretion of the Employer and will depend on full compliance with obligations in relation to sickness reporting. Any sick pay paid will be deemed to include the SSP entitlement.
• Other benefits. ECT's benefits package includes opportunities for continuous professional learning and wellbeing support. ECT also welcomes requests for flexible working to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

(6) How to apply

• The closing date for applications is 25th November 2024at midday.
• If desired, applicants are also invited to speak to John Chesters, CEO (chesters@ectcharity.co.uk) or Simon Finnie, General Manager, Cheshire (simon.finnie@ectcharity.co.uk) for an informal conversation in advance of applying.
• All applications should be submitted online via the green "Apply for this Job" button above. The process requires you to attach your CV and covering letter that should demonstrate your skills, experiences and attributes that make you suitable for the role outlined in this job description.
• You will also be asked to please include details of two referees, one of which should be your most recent employer. We will not contact your referees without notifying you first.