The Welcome (Knutsford) Limited
The Welcome is a registered charity dedicated to supporting our local community primarily but not exclusively in the Longridge and Shaw Heath residential areas. We run a friendly community café, provide support services, and deliver local projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and connection.
Our vision is to support the vulnerable and isolated people of Longridge and Shaw Heath. Our objective is to help people break the cycle of dependency, to give them hope and aspiration to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives at the heart of their community.
Job Purpose
The General Manager is responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the charity. Including managing staff and volunteers, overseeing our community café and other services and projects, maintaining finances, and supporting fundraising and partnerships. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the General Manager plays a key role in delivering our vision, our strategic objectives and to ensure our long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Strategic Development
Leading day to day operations in line with the strategic goals and objectives set and agreed with the Board.
2. Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day running of all charity operations, including the community café and delivery of services and projects.
- Ensure services are welcoming, efficient, safe, and aligned with our purpose and objectives.
- Develop systems and processes to improve service quality and staff support.
3. Staff and Volunteer Leadership
- Line manage staff (e.g. café supervisor, support workers, admin) and lead regular team meetings.
- Recruit, train, and support volunteers; foster a positive team environment.
- Address any staffing or volunteer issues sensitively and in line with policies.
4. Finance and Administration
- Work with the Treasurer and bookkeeper/accountant to manage the annual budget.
- Monitor income and expenditure by service category, approve spending, and report monthly to the Board.
- Ensure payroll, supplier payments, and records are kept up to date.
5. Fundraising and Income Generation
- Maintain and develop income streams including:
- Grant applications and reports
- Premise income including Café footfall, revenue and profitability
- Business Sponsorship
- Private donations and local fundraising initiatives
- Build relationships with funders, sponsors and stakeholders.
6. Governance and Compliance
- Work with the Board to ensure legal and regulatory compliance (e.g. Charity Commission, H&S, safeguarding, GDPR).
- Maintain up-to-date policies, risk assessments, and reports.
- Attend trustee meetings and provide operational updates.
7. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent the charity locally and build positive relationships with partners, local authorities, funders, and the wider community.
- Support marketing and communications, including social media and community outreach.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in managing or coordinating operations in a charity, social enterprise, or community setting.
- Ability to lead and support small teams of staff and volunteers.
- Competence with basic financial tasks (budgets, reports, cost control).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR, and basic charity compliance.
Desirable
- Experience with grant applications and fundraising.
- Familiarity with café or social enterprise management.
- Lived or professional experience working in community development or with underrepresented groups.
- Basic digital skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, email platforms, social media).
- Understanding and knowledge of the wider community we serve and the specific challenges faced by the residents of Longridge and Shaw Heath.
Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no more than two pages) explaining why you're the right person to lead The Welcome, addressing the essential and desirable criteria above, to [email protected].
Closing date: Tuesday 15 September 2026, 5pm. Interviews are expected week commencing 21 or 28 September 2026.
This role involves working with vulnerable adults and will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
The Welcome (Knutsford) Limited, registered charity number 1142084. 146-147 Longridge, Knutsford WA16 8PD. 01565 750 905 | www.thewelcome.org.uk
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
