Job purpose: The Operations Assistant plays a key role in supporting the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of Himmah’s food bank and social supermarket operations. Working closely with staff, volunteers, and clients, the postholder ensures that stock management, customer service, and health and safety standards are maintained to a high standard. The Operations Assistant will be responsible for coordinating volunteers, maintaining clean and welcoming spaces, and providing accurate data to support operational reporting. This role is vital to ensuring that our services continue to meet the needs of our community with dignity, professionalism, and care.
Responsibilities and main duties:
Operations & Logistics
- Organise and maintain client facing areas in a clear, efficient, and safe manner.
- Restock shop and food bank areas regularly to maintain supply levels.
- Oversee distribution of donated stock in the food bank and social supermarket
- Arrange deliveries of food parcels to clients who can’t collect food in person
Volunteer & People Management
- Coordinate and lead volunteers in completing daily operational tasks across client facing environments.
- Provide guidance, support, and direction to volunteers to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.
- Contribute to fostering a welcoming and productive environment for all volunteers.
Customer Service & Client Interaction
- Oversee the serving of Foodprint customers and food bank clients, ensuring a respectful and efficient service.
- Respond to phone and in-person queries promptly, escalating issues to management where appropriate.
- Support clients and customers compassionately and maintain discretion and professionalism at all times.
- Refer and signpost clients to other services both internal and external
- Submit micro grant requests for clients, including to external agencies and internal Zakat programmes
- Identify and recommend suitable clients to community organising and leadership programmes
Data Management, Reporting and Admin
- Record and report data on food parcel distribution, and shop sales.
- Assist in preparing internal reports and updates for management.
- Collect and document case studies from clients/customers where needed.
- Respond to and assist referrers with enquires
Health, Safety & Hygiene
- Conduct daily and weekly safety checks, including temperature logging and hygiene assessments.
- Cleaning and ensuring high cleanliness standards in all client-facing spaces
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations in all operational practices.
Other
- Participant in staff meetings where required.
- Cover other operational staff as required
- Attend training and professional development sessions.
- Any other ad-hoc tasks as required by your line-manager.
Person Specifications
Experience
- Experience working in a customer-facing, community, retail, or operational environment
- Experience working with volunteers or supporting teams
- Experience working with diverse communities
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage tasks effectively
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Basic IT skills, including data entry and record keeping
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism
- Understanding of health and safety and hygiene standards
- Driving license & ability to drive manual vans
Desirable
- Experience working in a food bank, social supermarket, or community setting
- Experience coordinating volunteers
- Experience recording data or reporting
- Knowledge of food hygiene standards
- Experience working in the voluntary or charity sector
Pay: £26,228.00 per year
Experience:
- retail: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- manual driving licence (required)
Work Location: In person
