East Grinstead Foodbank Manager

Overview
The role of Foodbank Manager is to oversee the operations of the East Grinstead Foodbank, with concern for its efficiency and standards within the Trussell franchise. This will include the strategic direction and financial sustainability of the Foodbank and with the wider team the reputation of the Foodbank and its partnerships with other voluntary organisations and governmental organisations.

The Foodbank Manager reports to the Trustees, including submitting a report to, and attending Trustee meetings.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• In co-ordination with the Trustees, to shape, implement and review the strategic development of the Foodbank, aligned with its mission, vision and values

• Provide inspirational leadership to the staff, volunteers and stakeholders

• Assess the evolving needs of the local community and identify opportunities for providing improved support

Management

• Oversee operations, ensuring the effective delivery of the Foodbank's services and adherence to its policies and procedures

• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for the staff and volunteers

• Promote collaboration with referral and other external agencies

• Develop and maintain robust systems for data collection, analysis and reporting

Advocacy and External Relations

• Be the outward face of the East Grinstead Foodbank

• Handle any media interviews or visits to the Foodbank

• Give presentations on the Foodbank to community groups, donors and the public

• Represent the Foodbank and Trussell with local Councils and local MPs

• Liaise with other foodbanks in the region

• Lead the Foodbank's participation in Trussell and other campaigning

• Take a lead role in periodic Newsletters

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to secure food and financial donations to ensure the sustainability of the Foodbank

• Cultivate relationships with donors, corporate partners and council/community partners to maximise financial support

• Actively assist in fundraising, including attendance at events, completion of applications and appeals for food and funds

• Assist the Treasurer and Trustees in setting Budgets, monitoring financial performance and recording systems

Compliance and reporting

• Ensure compliance with the relevant statutory obligations of the CIO, including the Charities Commission, food standards, health and safety, safeguarding and the other policies of East Grinstead Foodbank

• Ensure reporting systems are in place for stock and assetsof the Foodbank, including reports required by Restricted funders

• Ensure compliance with the terms of the Trussell franchise, including the online data system and reporting of key indicators

• Assist the Trustees in any Trusell or regulatory reporting requirements

• Ensure staff and volunteers are aware of all relevant regulations and reporting requirements

Staff and Volunteers

• Line manage the part-time staff

• Enable and ensure excellent coordination of and support for volunteers

• Assist in the recruitment of new staff and volunteers

• Regularly meet with staff

• Listen to and motivate volunteers

• Act as Safeguarding Officer or Deputy Safeguarding Officer if required

Reporting to Trustees

• Report to and attend Trustee meetings

• Advise on any exceptional events, risks, complaints, accidents and external contacts

Routine oversight

• Oversee the efficient operation of food collection, storage and distribution

• Ensure levels of food are monitored and issue appeals for more when needed

• Ensure that everyone who comes to East Grinstead Foodbank for help is treated with care and respect, has their needs listened to and is offered all possible assistance and signposting

• Engage directly with Foodbank clients when required

• Be present as regularly as necessary in open Foodbank sessions.

Foodbank Manager - Person Description

Essential

• Sympathetic to the Christian ethos of the Foodbank

• Passionate about tackling poverty and its causes

• Self-motivated and energetic, able to work independently

• Excellent communication skills

• High level of organisational skills

• Ability to lead, motivate teams of part-time paid staff and unpaid volunteers

• The ability to promote the Foodbank locally to raise awareness, food donations and funding

• Confident IT skills and knowledge of social media

• Working knowledge of statutory compliance in a small organisation, including staff, health and safety, safeguarding and GDPR

• A flexible approach to working hours, including occasional meetings and representations outside normal working hours

Desirable

• Previous experience within the voluntary sector

• Public speaking skills

• Experience of fund-raising

• Local knowledge, especially of welfare organisations

• Clean driving licence and access to a car

Terms

This is a permanent post. It is subject to a six-month initial probationary period.

The post is part-time, currently at 21 hours per week.

Hours may be worked flexibly subject to agreement with the Trustees.

The Foodbank is based at Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HL.

Competitive salary for the charitable sector reviewed annually in January.

Benefits: All paid staff are entitled to be part of the NEST pension scheme.

Holidays: Paid holiday entitlement of 5.6 working weeks (pro-ratafor part-time hours worked) during a complete holiday year.The Foodbank is closed on bank holidays and these will not count as holidays.

Timetable

Closing date for applications: 16 October 2026

Interviews: shortly thereafter

Start date: Early January 2027, to facilitate a smooth transition from the current manager.