Head of Operations - Readings Business Improvement District (BID)

We are looking to appoint a Head of Operations – Reading’s Business Improvement District (BID) – part of Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency (REDA) which is based in the heart of the town centre our small, dynamic, business focussed team is recruiting a Head of Operations on a fixed term contract basis. This role will be maternity cover from mid-October 2025 to mid-November 2026.

Reading BID (Business Improvement District) helps to make Reading a safer, cleaner, greener, and more attractive place to live, visit and work and this role is central to our success. We are looking for someone dedicated to improving Reading town centre for all who live, work and visit.

To find out more about REDA visit: https://www.visit-reading.com/business/bid

About the role:
This role is the first point of contact for BID levy paying businesses. You will build positive relationships with all types of town centre businesses, including retailers, hospitality, nighttime venues, and office-based companies.

We’ll need you to liaise with the businesses, supporting with enquiries, and organise our timetable of ongoing initiatives and proposing new projects and events.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Day to day supervision of Business Wardens
• Check and update CRM system
• Engage with businesses regularly
• Meet and introduce new businesses to the BID services
• Produce a weekly newsletter for BID businesses
• Managing the sign-up process of numerous BID initiatives
• Assist in the organising and running of events and seeking ideas for new experiences in the town

Initiatives that you will be working on and managing (as well as introduction of new) include;

• Town centre trails
• Wellbeing activities for levy payers
• Training for levy payers
• Contract management for deep cleaning
• Contract management for the warden service

About you:
We’re looking for someone who knows, understands, and has a passion for Reading, has experience in improving their living or working environment, loves face to face customer relations, can build and maintain good working relationships within professional, commercial office and retail situations.

A person who can deliver a high quality of customer service and operational standards while maintaining a helpful and positive manner. You will be confident in dealing with difficult situations and be able to communicate with high quality verbal and written skills. You will also be pro-active keen to explore new ideas and opportunities.

You must be able to be work from office (located in centre of Reading) most of each week (may be able to work from home once or twice a week dependent on specific work requirements).

Skills and experience that are required for this role include;

• Worked within a customer-based environment
• Basic training in use of MS Office Packages, CRM Systems
• Experience of organising or supervising 2-3 people in a team project or event
• Ability to build strong relationships
• Confidence in dealing with difficult situations
• Using initiative and be creative in problem solving

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

If you would like any more information, please contact Alexa Volker – Reading’s Business Improvement Districts Manager – Alexa.Volker@reading.gov.uk