Freelance Operations Manager | Carib Eats

Freelance Operations Manager

Location:

Camden (O2 Centre) with some travel to Hackney. Pay: above London Living Wage. Closing Date: to be determined. Job Type: Freelance. Commitment: 1.5 days x 3 months.

Carib Eats is looking for a freelance Operations Manager to support the setup of their Camden space at the O2 Centre and oversee delivery across Camden and Hackney. The role includes coordinating a basic kitchen setup, supporting programme delivery, managing volunteers, and keeping operations running smoothly.

Carib Eats is a community-based organisation with a mission to enrich the lives of our Caribbean communities and those connected to the Black Community in London through food, culture, and connection. Our work addresses social isolation and food insecurity by offering culturally relevant meals and events in safe, welcoming spaces. We operate weekly canteens and cultural workshops, bringing people together to celebrate their heritage, share stories, and support each other.

In a nutshell we are in the business of connection.

Our Camden project will activate space at the O2 Centre as a new community-led food and culture hub. This role is central to making that happen.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the setup and delivery of Carib Eats activity in Camden, while supporting ongoing delivery in Hackney. This role will focus on coordinating the setup of a basic compliant community kitchen, supporting programme delivery, managing volunteers, and ensuring that sessions run smoothly and consistently across sites.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who is practical, organised, confident working with people, and able to take ownership in a fast-moving community environment.

Camden Setup and Kitchen Coordination

• Support the planning and coordination of a basic community kitchen setup at the O2 Centre
• Liaise with kitchen designers, suppliers, reuse organisations, and donors
• Coordinate site visits, access, deliveries, and installation timelines
• Track progress and keep the Founder updated with clear options and recommendations

Programme and Operational Delivery

• Support the setup and smooth running of community and enterprise sessions
• Ensure spaces are prepared, equipment is ready, and sessions are supported
• Troubleshoot operational issues on delivery days
• Support consistency across Camden and Hackney delivery

Volunteer Management and Recruitment

• Support the recruitment of volunteers for Camden and Hackney
• Help organise volunteer induction and onboarding
• Support volunteer rotas and ensure volunteers feel informed and welcomed
• Act as a point of contact for volunteers on delivery days

Coordination and Communication

• Act as a central point of contact for operational partners and suppliers
• Support communication between facilitators, volunteers, and the Founder
• Help keep delivery plans and schedules organised

Monitoring and Reporting

• Capture attendance, delivery notes, and basic monitoring information
• Flag risks or challenges early
• Support simple reporting for funders and partners

• Strong organisational and coordination skills
• Experience supporting operations, events, or community projects
• Confidence working with suppliers, partners, and community members
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and work flexibly
• Calm, practical, and solution-focused approach
• Clear communication with strong follow-through
• Friendly, approachable, and comfortable working with a wide range of people
• Enthusiasm for community-led work and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces
• Reliable, proactive, and able to take initiative without close supervision
• Respectful, grounded, and able to build trust quickly
• Passion for community work with an understanding of Caribbean culture
• Experience in creative project management, event planning, or community engagement
• A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for bringing people together

Experience with kitchens or community food projects is helpful but not essential. What matters most is a positive attitude, willingness to learn, cultural awareness, and the ability to get things done in a fast-moving environment.