Operations Manager

Chris Murray | Operations Manager, Fairbridge in London

Responsible to the Manager; the Operations Manager contributes to the overall aims of Fairbridge Team Centre by managing the delivery of the Centre’s programme, its supporting functions and allocated resources in accordance with Fairbridge policy and procedures.

What is your name and what do you do at Fairbridge?

I’m Chris Murray, Operations Manager from the Fairbridge team in Kennington.

What does an Operations Manager do on a day-to-day basis?

As an Operations manager I am responsible for managing all delivery staff, monitoring our budgets and making sure that people are working towards Fairbridge’s policies and procedures.

What is the best thing about your role?

Every day brings a new challenge… you could come to work with a plan - however that could all go out the window – and often does!

I enjoy supporting people, everyday a staff member or young person will present a problem to me that needs to be solved! I love this as I am known to get board very easily.

So where did you go on your first access course and what did you do?

I’ve done my Access with the Newcastle team as part of my induction. We did raft building, kayaking, hill walks, and cooking. I loved every minute of it! I loved getting wet, dirty, and teaching the ‘Northerners’ how to cook a curry!

What is it like working with young people?

I have come from very similar backgrounds to the young people that come to Fairbridge. There is no greater honour than haven given young people like myself similar opportunities.

What have you learned from young people?

Every day I learn from young people. No two young people are the same, I must treat everyone as an individual and the key is listening to their needs.

What advice would you give for someone thinking of working for Fairbridge?

You need to be adaptable as your plans are not always the young people’s, be patient! Be prepared to take criticism from young people, they will tell you straight!