Location
UK-based, remote working with occasional travel required. Candidates must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
Hours
Part-time, 0.4 FTE (7.5 hours per day, 15 hours per week). Flexible working pattern agreed with the Operations Manager.
Salary
£28,272 per annum (pro rata £11,308.80 for 0.4 FTE)
About the Role
The Real Farming Trust (RFT) Operations Assistant provides essential administrative and coordination support to the Operations Manager, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of RFT’s internal operations. This practical, detail-focused role suits someone who enjoys making things work well behind the scenes. You will support routine administrative processes, maintain organised internal records, and ensure key operational tasks are completed reliably and on time. You will also help identify opportunities to improve workflows, bringing practical ideas to develop with the Operations Manager. By taking ownership of routine tasks, you will reduce the Operations Manager’s administrative workload, improve consistency across core processes, and contribute to simple, transparent ways of working that reflect RFT’s values. This enables the Operations Manager to focus on organisational development, governance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Administration and coordination: schedule meetings and manage shared calendars; organise logistics for team away days and internal meetings including venue booking, catering, coordination, and basic budget tracking; maintain organised filing of key documents in shared Google drives; ensure key documents such as contracts and insurance are kept up-to-date; support recruitment administration including scheduling interviews and coordinating candidate communication; create and update internal “How To” guides and process documents; identify opportunities to simplify administrative processes and contribute ideas.
Finance administration: process and categorise transactions in QuickBooks; support invoice processing and basic financial tasks; maintain accurate records relating to funding bids, grant agreements, and reporting deadlines; support consistent and transparent bookkeeping.
Governance support: take accurate minutes at Board and occasional internal meetings; assist with policy reviews, research, and document updates.
Internal communications: support updates to internal staff communications such as intranet and email updates.
The Operations Assistant may undertake additional responsibilities as needed to ensure the smooth running of the Real Farming Trust.
Working Arrangements
Remote working (UK-based) with flexible hours. Occasional attendance at in-person team away days in the UK. Equipment support provided in line with organisational policy.
What We Offer
Annual salary of £28,272 (pro rata £11,308.80 for 0.4 FTE); 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (33 days total, pro rata) with an additional 3 days gifted between Christmas and New Year; flexible working to suit other commitments; annual well-being and training budget of £350 (upon successful completion of probation); equipment subsidy up to £550 and zero interest loans for laptop and key office equipment (upon successful completion of probation); employer matched pension of 4%; opportunity to support a mission-driven organisation working on agroecology and food systems change.
Experience
Previous experience in an administrative or coordination role is desirable but not essential. Experience working in a charity or values-led organisation is advantageous. Familiarity with basic finance systems such as QuickBooks or similar is preferred. Experience supporting meetings or minute taking is a plus.
About You
You are highly organised with strong attention to detail and reliable in completing tasks accurately and on time. Comfortable working independently in a remote team environment and handling routine administrative tasks. Good written communication skills and comfortable using digital tools and systems such as Google Workspace and spreadsheets. Calm, methodical, and dependable with an interest in how good systems can support people rather than create bureaucracy. You enjoy structured, repeatable work and working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Proactive in flagging issues or missing information and willing to question whether processes can be improved. Interested in supporting a values-led organisation committed to agroecology, food justice, and sustainable food systems.
Qualifications
No formal qualifications are specified as essential for this role. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and alignment with RFT’s mission and values are key.
