Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Operations to lead and develop Yorkshire Community Care’s operational functions. The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring the safe, effective, compliant and financially sustainable delivery of high-quality, person-centred care and support services for adults with additional needs. This role requires strong operational leadership, sound knowledge of health and social care regulation, and the ability to drive performance, continuous improvement and positive outcomes across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and visible operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring services are delivered in line with organisational values, contractual requirements and regulatory standards.

• Oversee the day-to-day performance of regulated and supported living services, working closely with Registered Managers and operational teams to maintain safe, effective and person-centred provision.

• Ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, legislation, contractual obligations and statutory guidance relevant to adult social care.

• Lead quality assurance, governance, audit and service improvement programmes, using performance information to identify risks, address shortfalls and implement effective action plans.

• Monitor operational performance against key performance indicators, budgets, service-level agreements and organisational objectives, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Support Registered Managers and service leaders with operational planning, workforce management, safeguarding, risk management, incident oversight and regulatory compliance.

• Ensure effective workforce planning, recruitment, retention, induction, training, supervision and development systems are in place to maintain safe staffing levels and high standards of care.

• Promote consistent approaches to care planning, risk assessment, medication management, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and safeguarding across all services.

• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures and systems that promote efficiency, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Oversee resource allocation, procurement and operational budgets, ensuring services are financially sustainable and deliver value for money without compromising quality or safety.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with people who use services, families, carers, commissioners, healthcare professionals, local authorities, regulatory bodies and other external stakeholders.

• Prepare for and support CQC inspections, commissioner reviews, internal audits and governance meetings, ensuring accurate evidence and timely responses to recommendations.

• Provide leadership during incidents, complaints, investigations and periods of operational risk, ensuring concerns are managed promptly, transparently and in line with organisational procedures.

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services reflect the needs, preferences, rights and aspirations of the people supported.

• Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning and service development initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve capacity, quality and outcomes.

Person Specification

• Substantial senior operational management experience within health, social care, supported living or a related regulated care environment.

• Strong knowledge of CQC requirements, Health and Social Care legislation, safeguarding procedures and statutory guidance relevant to adult social care.

• Demonstrable experience of leading multiple services, operational teams or geographically dispersed teams, with a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Strong strategic planning, financial management and commercial awareness, including experience of managing budgets, resources and operational performance.

• Experience of quality assurance, governance, audit, risk management, incident investigation and implementing sustainable service improvements.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to support, challenge and develop Registered Managers and senior colleagues.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to interpret performance data and make sound, evidence-based decisions.

• Highly organised and able to prioritise competing demands while maintaining attention to detail, accountability and regulatory focus.

• Proficient in using IT systems for reporting, data analysis, workforce management, compliance monitoring and operational administration.

• Calm, resilient and solution-focused approach, with the ability to manage change and respond effectively to complex or high-pressure situations.

• Commitment to promoting dignity, independence, equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for all people supported.

• Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references as part of pre-employment checks.

• Flexible approach to working, including travel between services and occasional evening or weekend availability when operationally required.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

• Contributory pension scheme.

• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and leadership development opportunities.

• Supportive organisational culture and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

• Opportunities for career progression within Yorkshire Community Care and across our services.

About Yorkshire Community Care

We provide specialist complex care and support to adults with additional needs across the region. Our teams are committed to empowering people to live fulfilling and independent lives. We value kindness, professionalism, strong leadership and continuous improvement.