Quality and Operational Lead Are you passionate about delivering high-quality care and operational excellence? We're seeking a Quality and Operational Lead to join our Respite Unit for adults with learning disabilities at Kentish Road. This is a full time and permanent position. If you hold a Level 4 qualification in Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (or equivalent) and are ready to take the next step in your career—perhaps even study towards your Level 5 in a supportive environment—this could be the perfect opportunity for you! Are you an experienced leader in adult social care, passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)? Do you have a proven track record in the day-to-day management of social care services, quality monitoring, and driving positive change? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Quality and Operational Lead (Grade 9). About the Role The Quality and Operational Lead is a hands-on operational leadership role that supports the development and delivery of high-quality services at Kentish Road. The postholder provides day-to-day oversight of operations and deputises for the Registered Manager when required. The role is driven by a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, making it ideal for someone who wants to grow their leadership skills in a supportive environment. A Level 4 qualification is essential, with a commitment to work towards Level 5, perfect for someone looking to build the experience and capability to become a Registered Manager in the future. Key responsibilities include: Lead and support the delivery of respite care/support at Kentish, ensuring quality standards in line with CQC and council requirements. Conduct and oversee strengths-based assessments, outcome-focused plans, and risk management processes (DoLS, MCA, BI assessments). Promote independence, health, and wellbeing by connecting people to resources, networks, and opportunities that matter most to them. Champion safeguarding by embedding the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal and promoting positive risk taking. Supervise and guide operational staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety, and role model best practice in service delivery. Manage staff rotas, deployment, and contribute to the selection, recruitment, and induction of new staff. Monitor and improve service quality and operational effectiveness through auditing, feedback, and compliance with policies and procedures. Ensure robust recording and reporting practices in line with GDPR and council policies. Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, carers, and families to achieve the best outcomes for service users. Drive continuous service improvement, innovation, and change readiness within the team. About You We are looking for a confident and proactive leader with a strong background in adult social care and service management. Essential that you Hold a Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4 or willingness to work towards Leadership and Management for Adult Care Level 5 qualification (support provided). Significant experience of managing and leading day-to-day operations in adult social care services, particularly supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and PMLD. Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, quality monitoring, and service improvement. Strong knowledge of relevant statutory frameworks, policies, and best practice in adult social care. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to develop positive, professional relationships and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders. Ability to conduct risk assessments and manage safeguarding responsibilities. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with a reflective approach to personal and professional development. Why Work With Us? This is a pivotal time for Kentish Road Respite Service as we continue to evolve and strengthen our accommodation-based respite offer. As Quality and Operational Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping how the service operates—ensuring it remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with best practice. You’ll have the opportunity to: Lead service improvements that directly enhance outcomes for individuals and their families. Influence how care is delivered through quality assurance, staff development, and operational planning. Contribute to a wider transformation agenda across Directly Delivered Services, helping to build a sustainable and future-ready adult social care model. Work within a structure that supports innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth. This role offers a unique chance to combine leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on service delivery—making a tangible impact on the lives of people who access support. If you are ready to take on a leadership role that makes a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please note, we may choose to interview and appoint before the application deadline if we receive a high volume of applications and consider it appropriate to do so. What we can offer you: Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 to £46,141 per annum. The starting salary is £41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands. Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below. Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution) Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service Flexible working options (role-dependent) Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents Training and development, including coaching and mentoring Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk) Please note: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Contact details for informal discussion: For further information and details regarding the role, please contact Andrea Garden, Registered Manager andrea.garden@southampton.gov.uk Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033 For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news. Facebook YouTube