Job Description – Operations Manager
Role: Operations Manager
Reports To: Director
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Travel Required: Yes (including to Thrive office and other locations as needed)
Main Purpose of the Role
To support senior management in leading and developing a high-performing fostering service that delivers operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strong financial performance. To ensure consistent quality assurance while always complying with relevant Government legislation, regulations, and the Fostering National Minimum Standards.
Essential Duties
* Deliver an efficient, effective, and high-quality service to stakeholders and external regulators
* Lead and support the delivery of a quality service that meets the company’s business objectives and performance targets
* Provide positive, dynamic leadership and management to the Fostering Service Team, building a skilled, trained, and motivated workforce
Key Activities
* Operate in full compliance with relevant childcare and fostering legislation, ensuring all service delivery exceeds the Fostering National Minimum Standards
* Identify and create business opportunities while leading regional development
* Meet or exceed financial performance targets by growing high-quality placements and carer numbers
* Maximise profit growth through effective cost control within the business/region
* Manage and retain existing business by anticipating and exceeding the expectations of customers and carers
* Maximise all opportunities to secure new business
* Develop, strengthen, and continuously improve relationships with key Local Authority (LA) customers
* Work collaboratively as part of the Regional Management Team, contributing to the organisation’s shape and success through a Quality Assurance lifecycle
* Oversee and support the recruitment of prospective foster carers, ensuring customer needs and placement demand inform the agency’s recruitment and assessment plans
* Act as Agency Decision Maker for Fostering Panels and Review Panels
* Provide highly effective quality management support for the business/region’s on-call rota
Business / Commercial Responsibilities
* Work as part of the management team to achieve regional targets and KPIs for placement growth, carer retention, and carer recruitment
* Develop and manage new quality service developments
* Contribute to and implement the Regional Customer Engagement Strategy, including attending relevant meetings and promoting Thrive services wherever possible
* Support business growth and development by implementing key priorities from the Regional Business Plan
* Demonstrate strong knowledge of available placement packages and identify appropriate recharges to LAs where applicable
* Manage agreed budgets to deliver a quality-driven, efficient, and effective service
* Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues to support regional development
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Monitor and quality assure all aspects of service delivery to ensure full compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of safeguarding procedures and operational expectations, modelling these throughout the agency
Work in partnership with LAs and LADOs; attend strategy meetings or other required meetings; and contribute to investigations and complaints in line with the level of responsibility
Through supervision of Supervising Social Workers (SSWs), ensure they work in partnership with relevant authorities to meet the needs of children and young people as identified in Care Plans and Placement Agreements
Complete paperwork and procedures for significant incidents and notifiable events within company timescales
Manage and attend social activities to support and retain children, young people, and foster carers
Attend safeguarding training offered by the organisation as part of continuous professional development
Participate in and support the out-of-hours duty system on a rota basis
Ensure compliance with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements to maintain relevant registration
Support and Supervision of Staff
Provide professional supervision and appraisals to social workers, support workers, and students (where applicable)
Contribute to building a dynamic, cohesive, and motivated social work team
Ensure staff are trained, informed of current research and practice changes, and supported in their ongoing professional development
Contribute actively to regional placement growth by leading placement meetings and engaging daily with the placement service team to provide support, guidance, and influence decision-making
Deputise for the Head of Fostering as required in line with service delivery and business expectations
Facilitate team meetings, peer group supervision, and lead development workshops
Administration
* Ensure the staff team fully complies with the organisation’s quality assurance, recording, and auditing policies and practices
Organisational Responsibilities
Undertake any broadly similar duties commensurate with the post as reasonably required by the manager (even if not specifically listed in this job description)
Act as an effective advocate for Thrive, promoting a positive image and upholding high standards and reputation
Work within the provisions of the Data Protection Act, maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of work
Competently use electronic systems as required
Undertake training and development necessary for the role
Ensure compliance with all policies in the employee handbook
Maintain compliance with safeguarding procedures across all work; keep the manager informed of progress; and immediately report any child protection matters or serious complaints
Recognise that the nature of the agency’s business can be unpredictable; work flexibly when required