Overview
Head of Operations (Care Homes) at Harbour Healthcare
This is a national leadership role with regular travel across 41 care homes. The Head of Operations will support the Director of Operations and designated Regional Managers to deliver high-quality operational performance across the estate, ensure the highest standards of care, compliance, and business efficiency, and deputise for the Director of Operations when required.
Base pay range
This range is provided by Harbour Healthcare. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Location
Location - National (with regular travel across 41 care homes)
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic and operational support to Regional Managers to ensure each care home delivers high-quality, person-centred care.
* Monitor performance, compliance, occupancy, staffing, and financial targets across regions, intervening when performance dips.
* Lead on the implementation of new policies, procedures, and improvement plans across the estate.
* Ensure effective communication and collaboration across all operational levels.
* Conduct regular regional and home visits to support and guide local leadership.
Quality & Compliance
* Support Regional Managers in ensuring homes are fully compliant with CQC/ Care Inspectorate (Wales) standards and internal governance frameworks.
* Participate in and support preparation for CQC/Care Inspectorate (Wales) inspections, internal audits, and safeguarding investigations.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
Leadership & People Management
* Mentor and develop Regional Managers, supporting their leadership capabilities and performance.
* Deputise for the Operations Director in meetings, reporting, and decision-making as needed.
* Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of senior care home leaders (e.g., Home Managers).
Strategic Development
* Contribute to business planning, growth strategy, and innovation projects.
* Identify risks and opportunities at both regional and national levels, escalating appropriately.
* Support integration and mobilisation of new homes or services into the operational portfolio.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
* Analyse performance data, providing insights and recommendations to the Operations Director.
* Lead or contribute to the resolution of underperformance or operational crises.
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience in a senior operations role within the care sector, preferably across multiple sites.
* In-depth knowledge of CQC/CIW regulations and best practices in adult social care.
* Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
* Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
* Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis.
* Driving licence.
Desirable
* Relevant health or social care qualification (e.g., RN, NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care or Leadership & Management).
* Five years’ experience in a senior operational role.
* Experience in leading through regulatory inspection or turnaround situations.
* Commercial acumen with budget and financial management experience.
Who are Harbour Healthcare?
We are a family-run business with 41 care homes across the UK and are growing year by year. We value inclusion and diversity and strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. Our philosophy is to provide an excellent standard of care to our residents, treating them with dignity and respect.
We look for people who care, not just those with qualifications or experience. Our values are: Humility, Accountability, Achievement, Passion, Integrity.
We provide training and support, including opportunities to obtain health and social care qualifications and for career growth. Enhanced DBS checks are required for children and adults.
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
Industries
* Hospitals and Health Care
Interested? - Go on and click that apply button now!
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