Director of Operations ASCERT is a Northern Ireland charity and leading provider of services addressing drug and alcohol related issues. Why join the ASCERT team? 28 Days Annual Leave plus 11 Bank/Public Holidays Christmas Shopping Day Time off for Mental Health Awareness Time off in Lieu Policy Hybrid Working Options Investors in People GOLD employer Ongoing training & study opportunities Competitive Pension contributions from ASCERT Staff Wellbeing Programme Employee Assistance Programme through Westfield Health Cash Plan Staff Working Groups to give staff a say in Organisational Development Staff Representatives Staff Reward & Recognition Programme We are currently looking to expand our team and are recruiting for the following position: Director of Operations The Director of Operations is a senior leadership role with responsibility for providing strategic and operational leadership across ASCERTs services and organisational infrastructure. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, the postholder will lead on the development and delivery of operational strategy, ensuring that ASCERTs services are high-quality, evidence-informed, outcomes-focused and financially sustainable. ESSENTIAL criteria A. A degree in a relevant discipline e.g. Leadership, Management, Business, Health, Social Care, Community Development B .A minimum of five years in the last seven years relevant experience in an senior operational leadership role in a multi-site or geographically dispersed organisation. C .Proven experience of translating organisational strategy into operational plans, delivering measurable outcomes and performance improvements. D. Experience of managing operational budgets, monitoring expenditure and delivering services within financial constraints. E. Experience of managing a team of people to deliver results F. Experience of ensuring compliance with safeguarding, data protection (GDPR), health and safety, and other relevant regulatory requirements. G. Demonstrable experience of improving systems, processes and structures to increase impact, quality and efficiency DESIRABLE criteria H .A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline I. Experience working within the health, social care, mental health, drugs and alcohol, or wellbeing sectors. J. Experience of embedding trauma-informed or psychologically informed approaches within services or organisations. K. Experience of leading on the development of digital transformation, case management systems or performance dashboards. L. Experience of supporting or presenting to Boards or Board Committees. M. Experience of contributing to policy development or influencing at regional or national level SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES N. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and influence at all levels to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships O. Commitment to service excellence, stakeholder relationships and continuous improvement. P.Strong planning and management skills with a successful track record of developing and implementing projects, setting challenging performance measures and ensuring their delivery. Q. The ability to inspire others and lead a collaborative approach to working. R.Excellent digital skills, particularly in relation to communications, report writing, presentations, information management, finances and spreadsheets. S. A commitment to ASCERTs mission and values T. Ability to work flexible hours (with notice) and to travel throughout Northern Ireland and other regions at times demanded by the job. The role has overarching responsibility for service delivery, quality improvement, performance management, governance, risk and compliance, and the effective use of resources. The Director of Operations will ensure that robust operational systems, policies and processes are in place to support a range of front-line services including community-based prevention programmes, one-to-one and family interventions, and recovery services, while embedding trauma-informed practice and continuous improvement across the organisation. As the senior operational lead, the Director of Operations will ensure ASCERTs operations meet contractual, regulatory, legal, safeguarding and governance requirements, and that risks are proactively identified and managed. They will lead the organisations performance management framework, using high-quality data, impact measurement and financial information to drive decision-making, improvement and accountability. The postholder will also play a key role in shaping ASCERTs future, monitoring the external environment, responding to emerging policy and commissioning priorities, and leading service development, innovation and transformation. Closing date 12 noon on Monday 20th of April 2026 ASCERT are an equal opportunities employer Skills: Director Service Development Operational Improvement