Job Title: Director of Operations – Mental Health
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (options for a nine-day fortnight or 4.5-day working week)
Location: North West England (hybrid; travel across the region as required)
Salary: £94,366 per annum
Benefits:
* £9,000 Car allowance
* Enhanced annual leave
* Pension scheme
* Flexible working pattern
* Genuine work-life balance within a values-led organisation
Company:
Compass Associates are proudly supporting a leading North West social care provider in the appointment of a Director of Operations. Our client is a well-established, values-driven organisation delivering person-centred care and support to over 900 individuals, with a workforce of more than 2,000 colleagues across the region. The organisation is now in a phase of growth and reinvestment, channelling surplus funds directly into staff pay, service development, and quality improvement.
This is an organisation with purpose at its heart. Their culture is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on empowering people to live fulfilling lives. Leadership alignment to these values is central to their success.
Role:
Reporting directly to the Executive Team, the Director of Operations will take strategic and operational responsibility for the organisation’s mental health portfolio, which includes six hospitals and a number of supported living scheme. This is a visible and influential leadership position, shaping and delivering the operational strategy while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
Key Objectives:
* Establish the organisation as a trusted partner in regional provider collaboratives, influencing the design and delivery of specialist mental health services
* Deliver flexible and responsive models of care that support NHS and local authority partners
* Achieve sector-leading standards of quality, safety, and outcomes
* Lead the expansion of hospital sites and the development of new community schemes across existing and emerging geographies
Responsibilities:
* Provide expert operational and strategic leadership to all mental health services
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
* Deliver against growth and quality targets, ensuring performance, compliance, and financial sustainability
* Lead and develop senior managers through compassionate and accountable leadership
* Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, and partner organisations
* Oversee robust performance management and governance frameworks
* Contribute to the wider strategic priorities of the organisation, including digital transformation and service innovation
* Ensure financial integrity and manage divisional budgets effectively
* Represent the division at Executive and Board level, providing insight and assurance reports
Candidate Requirements:
* Minimum 5 years’ senior operational leadership experience within adult health or social care
* Proven experience managing multi-site services within mental health or complex care
* Strong understanding of CQC regulatory frameworks and compliance management
* Demonstrable track record of delivering service improvement, growth, and quality outcomes
* Experience of working closely with Executive and Board teams, including preparation and presentation of strategic reports
* Professional or management qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. health, social care, regulation, operations)
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the North West
Process:
The recruitment process includes an initial informal discussion via Microsoft Teams, followed by a formal Assessment on Wednesday 4th December 2025. This assessment day will include group exercises and presentations designed to evaluate leadership style and alignment to organisational values.
Contact Details:
If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please contact Ashley Collishaw directly on 0161 527 9631. Alternatively, email an updated CV to acollishaw@compassltd.co.uk
Recommendations:
Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultant for this permanent vacancy.
Compass Associates offers a great incentive for recommendations; we provide £200 of John Lewis vouchers for each successful candidate recommended by you.