Job Description
Job Purpose
To provide strong, visible leadership and strategic oversight of a 40-bed nursing and residential care home specialising in dementia care. The Operations Manager will ensure the delivery of high-quality regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous service improvement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Management
* Provide clear leadership to the administrative and domestic team
* Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture
* Oversee recruitment, retention, and development of staff
* Implement systems and processes to support high quality care and improve operational efficiency
* Ensure effective use of clinical systems and digital services
* Lead on policies and HR processes
2. Strategic Oversight
* Contribute to and implement the organisation’s strategic plan
* Identify growth opportunities and service improvements
* Monitor performance against KPIs and drive continuous improvement
* Lead change management initiatives
3. Quality & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g. Care Quality Commission requirements)
* Oversee audits, inspections, and action plans
* Maintain high standards of clinical governance and safeguarding
* Ensure robust policies and procedures are in place and followed
4. Operational Management
* Ensure safe staffing levels and effective rota management for the administration and domestic team
* Monitor occupancy levels and admissions processes
* Manage incidents, complaints, and risk effectively
5. Financial Management
* Manage budgets, financial planning and reporting
* Monitor income streams including OCC contracts and self-funding residents.
* Work with accountants and the finance officer to ensure financial stability
* Ensure efficient use of resources without compromising care quality
* Identify opportunities to improve income generation and operational efficiency.
6. Procurement & Resource Management
* Lead procurement strategy for equipment, supplies, and services
* Negotiate contracts and maintain supplier performance
* Ensure value for money and compliance with procurement policies
7. Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with families, and external partners
* Liaise with local authorities
* Represent the organisation professionally in all interactions
8. Safeguarding & Risk Management
* Ensure robust safeguarding practices are embedded
* Lead on risk assessments and mitigation strategies
* Promote a culture of safety and transparency
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience in a senior management role within health or social care
* Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g. Care Quality Commission standards)
* Demonstrable experience in staff leadership and team development
* Experience in financial management and budget control
* Experience in procurement and contract management
Desirable
* Management qualification (e.g. Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care)
* Experience managing care services
Skills & Competencies
Leadership
* Strong, confident, and empathetic leadership style
* Ability to motivate and inspire teams
Strategic Thinking
* Ability to think long-term and align operations with organisational goals
* Data-driven decision-making
Communication
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
Operational Excellence
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
* Ability to manage competing priorities
Financial & Commercial Awareness
* Understanding of budgets, cost control, and financial reporting
* Commercial awareness in procurement and service delivery
Personal Attributes
* Compassionate and values-driven
* Resilient and adaptable
* High integrity and professionalism
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Regulatory inspection ratings (e.g. Care Quality Commission)
* Occupancy rates
* Staff turnover and retention
* Budget adherence
* Resident and family satisfaction
Working Conditions
* On-site role, with participation in the on-call rota out of hours
Other Requirements
* Enhanced DBS check
* Right to work in the UK