As a senior operational leader in the organisation the purpose of this role is to lead and secure ‘operational grip’, operationalising the organisation’s strategy, operating model and the budget and business plans of the board. Being accountable for the operations and financial performance of the business; proactively managing budgets, commissioners, and other local stakeholder relationships; defining and delivering operational excellence in AFG services, upholding the brand and values of AFG with customers, commissioners and the local community; growing the business according to defined and agreed contribution targets and responding to local marketing conditions.
Principal Accountabilities
Leadership
* Provide professional leadership aligned to organisational purpose and charitable aims
* Oversee operational delivery of frontline services and act as escalation point for complaints and disputes
* Act as Senior Leader and ambassador; contribute to Senior Leadership Team and organisational initiatives
* Lead development and delivery of operational business plans aligned to strategy and performance standards
* Build relationships with commissioners, councillors, MPs, and key stakeholders
* Contribute to organisational strategy through operational expertise
* Lead assigned projects ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality targets
* Operate within Scheme of Reservation and Delegation (SORD)
* Support budget planning with Director of Operations MH and finance teams
* Deliver agreed budget, P&L, and business plan targets
* Ensure cost-effective use of resources aligned to contracts and budgets
* Align workforce deployment with commissioner requirements
* Monitor financial and operational performance against KPIs
* Implement performance management frameworks and corrective actions
* Collaborate to set realistic targets and track progress
People Management
* Provide leadership ensuring safe, effective, person-centred care
* Set team objectives aligned to strategic, operational, and development plans
* Drive performance, teamwork, and operational excellence
* Contribute to organisational and corporate initiatives
* Implement performance management processes with People & OD
* Support delivery of People strategy to attract, retain, and develop staff
* Ensure governance and best practice in all people processes
* Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, and training
* Identify and address performance or skills gaps
* Inspire staff to deliver high-quality care
* Manage staffing systems to ensure safe and efficient deployment
* Work with Workforce Planning teams to optimise staffing models
Service Development & Growth
* Deliver in-year and long-term growth aligned to strategy
* Identify and develop new services, commissions, and contracts
* Work with Business Development teams to secure new opportunities
* Build and maintain stakeholder relationships to support growth
* Collaborate to understand commissioner needs and market opportunities
* Ensure value for money and encourage new ways of working
* Set and deliver growth targets across teams
* Lead initiatives to maximise revenue and service development
* Engage with communities and stakeholders to promote services
* Work with Engagement, Marketing, and Communications teams
Quality and Compliance
* Ensure compliance with Care Act, Mental Health Act, and regulatory standards
* Work with Quality and Compliance teams to deliver audits and improvements
* Deliver quality KPIs and address risks or issues promptly
* Maintain accountability for service quality via performance processes
* Lead complaints and incident management, embedding learning
* Ensure governance systems and processes operate effectively
* Promote engagement with staff, service users, and families
* Maintain systems for regulatory compliance and performance monitoring
* Ensure effective risk management processes and training
Experience
* Significant operational experience in mental health care
* Minimum 3 years in senior operational/professional leadership role
* Experience in quality improvement and change management
* Proven ability to manage large teams across multiple locations
* Strong track record in business planning, budget management, and cost control
* Experience delivering operational and quality performance standards
* Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities
* Evidence of developing services with stakeholders and commissioners
* Experience in contract management and conflict resolution
Skills
* Leadership of large, complex, multi-disciplinary teams
* Strategic thinking with ability to translate into operational delivery
* Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
* Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Strong analytical and reporting capability
* Problem-solving through self and others
* Business and operational planning skills
* Experience in quality improvement and change management
* Effective delegation and organisational skills
* Competent in digital systems and IT packages
* Ability to influence and network at all levels
Knowledge
* Improvement methodologies and continuous improvement approaches
* Health and social care legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks
* Business planning and performance management processes
* Public and staff engagement approaches
* Contemporary health and social care system knowledge
Other
* Consistently delivers objectives and maintains high performance
* Demonstrates understanding of processes and organisational goals
* Keeps up to date with changes and applies learning
* Handles complaints and challenges effectively
* Resilient, adaptable, and calm under pressure
* Committed to person-centred care and positive outcomes
Qualifications & Training
* Level 5 (or above) qualification in leadership/management or related field
Additional Information
* Band IV role
Interview Dates:
* 1st Stage – 21 April 2026 (in person, Liverpool)
* 2nd Stage – Week commencing 27 April 2026 (Teams)
About Us
We’re Alternative Futures Group, a health and social care charity providing specialist support for people with a learning disability or mental health condition.
We’re proud to have been positively changing lives and enabling people to achieve amazing outcomes for over 30 years.
We have a vision to create a world where amazing people do amazing things every day. Our skilled and experienced teams work with every person we support to create a personalised, outcome-focused plans to achieve their aspirations.
As a ‘values based’ employer, the people that work for us genuinely care about the people they support, and we are seeking likeminded people to join our team. If you are passionate about working in Health and Social Care and have a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support then we would love to hear from you.
At AFG we also recognise the contribution and value that our staff make. We would not be able to provide the life changing support that we do without people like you!
In return for your contribution we will support you throughout your career and we provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development and lifestyle support services to ensure that you too feel supported, fulfilled and valued from day one of your employment with us.
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