Head of Independent Living – National Operations
Title: Head of Independent Living - National
Location: Worcester, Worcestershire, GB, WR1 3ZQ
Department: Housing Services
Operation: Sanctuary Independent Living Service
Closing Date: 26/04/2026
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Independent Living – National Operations to lead the national delivery and transformation of operational and change functions across our Independent Living service.
This role will not oversee Neighbourhood Services. Instead, it will play a pivotal leadership role, driving service excellence, national consistency and continuous improvement across Lettings, Digital, Maintaining Independence and Performance.
The postholder will ensure our operational systems, processes, and customer‑facing functions are efficient, future‑ready, and centered around enabling customers to live independently, safely and with dignity.
Operational Leadership
* Lead national operational teams across Lettings, Digital, Maintaining Independence, and Performance, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centered service delivery
* Drive service consistency, efficiency and innovation through strong operational planning and execution
* Ensure operational processes are robust, responsive, compliant and aligned with regulatory and organisational standards
Service Transformation & Change Delivery
* Lead national change programmes that improve the customer experience, streamline processes and support digital transformation across Independent Living
* Work collaboratively to design and implement improved ways of working, embedding a culture of continuous improvement
* Support system development, data improvement and enhanced reporting frameworks to strengthen decision‑making and service assurance
Performance & Quality
* Lead the performance function to deliver a balanced scorecard across Independent Living, ensuring KPIs, customer satisfaction and compliance levels are met or exceeded
* Use performance insights to identify risks, service gaps and opportunities for improvement
* Oversee quality assurance, audit findings and continuous learning to drive high‑quality operational outcomes
Customer Impact & Experience
* Ensure that customers are at the heart of all operational delivery and change activity
* Support the development of customer‑focused solutions that promote independence, wellbeing and tenancy sustainment
* Promote best practice in safeguarding, risk management and customer engagement
* Work closely with the Director of Independent Living to deliver organisational strategy and priorities
* Collaborate with regional leaders, Neighbourhood Services, Property, Digital and other corporate teams to enable joined‑up service delivery
* Act as a key partner in internal and external stakeholder engagement, representing Independent Living operations at a national level
* Manage national budgets within remit, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with financial policies
* Lead and support high‑performing teams, setting clear expectations, nurturing talent and promoting a culture of inclusion, wellbeing and professional development
Skills and Experiences
* Degree, management qualification or CIH Level 5 qualification – or willingness to work toward one
* Proven leadership experience in a national or multi‑site operational environment
* Demonstrated experience in service transformation, operational delivery and performance management
* Strong understanding of housing, support services, or related customer‑facing sectors
* Evidence of delivering process improvements and digital change
* Ability to build effective relationships, manage risk and influence across diverse teams and stakeholders
* Commitment to promoting inclusion, wellbeing and high professional standards
* Drivers must hold a full valid UK driving licence to use a company vehicle
Why Work for Us?
We are a not‑for‑profit housing association, owning and managing around 125,000 homes. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture, nurture and reward talent, and put customers at the heart of everything we do.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave (rising to a maximum of 30 days) plus public holidays
* A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary
* Life Assurance
* Employee Advice Service including counselling
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Voluntary health plans
* Wellbeing support and tools
* Staff Networks focused on inclusion, providing invaluable support to colleagues
Salary
* London area – £66,703 with an additional policy allowance of £7,410 per annum (rising to £70,214 ...)
* South East region – £60,692 with an additional policy allowance of £6,742 per annum (rising to £63,886 ...)
* Elsewhere in the UK – £57,802 with an additional policy allowance of £6,421 per annum (rising to £60,844 ...)
Equal Opportunity
Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.
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