Your newpany
Hays are working exclusively with a charity that is a leading provider of services addressing drug and alcohol-related issues across Northern Ireland. This organisation delivers a wide range ofmunity‑based programmes, one‑to‑one and family interventions, and recovery services that support people affected by substance use and related harms. They are values‑driven, trauma‑informed andmitted to evidence‑based practice and measurable impact. You will be joining a stable, forward‑looking charity with a strong reputation, supportive Board and experienced Senior Management Team, at a time when demand for its services and the wider external landscape are evolving quickly.
Your new role
As Director of Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services and organisational infrastructure, ensuring services are high‑quality, oues‑focused and financially sustainable.
Your main areas of responsibility will include:
1. Leading the development and delivery of operational strategy in line with the charity’s vision and organisational plan
2. Translating organisational strategy into clear annual operational plans, with measurable objectives and performance indicators
3. Driving service development, innovation and change programmes across a range of prevention, intervention and recovery services
4. Providing high‑quality reports and analysis to inform decision‑making at Board and Senior Management Team level
5. Monitoring the external environment, including policy andmissioning priorities, and shaping operational responses
6. Ensuring services are evidence‑informed, trauma‑informed and focused on oues and impact
7. Leading quality assurance, audit and continuous improvement frameworks across all services
8. Developing robust systems for performance monitoring, reporting and evaluation that demonstrate impact tomissioners, funders and other stakeholders
9. Embedding mechanisms for listening to staff, service users and partners to support ongoing improvement
10. Ensuring services meet all contractual, regulatory, legal and safeguarding requirements
11. Leading organisational risk management and maintaining the corporate risk register
12. Overseeing robusternance structures, policies andpliance frameworks
13. Managing operational budgets and supporting resource planning and funding development
14. Contributing to tenders and business cases to support sustainability
15. Overseeing operational infrastructure including digital systems and facilities
16. Leading, developing and motivating managers and frontline teams
17. Embedding a positive, values‑driven culture focused on wellbeing and accountability
18. Building strong relationships withmissioners, funders and external partners
What you'll need to succeed
19. A degree in a relevant discipline Leadership, Management, Business, Health, Social Care,munity Development
20. 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.
21. Proven experience of translating organisational strategy into operational plans, delivering measurable oues and performance improvements.
22. Experience of managing operational budgets, monitoring expenditure and delivering services within financial constraints.
23. Experience of managing a team of people to deliver results
24. Experience of ensuringpliance with safeguarding, data protection (GDPR), health and safety, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
It would be advantageous (but not essential) if you also have:
25. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline
26. Experience in the health, social care, mental health, substance use or wider wellbeing sectors
27. Experience of embedding trauma‑informed or psychologically informed approaches in services or organisations
28. Experience of leading digital or data‑related developments such as case management systems or performance dashboards
29. Experience of working with or presenting to Boards or Boardmittees
30. Experience of contributing to policy development or influencing at regional or national level
What you'll get in return
In addition to the opportunity to make a real difference to individuals, families andmunities affected by substance use, you will receive:
31. Salary of £57,866 plus 6% employer pension contribution
32. 28 days’ annual leave plus 11 bank/public holidays
33. Additional wellbeing‑focused benefits, including a dedicated day for Mental Health Awareness and a Christmas shopping day
34. Access to a health and wellbeing support package, including an Employee Assistance Programme
35. Hybrid working options, with a mix of head office and remote working
36. Time‑off‑in‑lieu arrangements to support work–life balance
37. A strong focus on staff voice, with staff working groups and staff representatives helping shape organisational development
38. Ongoing training, professional development and study opportunities
39. A positive, supportive organisational culture with formal staff reward and recognition initiatives
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational leader who wants to apply their skills in a values‑led, impact‑driven charity and help shape the future of vital services across Northern Ireland.