Assistant Director of Operations - Wales (Interim)
Salary: £75,000 - £80,000
Contract: 12-Month Interim
Location: Neath (significant onsite presence required)
Reporting to: Managing Director of Adult Services
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and resilient Assistant Director of Operations to lead adult services across Wales on a 12-month interim basis.
This is a high-impact turnaround role, offering full regional accountability for operational performance, quality, safeguarding, and financial sustainability. You will take ownership of stabilising underperforming services, leading complex recovery programmes, and managing regulatory and commissioner relationships in challenging environments.
This is a role for a confident senior leader who thrives under pressure and is comfortable making tough, high-stakes decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Leadership
Provide senior oversight across all adult services in Wales
Drive performance, quality, safeguarding, and compliance
Lead and hold Registered Managers accountable through robust governance
Maintain strong onsite presence, particularly in services requiring interventionTurnaround & Transformation
Lead recovery of failing or high-risk services
Deliver improvement plans, workforce stabilisation, and financial recovery
Manage service closures with care, ensuring continuity for individuals and familiesQuality & Regulatory Oversight
Act as the senior lead for CIW assurance across the region
Oversee inspection readiness and regulatory responses
Embed strong governance, audit, and assurance frameworks
Maintain rigorous attention to detail in compliance and documentationRisk & Safeguarding
Lead on safeguarding, serious incidents, and complaints
Manage complex investigations and multi-agency responses
Escalate risk appropriately to Executive and Board levelFinancial Accountability
Own regional budgets and cost control
Deliver financial recovery plans for high-risk services
Support fee negotiations and commissioner engagementStakeholder Management
Build and manage relationships with Local Authorities, including high-challenge environments
Represent the organisation with authority in sensitive or adversarial situationsLeadership & Culture
Lead teams through change, instability, and pressure
Address underperformance decisively
Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and high standardsAbout You
You will be a proven senior operational leader with a strong track record in adult social care.
Essential Experience
Senior leadership experience in adult social care, learning disability and/or autism services
Proven success in turnaround and recovery environments
Strong experience with CIW inspections and regulatory engagement
Experience managing service closures or major redesign
Track record of handling complex Local Authority relationships
Strong safeguarding leadership experience
Financial accountability for large, complex service portfoliosKey Attributes
Exceptional attention to detail and governance discipline
Strong risk assessment and decision-making capability
Confident communicator at Executive and Board level
Resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure
High integrity and accountabilityQualifications
Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management for Health and Social Care (Wales) (or equivalent)
Ongoing professional development aligned to senior leadershipDesirable:
Level 7 qualification or equivalent experience
Registration with Social Care WalesWhy Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high-impact interim leadership role where you can make a tangible difference across a regional portfolio. You'll be empowered to lead from the front, shape recovery strategies, and influence outcomes at scale.
INDSLS
Coburg Banks Limited is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy