Optima Care are recruiting for a Peripatetic Manager to provide to support to our Care homes Kent, London and Suffolk.
In Kent and London Optima Care provide residential, supported living and transition services for adults. We support people with enduring mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities with complex needs. At our Suffolk our nursing homes we provide expert-led nursing care in a compassionate and supportive environment.
About the Role
As Peripatetic Manager you will provide management support across multiple services within the organisation, covering planned and unplanned absences, supporting homes during times of change, and ensuring high standards of care and regulatory compliance are maintained. The role requires flexibility, strong leadership skills, and the ability to quickly adapt to different teams and environments.
Leadership & Management
* Provide interim management cover for services in the absence of a permanent or registered manager.
* Support, mentor, and develop staff teams to ensure effective leadership and safe staffing levels.
* Maintain a positive and professional culture across services, leading by example.
Quality & Compliance
* Ensure services comply with CQC standards, company policies, and relevant legislation.
* Conduct audits, quality checks, and implement action plans to maintain or improve service performance.
* Prepare services for inspections, ensuring all documentation and care plans are up to date and accurate.
Care & Service Delivery
* Oversee and promote person-centred care, ensuring residents'/service users' needs are met with dignity and respect.
* Safeguard the wellbeing of all service users, responding effectively to incidents, complaints, or concerns.
* Drive continuous improvement in care practices, clinical governance, and service delivery.
Business & Operational Responsibilities
* Manage budgets effectively, ensuring financial sustainability of services.
* Monitor occupancy, staffing, and resources to optimise performance.
* Support recruitment, retention, and induction of staff as required.
Communication & Relationships
* Build strong relationships with residents, families, staff, and external stakeholders.
* Provide clear, professional communication to senior management on service performance and risks.
* Represent the organisation positively with regulators, local authorities, and partner agencies.
Person Specification
* Management experience in health and social care (e.g. residential, nursing, supported living).
* Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks - CQC
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff teams in challenging circumstances.
* Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
* Flexibility to travel between services, sometimes at short notice.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
* NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or working towards).
* Experience turning around underperforming services
Key Attributes
* Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage change effectively.
* Confident decision-maker who can act quickly and independently.
* Strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
* Empathetic and professional approach to residents, families, and staff.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: On the road