At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in supported living services, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
- Company: Abacus Care & Support, a values-driven organisation focused on people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for growth, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Inclusive interview process and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in adult social care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Letchworth Garden City | Full Time | £65,000-£80,000
At Abacus Care & Support, the people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Operations to lead our supported living services and help shape the future of high-quality, person-centred care.
The Role
As Head of Operations, you will lead a portfolio of services, ensuring outstanding care delivery, strong operational performance, and full regulatory compliance. You will play a pivotal role in driving quality, growth, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Additional Information
- Full-time (40 hours per week)
- Regional role with travel across London & the Home Counties
- On-call responsibilities as part of the leadership team
- Full UK driving license required
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Service Delivery – Ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred support that delivers meaningful outcomes across all services
- Drive Performance & Quality – Monitor KPIs, service standards, and outcomes, implementing improvement strategies where needed
- Strategic Leadership – Contribute to organisational strategy, growth planning, and service development initiatives
- Lead & Develop Teams – Inspire and support Registered Managers to build high-performing, values-driven teams through coaching, supervision, and performance management
- Financial Oversight – Manage budgets, occupancy, and financial performance, identifying efficiencies and growth opportunities
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensure full compliance with CQC standards, safeguarding responsibilities, and all relevant legislation
- Quality Assurance & Auditing – Oversee audits, inspections, and governance frameworks to maintain and improve service quality
- Risk Management – Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks while supporting positive risk-taking for people using services
- Stakeholder Engagement – Build strong relationships with commissioners, local authorities, health partners, families, and external stakeholders
- Workforce Planning – Oversee recruitment, retention, training, and workforce capability across services
- Incident & Safeguarding Oversight – Ensure effective management, reporting, and learning from incidents and safeguarding concerns
- Growth & Development – Support business development, new service mobilisation, and commissioning opportunities
- Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with HR, Finance, Quality, and Senior Leadership Team to deliver organisational objectives
- On-Call Leadership – Provide senior operational support, including participation in out-of-hours on-call rota
About You
We’re looking for a confident, strategic leader who brings:
- Significant senior management experience in adult social care
- Proven success managing multi-site services and leading Registered Managers
- Strong understanding of CQC regulations, safeguarding, and compliance
- Experience managing budgets and financial performance
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- A passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for people with complex needs
Qualifications
NVQ Level 5 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care / Leadership (or working towards) Relevant professional or management qualifications desirable
Why Join Abacus?
- Be part of a values-led organisation where people truly come first
- Opportunity to shape and grow high-quality services
- Work alongside a passionate and supportive leadership team
- Make a genuine difference in the lives of the people we support
We are committed to making our interview process inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the interview, please let us know, whether that’s adjustments to the interview format, timing, or anything else, and we’ll be happy to accommodate.
Ready to lead, inspire, and make an impact? Apply now or get in touch to learn more.
Head of Operations in Watford employer: Abacus Care & Support
At Abacus Care & Support, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that prioritises the well-being of both our employees and the individuals we support. As the Head of Operations, you will have the opportunity to shape high-quality services in a collaborative and supportive environment, with a strong focus on employee growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those with complex needs while enjoying a fulfilling career in Letchworth Garden City.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to person-centred care and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven performance and quality in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation. Let’s get you that Head of Operations role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Operations role. Highlight your senior management experience in adult social care and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about delivering outstanding outcomes for people with complex needs and how your strategic leadership can drive our services forward.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage multi-site services and improve performance. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our values-led team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abacus Care & Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Abacus Care & Support's mission and values. Understand their approach to person-centred care and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in adult social care. Highlight specific instances where you drove performance improvements or managed multi-site services effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios related to regulatory compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Practising these will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your strategic thinking but also shows that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth and development.
