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- Tasks: Lead and scale independent mental health services while ensuring high standards of care.
- Company: Dynamic healthcare organisation focused on mental health and organisational growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and a clear pathway to Managing Director.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of mental health care and drive organisational success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health services and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in independent mental health services and strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a hands-on Hospital Director with a strong background in independent mental health services to lead and scale a growing organisation. This role is suited to an experienced leader who has successfully run or significantly contributed to the operation of independent mental health hospitals or specialist services. The successful candidate will play a central role in operational leadership, service growth, regulatory excellence, and organisational development, with a clear pathway to Managing Director as the organisation expands. This is not a purely strategic board role. We are looking for someone who enjoys building services, leading teams, improving quality, and driving growth on the ground.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the hospital/service ensuring high standards of care and regulatory compliance.
- Provide visible leadership to clinical and non-clinical teams.
- Ensure services meet CQC standards and maintain strong inspection outcomes.
- Drive a culture of quality improvement, safety, and patient-centred care.
- Strategic Development
- Work with ownership/board to implement growth strategy.
- Identify opportunities to expand services or develop new provision.
- Support development of new sites, services, or specialist programmes.
- Clinical Governance
- Ensure robust governance frameworks across clinical, operational, and safeguarding domains.
- Work closely with clinical leads to ensure safe, evidence-based practice.
- Oversee incident management, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Manage budgets, occupancy, and service performance.
- Build strong relationships with NHS commissioners, ICBs, and local authorities.
- Support contract development and service positioning within regional care pathways.
- People Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
- Recruit and develop senior managers and clinical leaders.
- Foster a positive culture focused on staff wellbeing and professional development.
- Organisational Growth
- Play a central role in scaling the organisation.
- Contribute to board-level decision making.
- Progress toward a future Managing Director position as the organisation expands.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience within independent mental health services.
- Experience managing CQC-regulated services.
- Proven track record of running or helping scale a healthcare organisation.
- Strong operational and financial management experience.
- Experience working with NHS commissioners and care pathways.
Desirable
- Experience leading hospital-level services (PICU, acute, rehab, CAMHS, etc.).
- Experience opening or developing new services.
- Experience in turnaround or scaling organisations.
Senior Director of Quality employer: Acqhired
Contact Detail:
Acqhired Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Quality
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant industry events or conferences. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting potential employers and showcasing your expertise. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on trends in independent mental health services.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to organisations you admire. A quick email expressing your interest can go a long way. We encourage you to apply through our website too; it’s the best way to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your operational leadership skills and examples of how you've driven growth in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to quality improvement and patient-centred care in a hands-on way.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Quality
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in independent mental health services. We want to see how your background aligns with the operational leadership and service growth aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your hands-on leadership style and any specific examples of how you've built teams or improved quality in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can lead from the front!
Highlight Regulatory Experience: Since this role involves ensuring compliance with CQC standards, be sure to mention your experience with regulatory frameworks. We’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of maintaining high standards of care.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acqhired
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of independent mental health services and CQC standards. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or improved service quality.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach. Think of instances where you've built high-performing teams or fostered a positive culture. Highlight how you’ve engaged with both clinical and non-clinical staff to drive improvements.
✨Demonstrate Operational Savvy
Be ready to discuss your experience with operational management, including budget handling and service performance. Share concrete examples of how you've managed day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance and high standards of care.
✨Think Growth and Development
Since this role is about scaling the organisation, come prepared with ideas on how to expand services or develop new provisions. Show that you’re not just thinking about the present but also have a vision for the future of the organisation.